NHL Milestones: Crosby and Ovechkin
As the NHL gears up for the 2024-25 season, it simultaneously marks a significant career milestone for two of its most prominent figures—Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Both players are beginning their 20th season in the league, a remarkable achievement, yet they still have a considerable way to go before reaching the ultimate longevity records in the NHL.
All-Time Seasons Played in the NHL
To put their accomplishments in perspective, here’s a breakdown of the players who have logged the most seasons in NHL history:
- Chris Chelios and Gordie Howe: 26 seasons
- Mark Messier: 25 seasons
- 24 seasons: Tim Horton, Alex Delvecchio, Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, Jaromir Jagr
- 23 seasons: Al MacInnis, Johnny Bucyk, Ron Francis
- 22 seasons: Ray Whitney, Steve Yzerman, Mark Recchi
- 21 seasons: Marc-Andre Fleury, Brent Burns
As of the end of the 2024-25 season, notable players who were active for 21 seasons include Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Corey Perry, all of whom have had significant impacts on their franchises.
Next Generation of NHL Players
In addition to these players, other notables approaching 20 seasons of experience are Anze Kopitar, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin, all of whom represent the next generation of players built on the foundations laid out by their older counterparts.
For fans looking to catch up on stats, schedules, and standings, ESPN provides a comprehensive NHL hub page.
