Hockey followers like an underdog story, however for sheer pleasure nothing tops watching seasoned NHL vets push their limits and remind us why they’re thought to be greats.
Listed here are 4 veteran hockey gamers within the 2024–25 NHL season who’re redefining their video games in probably the most telling means attainable.
#1. Mitch Marner – The Contract-12 months Star!
Gamers usually present as much as their finest in a contract 12 months, and Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs is a shining instance. Marner will ensure each NHL team has a full view of his skills earlier than free company on July 1.
By means of simply 24 video games, Marner has tallied 33 factors, together with 9 objectives. That places him on tempo for a career-best 112 factors for the season—astounding numbers when you think about the Leafs’ defensive focus beneath head coach Craig Berube. Marner’s nobody trick pony both, he’s excelling in his defensive duties as effectively. Natural Stat Trick reviews Marner is controlling 56.21% of anticipated objectives at 5-on-5, an enchancment from his stable stats final season.
Job effectively finished, Mitch. Leafs followers are loving it (for now). However in Toronto, the true check is at all times the playoffs—can Marner ship there?
#2. Anze Kopitar – Timeless Management
While you consider consistency and management, Anze Kopitar’s identify stands out. The Los Angeles Kings captain has showcased Corridor-of-Fame-caliber expertise 12 months after 12 months, however this season, at age 37, he’s working like a participant in his prime.
Already sitting at 29 factors in 25 video games, Kopitar’s tempo (95 projected factors) may eclipse his earlier career-high of 92 factors—a mark he set again in 2017–18 throughout his Hart Trophy finalist marketing campaign. His faceoff win fee is a career-best 58.1%, and his two-way play continues to anchor the staff. His anticipated purpose share of 54.95% is additional proof that he’s controlling the ice in an enormous means because the Kings experience his contributions to the highest portion of the Pacific Division.
Outdated dependable? Extra like timeless excellence. LA’s playoff hopes have skyrocketed with Kopitar main the cost.
#3. Matt Duchene – Dallas’ Crowd Favourite
One of many feel-good surprises this season in Dallas has been Matt Duchene’s resurgence. The Dallas Stars have signed ahead Matt Duchene to solely a one-year contract, which runs by means of the 2024-25 season.
Duchene, 33, has embraced extra duty as extra of a frontrunner and reached 90 factors for the primary time in his profession, on tempo to high 90. Duchene leads his staff in scoring with 12 objectives and 28 factors in 25 video games. Dallas Stars have a very good likelihood of successful the Stanley Cup in 2025 with Duchene, and the odds by FanDuel of +900 appears to be like like a smart wager if he retains it up.
#4. Zach Werenski – The Blue Jackets’ Rock
Zach Werenski is prospering this season, logging massive minutes and producing large outcomes for the Columbus Blue Jackets. As soon as considered as one half of an elite defensive pairing with Seth Jones, Werenski is proving he can lead Columbus on his personal—and he’s doing so with simple aptitude within the 2024–25 season.
Werenski is taking part in a league-high 25:59 per sport and leads the Blue Jackets in scoring with 26 factors in 24 video games (on tempo for a career-high 28 objectives). His potential to create offense with out neglecting defensive duties—backed up by his 52.51% anticipated objectives share—makes him indispensable for a Columbus squad flirting with playoff rivalry. If the Blue Jackets seal a postseason spot, Werenski’s identify may even enter Norris Trophy conversations.
Veteran Stars Stealing the Highlight
From contract-year bursts to profession resurgence, these NHL veterans show age is only a quantity when expertise, management, and grit come collectively on the ice. Marner, Kopitar, Duchene, and Werenski are setting an instance for youthful gamers whereas elevating their groups to new heights. With months of hockey nonetheless forward, there’s no telling simply how far they’ll push their limits—and their competitors.
Followers, what do you suppose? Are these the veterans you’d highlight this season, or are there others turning heads?
