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 essentially the most telling method doable.
#1. Mitch Marner – The Contract-12 months Star!
Gamers typically present as much as their finest in a contract yr, and Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs is a shining instance. Marner will make certain each NHL group has a full view of his abilities earlier than free company on July 1.
By way of simply 24 video games, Marner has tallied 33 factors, together with 9 targets. That places him on tempo for a career-best 112 factors for the season—astounding numbers when you think about the Leafs’ defensive focus underneath head coach Craig Berube. Marner’s nobody trick pony both, he’s excelling in his defensive duties as effectively. Pure Stat Trick reviews Marner is controlling 56.21% of anticipated targets at 5-on-5, an enchancment from his stable stats final season.
Job effectively executed, Mitch. Leafs followers are loving it (for now). However in Toronto, the actual take a look at is all the time the playoffs—can Marner ship there?
#2. Anze Kopitar – Timeless Management
Once you consider consistency and management, Anze Kopitar’s identify stands out. The Los Angeles Kings captain has showcased Corridor-of-Fame-caliber abilities yr after yr, 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) might 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 charge is a career-best 58.1%, and his two-way play continues to anchor the group. His anticipated aim share of 54.95% is additional proof that he’s controlling the ice in an enormous method because the Kings trip 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Outdated dependable?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 via the 2024-25 season.
Duchene, 33, has embraced extra accountability as extra of a frontrunner and reached 90 factors for the primary time in his profession, on tempo to high 90. Duchene leads his group in scoring with 12 targets and 28 factors in 25 video games. Dallas Stars have a great probability of successful the Stanley Cup in 2025 with Duchene, and the odds by FanDuel of +900 seems to be like a smart wager if he retains it up.
#4. Zach Werenski – The Blue Jackets’ Rock
Zach Werenski is flourishing 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 enjoying 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 targets). His capacity to create offense with out neglecting defensive duties—backed up by his 52.51% anticipated targets share—makes him indispensable for a Columbus squad flirting with playoff rivalry. If the Blue Jackets seal a postseason spot, Werenski’s identify would possibly 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?
