Ranking Oldest NHL Players in 2022-23

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Buffalo Sabres goaltender Craig Anderson (41) plays against the Detroit Red Wings in the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Detroit.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Rachael Millanta @rachaelmillanta Dec 02, 2022, 11:29 AM
  • Craig Anderson is the oldest active NHL player in the 2022-23 season.
  • Anderson is 41 years old and plays for the Buffalo Sabres.

They say age is just a number, and there are always at least a few NHL players each season proving that to be true.

The average age of active players across the NHL in 2022-23 is 27 years, with the league’s oldest player, Craig Anderson of the Buffalo Sabres, still on the ice at the age of 41.

The oldest player in league history is Gordie Howe, who played his final NHL game for the Hartford Whalers on April 11, 1980, at 52 years of age. His ability to stay on the ice into his 50s was obviously out of the ordinary, but there are still a few players proving that hockey isn’t just for the young guys.

*Note, all ages are as of the 2022-23 season opener.

Ranking Oldest NHL Players in 2022-23

PLAYERTEAMAGE
Craig AndersonBuffalo Sabres41 years
Mike SmithEdmonton Oilers40 years
Mark GiordanoToronto Maple Leafs39 years
Joe PavelskiDallas Stars38 years
Zach PariseNew York Islanders38 years
Marc-Andre FleuryMinnesota Wild37 years
Jeff CarterPittsburgh Penguins37 years
Ryan SuterDallas Stars37 years
Pierre-Edouard BellemareTampa Bay Lightning37 years
Brent BurnsCarolina Hurricanes37 years
Brian ElliottTampa Bay Lightning37 years
Patrice BergeronBoston Bruins37 years
Alex GoligoskiMinnesota Wild37 years

Craig Anderson — 41 years old

The only active player over 40, Anderson is officially the oldest active player of the 2022-23 season. The goaltender made his NHL debut on Nov. 30, 2002, for the Chicago Blackhawks, and has since played for the Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, and Buffalo Sabres.

 

The Sabres are currently 10-13-1 as of Dec. 2 with Stanley Cup odds of +15000, so they aren’t likely to advance to the playoffs this season. Regardless, Anderson has played 20 seasons in the NHL, so if he chooses to hang up his skates at the end of 2022-23, he’s had an incredibly impressive career.

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About the Author

Rachael Millanta

Read More @rachaelmillanta

Rachael Millanta is a Web Content Writer for BetMGM focusing on Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League. Her work has been published in SB Nation, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and Slackjaw Humor. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Rachael now resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Rachael Millanta is a Web Content Writer for BetMGM focusing on Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League. Her work has been published in SB Nation, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and Slackjaw Humor. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Rachael now resides in Chicago, Illinois.