It has been a few years since I last compiled this data, and it is evident that the NHL landscape has shifted somewhat.
The league is now slightly older, taller, and bulkier compared to three years ago. Additionally, the percentage of American players has risen to nearly 30%, marking a significant milestone for the league.
I have analyzed this data team by team, consistent with the approach we have taken at The Athletic historically. This analysis includes every player who participated in a game as of Monday night, along with any backup goaltender who had been on the bench at that time. Players sidelined by injuries during this period are excluded.
In total, this evaluation encompasses nearly 700 players, including 66 goaltenders, with information sourced from NHL.com.
NHL average age this season: 28.3
Analysis: The Oilers, last year’s finalists and a team many expect to excel again this season, currently hold the title of the oldest team in the NHL.
Later this week, Edmonton will have just two players below the age of 25 (Vasily Podkolzin and Ty Emberson) and 13 players aged 30 or older, including Corey Perry and Derek Ryan, who rank among the 10 oldest players in the league this season.
Nashville has also aged unexpectedly, enhancing their roster with a veteran free-agent group that includes Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Luke Schenn, Ryan O’Reilly, and Gustav Nyquist over the past two summers.
In contrast, the struggling Sabres boast a remarkably young roster with nine players aged 23 or younger and only one in his 30s (Jason Zucker).
Many of the NHL’s youngest teams are currently rebuilding, yet it is noteworthy to see Boston and Colorado among that group. This trend is partly due to a lack of older players raising the average age: Brad Marchand is the only Bruin older than 32, while the Avs have only three players over the age of 30.
Interestingly, there is currently not a single player in the NHL over 40 years old, although three well-known players are set to reach that milestone by the season’s end. Furthermore, only nine teenagers are in the league this season, led by youthful Flyers rookie Jett Luchanko, born in August 2006. This means several players, such as Sidney Crosby, have been in the league longer than he has been alive.
10 oldest players in the NHL this season
1. Marc-Andre Fleury, MIN, 39.9 years old
2. Ryan Suter, STL, 39.7
3. Brent Burns, CAR, 39.6
4. Corey Perry, EDM, 39.4
5. Alex Ovechkin, WSH, 39.1
6. Jonathan Quick, NYR, 38.7
7. Evgeni Malkin, PIT, 38.2
8. Derek Ryan, EDM, 37.8
9. Trevor Lewis, LAK, 37.8
10. Jack Johnson, CBJ, 37.8
10 youngest players in the NHL this season
1. Jett Luchanko, PHI, 18.2 years old
2. Macklin Celebrini, SJS, 18.3
3. Connor Bedard, CHI, 19.3
4. Zach Benson, BUF, 19.4
5. Will Smith, SJS, 19.6
6. Calum Ritchie, COL, 19.7
7. Leo Carlsson, ANA, 19.8
8. Matvei Michkov, PHI, 19.9
9. Samuel Honzek, CGY, 19.9
10. Adam Fantilli, CBJ
, 20.0
NHL average height this season: 73.6 inches
Analysis: The league is approaching an average height of 6-foot-2, as teams increasingly prioritize length, particularly in goal. This season, the average goalie stands over 6-3, furthering a trend of taller athletes occupying the crease. (Exhibit A: Maple Leafs rookie Dennis Hildeby, who is an impressive 6-foot-7.)
I had to verify the Bruins’ figure to ensure its accuracy, as Boston significantly outmatches other teams, boasting an impressive half-inch height advantage over the second-place team. Rest assured, I didn’t mistakenly include Zdeno Chara; the addition of 6-6 Nikita Zadorov and Riley Tufte has pushed the Bruins to an extraordinary total of 16 players listed at 6-3 or taller. Even factoring in Marchand, who reduces the average, that’s a notably tall roster.
Vegas and Washington have consistently ranked near the top of this list. In contrast, the Leafs have been rising in stature under new management, aided by the presence of two towering goalies.
On the flip side, Colorado has 12 players measuring between 5-10 and 6 feet, just behind the Kraken, who have 13. Jamie Oleksiak must have no problem reaching high shelves in that dressing room.
10 tallest players in the NHL this season
1. Matt Rempe, NYR, 81 inches (6-foot-9)
2. Adam Klapka, CGY, 80
3. Tyler Myers, VAN, 80
4. Dennis Hildeby, TOR, 79
5. Mads Søgaard, OTT, 79
6. Ivan Fedotov, PHI, 79
7. Vincent Desharnais, VAN, 79
8. Jamie Oleksiak, SEA, 79
9. Victor Hedman, TBL, 79
10. Twenty players tied at 6-foot-6, including Jake Oettinger and Owen Power
10 shortest players in the NHL this season
1. Logan Stankoven, DAL, 68 inches (5-foot-8)
2. Daniil Gushchin, SJS, 68
3. Bobby Brink, PHI, 68
4. Cole Caufield, MTL, 68
5. Alex DeBrincat, DET, 68
6. Colin Blackwell, DAL, 68
7. Cameron Atkinson, TBL, 68
8. Mats Zuccarello, MIN, 68
9. Thirteen players tied at 5-foot-9, including Lane Hutson and Seamus Casey
NHL average weight this season: 201.1 lbs
Analysis: Here come the Leafs again, this time leading the weight rankings. New goaltender Anthony Stolarz, the heaviest goalie in the league, contributes to this figure, alongside Matthew Knies, who is bulkily stepping into the power forward position (he’s now 227 pounds as a sophomore, with potential for further growth).
Currently, Toronto has only four players listed at under 199 pounds. Their weight and height will only increase when Jani Hakanpää returns from his knee injury.
On the lighter end, the Canucks make an unexpected appearance despite fielding several large players like Tyler Myers, Vincent Desharnais, Derek Forbort, and Carson Soucy. Led by 165-pound Conor Garland, Vancouver features 12 players weighing under 195 pounds, including the lanky goalie Kevin Lankinen (yes, that was intentional), as well as Elias Pettersson and Quinn.
Hughes.
10 Heaviest Players in the NHL This Season
1. Jamie Oleksiak, SEA, 257 pounds
2. Matt Rempe, NYR, 255
3. Nikita Zadorov, BOS, 248
4. Nicolas Hague, VGK, 245
5. Victor Hedman, TBL, 245
6. Anthony Stolarz, TOR, 243
7. Adam Edström, NYR, 241
8. Arber Xhekaj, MTL, 240
9. Alex Ovechkin, WSH, 238
10. Austin Watson, DET, 238
10 Lightest Players in the NHL This Season
1. Lane Hutson, MTL, 162
2. Seamus Casey, NJD, 162
3. Logan Stankoven, DAL, 165
4. Danil Gushchin, SJS, 165
5. Conor Garland, VAN, 165
6. Jared Spurgeon, MIN, 166
7. Dustin Wolf, CGY, 166
8. Albert Johansson, DET, 168
9. Bobby Brink, PHI, 169
10. Zach Benson, BUF, 170
NHL Averages This Season: Canadian 41.2%, American 28.6%, European 30.2%
Analysis: The increasing influence of USA Hockey is evident in these statistics, which have shown consistent growth over the years.
Two decades ago, roughly 15 percent of NHL players hailed from the United States. A decade later, this number rose to 23 percent, and now it is nearing the combined total of all European countries.
This growth is clearly occurring at the expense of Canadian players, attributed to various factors.
The primary factor is population size, given that the U.S. has nine times more residents. Additionally, participation in hockey has significantly surged. Markets in the U.S. such as Pittsburgh, Chicago, California, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. have seen tremendous growth in the last ten to twenty years, creating greater competition for professional spots.
In contrast, minor hockey enrollment in Canada has stagnated for quite some time, partly due to financial constraints.
These trends warrant a more in-depth examination later in the season, particularly as we prepare for the return of international games with the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off in February and the Olympics in 2026. If you have suggestions for future articles exploring how the league’s demographics have evolved, please share your thoughts in the comments.
NHL Averages This Season: First-Rounders 42.6%, Rounds 2+ 46.1%, Undrafted 11.3%
Analysis: Having not conducted this kind of analysis before, I lack historical references for comparison, but the overall figures I gathered are intriguing.
The fact that almost 43 percent of players were selected in the first round of the NHL Draft is revealing, as is the observation that more than 10 percent of the league consists of undrafted players.
There are numerous strategies for team construction in this league.
One notable takeaway from the data is the distinct nature of goaltenders. Merely 9 percent of those in the league were first-round draft picks.
Teams often hesitate to invest high draft picks on goaltenders. In fact, over 15 percent of goalies were never selected, which includes recent Stanley Cup champion Sergei Bobrovsky and Alexandar Georgiev.
Additionally, there have been significantly more successes with mid- and late-round goalies; an astonishing 20 percent of them were chosen in the fifth, sixth, or seventh rounds. In contrast, only 10 percent of defensemen were selected during those later rounds.
A more comprehensive analysis of this data could form part of our future draft packages, as there is much to explore.
(Photo of Matt Rempe, 6-9, pushing over Ryan Lomberg, 5-9: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
Demographic Shifts in the NHL: Age, Size, and Nationality Trends for the 2024-25 Season
Understanding Demographic Changes in the NHL
The National Hockey League (NHL) is undergoing notable demographic shifts as it approaches the 2024-25 season. By examining the changes in age, size, and nationality of players, we can gain insights into the evolving landscape of professional hockey. This article will explore these trends in detail, providing valuable information for fans, analysts, and aspiring players alike.
Age Trends in the NHL
One of the most significant demographic shifts in the NHL is the changing age distribution of players. Understanding these trends can help teams strategize and build competitive rosters.
Current Age Distribution
As of the 2024-25 season, the NHL has seen a gradual increase in the average age of players. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including player longevity, advancements in training, and changes in player development programs.
| Year | Average Age |
|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 27.1 years |
| 2022-23 | 27.5 years |
| 2023-24 | 27.8 years |
| 2024-25 | 28.0 years |
Rising Stars vs. Veteran Presence
The balance between rising young stars and seasoned veterans is crucial for team dynamics. Teams are increasingly employing a mix of young talent and experienced players, creating a rich environment for development and mentorship.
– **Young Stars**: Players entering the league at a younger age, often under 23, are showcasing their skills and contributing to their teams almost immediately.
– **Veteran Players**: Veterans, typically over 30, bring invaluable experience, often serving as leaders both on and off the ice.
Size Trends in the NHL
Player size has always been a topic of discussion in hockey. The NHL has seen a shift toward larger players, but there’s more nuance to this trend than meets the eye.
Average Player Height and Weight
The average height and weight of NHL players has gradually increased over the past few years. Teams are focusing on physicality to enhance their game strategies.
| Year | Average Height (inches) | Average Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 72.5 | 201.5 |
| 2022-23 | 72.7 | 202.3 |
| 2023-24 | 72.9 | 203.1 |
| 2024-25 | 73.2 | 204.0 |
Physicality vs. Skill
While larger players can dominate in physical confrontations, the league is also witnessing a growing emphasis on skill and speed. This has led to the emergence of smaller, highly skilled players who can navigate tight spaces and make quick plays.
– **Power Forwards**: Larger forwards who combine size with offensive talent are becoming increasingly valuable.
- **Speedy Scorers**: Smaller, quicker players can exploit defenses, proving that agility is just as important as size.
Nationality Trends in the NHL
The NHL has always been a melting pot of talent, with players from various nationalities contributing to the league’s rich tapestry. Recent years have shown shifts in the nationalities represented in the league.
Increased Diversity
As of the 2024-25 season, the NHL is witnessing a surge in players from diverse backgrounds, signaling a broadening of its global appeal. The following nationalities have seen a significant increase in representation:
- Sweden: Known for producing technically skilled players.
- Finland: Famed for their strong two-way players and goalies.
- Russia: Renowned for highly skilled forwards and playmakers.
- USA and Canada: Continues to be the primary talent sources, but the competition is intensifying from Europe.
NHL Globalization Efforts
The NHL has been proactive in expanding its reach globally, engaging with hockey communities worldwide to attract more talent. Initiatives include:
– **International Tournaments**: Showcasing talent on the world stage.
– **Development Programs**: Investing in youth hockey in emerging markets.
Benefits of Understanding Demographic Trends
For fans, teams, and analysts, understanding demographic shifts in the NHL offers a multitude of benefits:
– **Enhanced Team Strategy**: Teams can tailor their recruitment strategies based on demographic insights.
– **Fan Engagement**: Fans can better appreciate the diversity and talent in the league.
– **Player Development**: Aspiring players can focus on skills that align with current trends.
Case Studies: Teams Adapting to Demographic Trends
Several teams have successfully adapted to demographic shifts, showcasing how to leverage age, size, and nationality trends:
Case Study 1: Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning have included both seasoned veterans and young talents, blending experience with youthful energy. Their roster reflects a balanced approach, capitalizing on diverse skills to achieve success.
Case Study 2: Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche have focused on skillful, agile players while integrating larger physical players to enhance their overall strategy. This approach has allowed them to compete effectively in a fast-paced league.
Practical Tips for Players
Aspiring NHL players can benefit from understanding current demographic trends:
– **Focus on Skills**: Emphasize developing a unique skill set that aligns with current NHL needs.
– **Adaptability**: Be ready to adapt to various playing styles, whether it requires physicality or finesse.
– **Global Networking**: Engage with international leagues and tournaments to enhance visibility and skill development.
First-Hand Experience in the Changing NHL Landscape
Players and coaches are witnessing firsthand the evolution of the NHL’s demographic landscape. One former player noted:
“The game has changed significantly. It’s faster, more skill-oriented, and the younger players are extremely talented. It’s exciting to see how the league continues to evolve.”
This sentiment is echoed among coaches who are leveraging these demographic insights to train and develop players for the modern NHL.
