The top NHLers 35 and older in 2025-26

Nov 18, 2025, 09:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 18, 2025, 11:05 EST

Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Everyone knows that once you turn 35, you turn into a human dust pile.

Father Time catches up to everyone in the NHL, even Jaromir Jagr. While some stars can stay consistent until the end, most average NHLers typically see general performance falloff by the time they’re halfway through their 30s. The grind of the NHL can wear anyone down, even those who do everything it takes to stay in peak physical condition.

Today, we’re looking at the best players 35 and older in the NHL. For those wondering, Gordie Howe (40 years old in 1968-9) and Joe Sakic (37 points in 2006-07) are the only NHLers to register 100-plus points after 35, but we’ve seen 11 instances of 90 points from that age group in league history.

There are a few players listed below chasing after triple-digit point totals. Will it last? Probably not, but the storylines will be fun to follow, at least. It’s interesting that a few players listed below are gunning for career-best numbers or at least near them.

So, let’s have some fun and look at six players 35 and older thriving early this season:

Brad Marchand, RW, 37 (Florida Panthers)

Marchand’s career looked to be in a steady decline before his trade to the Panthers last year. In 71 regular season games, he had just 51 points – it was the first time he failed to get at least 60 since 2014-15. He played some excellent hockey during the playoffs, though, and it led to the Halifax, N.S., native signing a long-term extension to stay in Sunrise. So far, so good – Marchand has stepped up for an injury-plagued Panthers squad, scoring 12 goals and 21 points in 17 games. By all accounts, he has been Florida’s most valuable player by a long shot while not sacrificing his usual physical antics, either.

Marchand has just one 100-point season to his credit back in 2018-19. But after elevating his game the way he has this season, it’s truly remarkable what we’re seeing. Any concerns about age catching up to Marchand appear to be completely out the window, and he’s loving every second of it. The Panthers aren’t the powerhouse they were last year, but Marchand has kept them relevant early on. With Canada set to finalize its Olympic roster next month, look for Marchand to earn a call.

Marcus Johansson, LW, 35 (Minnesota Wild)

Johansson hasn’t broken past the 50-point barrier since 2016-17, with his best output being his 34-point run a year ago. But with 10 points in his past 10 games, few players have been on more of a heater as of late. At this point, Johansson is tracking for 70 points, which would absolutely obliterate his personal best from nearly a decade ago.

Johansson has always been a good secondary scorer, but this season has been significantly more impressive than anyone could have expected. He was one of Sweden’s top players at the World Championship back in the spring, and it seems like his momentum never wavered. And the best part? He’s making just $800,000. He has been one of the best value players in the NHL, and it’s incredible to see. The timing is perfect, too, with Johansson vying for a spot on Sweden’s Olympic team.

Jake Allen, G, 35 (New Jersey Devils)

The Devils wanted to solidify their goaltending over the past few years, and signing Allen to an extension until 2030 was exactly the right move. He’s up to a 7-2-0 record with a .916 save percentage, with his numbers being better than Jacob Markstrom’s across the board. Markstrom’s early season injury put the Swede on the back burner, but Allen’s tremendous play helped sail the Devils to the top of the standings.

Allen struggled during his final years in Montreal, and his play was inconsistent at times in 2024-25. But the Fredericton, N.B., native has shown, time and time again, that he can handle a sizeable workload and steal games. Right now, he’s playing some of his best hockey in more than half a decade, with so few off nights to his credit.

Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, C, 39/38 (Pittsburgh Penguins)

We’re including these two together, given the magic they have both pulled off this year. Malkin is on pace for 100 points for the first time since his MVP season in 2011-12. It’s crazy to think he’s having one of the best seasons of his career in a time where many wonder if he’ll chase another contract next summer. At 39, he’s the oldest player on this list, but he’s giving it his all every single night and proving that, in his case, age is just a number. As long as he stays healthy, everyone knows what he’s capable of.

And then there’s Sid the (not so) Kid. Crosby has never had a “slow-down” year, having already registered a trio of 90-point seasons since turning 35. He’s on pace to do that again this year, with his 82-game pace of 52 goals putting him on track for the best count of his career. Together, the dynamic duo have carried the team on their back and put them in position to make the playoffs in a season when most expected them to challenge for a lottery pick. Erik Karlsson, 35, is also on pace for 56 points, for what it’s worth.

John Tavares, C, 35 (Toronto Maple Leafs)

After producing one of his best goal-scoring seasons to date last year (38), Tavares is on pace for 47 with Toronto this year. At this point, it’s not unrealistic to think Tavares could crack 100 points for the first time ever. And he’s doing all this on a nice discount, too. The Oakville, Ont., native is making just more than $4.38 million, which is a fair bit less compared to his $11-million AAV on his last deal. The 2009 first overall pick has never been one to dominate a scoresheet, but Tavares is the highest-scoring player aged 35 or older – and that includes beating out a handful of future Hockey Hall of Famers like Crosby, Malkin and Marchand.

The Maple Leafs have had an… interesting season, to say the least. The offseason departure of Mitch Marner was the first major roster change of the Brad Treliving era, intended to change the franchise’s dynamic. Right now, it’s not looking too snazzy (for a variety of non-Marner-related reasons, as well), but Tavares has been the brightest spot early on this season. If he can keep it up, his contract could end up becoming the best value deal in the league.

Other notables: Darcy Kuemper, G, 35 (Los Angeles Kings); Corey Perry, RW, 40 (Los Angeles Kings); John Carlson, D, 35 (Washington Capitals)

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