Two Decades on Ice: Reflecting on the Careers of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin

As we enter the 2024-25 NHL season, we celebrate an impressive milestone in the careers of hockey superstars Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Each of these extraordinary athletes has now been thrilling hockey fans for two full decades. Although 20 years in the league is a remarkable feat, these seasoned veterans still have several games to play before they can match the current NHL record for longest careers. Let’s take a journey through the annals of NHL history to discover the players with the longest tenures.

NHL’s All-Time Record Holders for Longest Careers

Leading the pack in terms of longest careers in NHL history are Chris Chelios and Gordie Howe, each having spent an impressive 26 seasons on the ice. Following closely behind, Mark Messier boasts a 25-season career.

24-Season NHL Veterans

The next group of long-serving NHL players includes Tim Horton, Alex Delvecchio, Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, and Jaromir Jagr, all of whom dedicated 24 seasons to the game.

23-Season NHL Veterans

Al MacInnis, Johnny Bucyk, Dave Andreychuk, Ron Francis, and Patrick Marleau each have an impressive 23-season career under their belts.

22-Season NHL Veterans

The list of players who have played for 22 seasons is equally illustrious, boasting names like Ray Whitney, Dean Prentice, Doug Mohns, Stan Mikita, Steve Yzerman, Ray Bourque, Scott Stevens, and Mark Recchi.

Active Players Nearing Two Decades in the NHL

Brent Burns, Marc-Andre Fleury, Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Corey Perry, Ryan Suter, and Jack Johnson are all currently in their 21st season. Anze Kopitar, Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic have each notched up 19 seasons to date.