Hockey fans like an underdog story, but for sheer excitement nothing tops watching seasoned NHL vets push their limits and remind us why they’re regarded as greats.
Here are four veteran hockey players in the 2024–25 NHL season who are redefining their games in the most telling way possible.
#1. Mitch Marner – The Contract-Year Star!
Players often show up to their best in a contract year, and Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs is a shining example. Marner will make sure every NHL team has a full view of his talents before free agency on July 1.
Through just 24 games, Marner has tallied 33 points, including nine goals. That puts him on pace for a career-best 112 points for the season—astounding numbers when you consider the Leafs’ defensive focus under head coach Craig Berube. Marner’s no one trick pony either, he’s excelling in his defensive duties as well. Natural Stat Trick reports Marner is controlling 56.21% of expected goals at 5-on-5, an improvement from his solid stats last season.
Job well done, Mitch. Leafs fans are loving it (for now). But in Toronto, the real test is always the playoffs—can Marner deliver there?
#2. Anze Kopitar – Timeless Leadership
When you think of consistency and leadership, Anze Kopitar’s name stands out. The Los Angeles Kings captain has showcased Hall-of-Fame-caliber skills year after year, but this season, at age 37, he’s operating like a player in his prime.
Already sitting at 29 points in 25 games, Kopitar’s pace (95 projected points) could eclipse his previous career-high of 92 points—a mark he set back in 2017–18 during his Hart Trophy finalist campaign. His faceoff win rate is a career-best 58.1%, and his two-way play continues to anchor the team. His expected goal share of 54.95% is further proof that he’s controlling the ice in a big way as the Kings ride his contributions to the top portion of the Pacific Division.
Old reliable? More like timeless excellence. LA’s playoff hopes have skyrocketed with Kopitar leading the charge.
#3. Matt Duchene – Dallas’ Crowd Favorite
One of the feel-good surprises this season in Dallas has been Matt Duchene’s resurgence. The Dallas Stars have signed forward Matt Duchene to only a one-year contract, which runs through the 2024-25 season.
Duchene, 33, has embraced more responsibility as more of a leader and reached 90 points for the first time in his career, on pace to top 90. Duchene leads his team in scoring with 12 goals and 28 points in 25 games. Dallas Stars have a good chance of winning the Stanley Cup in 2025 with Duchene, and the odds by FanDuel of +900 looks like a wise bet if he keeps it up.
#4. Zach Werenski – The Blue Jackets’ Rock
Zach Werenski is thriving this season, logging big minutes and producing massive results for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Once viewed as one half of an elite defensive pairing with Seth Jones, Werenski is proving he can lead Columbus on his own—and he’s doing so with undeniable flair in the 2024–25 season.
Werenski is playing a league-high 25:59 per game and leads the Blue Jackets in scoring with 26 points in 24 games (on pace for a career-high 28 goals). His ability to create offense without neglecting defensive responsibilities—backed up by his 52.51% expected goals share—makes him indispensable for a Columbus squad flirting with playoff contention. If the Blue Jackets seal a postseason spot, Werenski’s name might even enter Norris Trophy conversations.
Veteran Stars Stealing the Spotlight
From contract-year bursts to career resurgence, these NHL veterans prove age is just a number when talent, leadership, and grit come together on the ice. Marner, Kopitar, Duchene, and Werenski are setting an example for younger players while elevating their teams to new heights. With months of hockey still ahead, there’s no telling just how far they’ll push their limits—and their competition.
Fans, what do you think? Are these the veterans you’d spotlight this season, or are there others turning heads?
