Fast Kids, Old Cores: The Truth About What Wins in Today’s NHL

Given all the recent news of young players signing large contracts, it seems the NHL is moving toward a younger, faster brand of hockey. More youth seem to be pushing for roster spots and getting key roles on teams where previously they would lean towards a veteran. The Carolina Hurricanes, during their Stanley Cup win, had fantastic performances from youth like Logan Stankoven, Jackson Blake, and Alexander Nikishin.

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With Macklin Celebrini and Leo Carlsson signing massive $18.8 million AAV and $18 million AAV deals, teams are more willing than ever to lock up their franchise stars, no matter the age. This is good practice, especially in a rising-cap world where those contracts should be bargains in a few years.

However, can teams win with a lower average age? Lately, it seems that any Stanley Cup-contending team is an older group, one that is battle-tested. Experience in the NHL matters. That voice in the room that has been there before and that can calm everyone down. The Stanley Cup is the hardest trophy in all of Pro Sports to win for a reason, as the grind of the playoffs is grueling.

Do Old Teams Win?

According to PuckPedia, here is a list of the Top 10 oldest teams by average age:

1. Los Angeles Kings – 31.5
2. Florida Panthers – 30.9
3. Colorado Avalanche – 30.5
4. Toronto Maple Leafs – 30.3
5. Vegas Golden Knights – 30.2
6. Minnesota Wild – 29.9
7. New York Islander – 29.8
8. Tampa Bay Lightning – 29.8
9. New Jersey Devils – 29.7
10. Carolina Hurricanes – 29.6

Dallas and Edmonton sit tied at 11th with 29.4, which is worth including given their recent success. Looking at this list, how many of these teams are genuine Cup contenders? Of the 12 teams mentioned, I would say eight of them have a legitimate shot at winning this upcoming season. Eight of the Top 10 teams in the league make up the majority of the oldest teams.

Last year Carolina and Vegas battled for the Cup, with Carolina ultimately prevailing. In the two previous seasons, Florida battled with Edmonton (Edmonton was much older the last two years, and easily sat within the Top 10 oldest teams). Going back even further, 2023 was Vegas vs Florida, and 2022 was Colorado vs Tampa Bay. Young teams do not seem to make it far, especially when the grind of the playoffs settles in.

Youth Movement?

On the flip side, according to PuckPedia, here is a list of the Top 10 youngest teams by average age:

1. Montreal Canadiens – 26.3
2. Chicago Blackhawks – 26.5
3. Vancouver Canucks – 26.8
4. Buffalo Sabres – 27.0
5. Calgary Flames – 27.2
6. Philadelphia Flyers – 27.2
7. New York Rangers – 27.3
8. San Jose Sharks – 27.4
9. Ottawa Senators – 27.5
10. St. Louis Blues – 27.6

Of this list, there are probably two teams (Montreal and Buffalo) that have a legit shot at competing for the Cup this season. Given the age groups, some of these teams could surprise. San Jose made large offseason changes, adding more veteran players to help push their group towards the playoffs. Philadelphia showed flashes last season, getting to the second round. Ottawa always pushes, but losing their captain certainly doesn’t help. The rest? Likely make up a good portion of the lottery teams.

Montreal is a large outlier here, as their cap management has recently been excellent. They have most of their strong young core locked into team-friendly deals, giving them a great chance to compete even with their overall younger group. With the rest, it does seem to add up. Most rebuilding teams are younger, giving their young pieces a chance to shine and get NHL time to help them develop.

What Does It All Mean?

In the NHL, older teams succeed. Younger teams can surprise, especially in a first-round playoff series, but it doesn’t tend to lead to the ultimate prize. Every trade deadline, teams are trying to acquire a veteran presence for the playoff grind. Players always talk about experience mattering, and having been there before playing a big role in success.

NHL players are playing longer and succeeding at older ages. With the way training and body maintenance have evolved over the years, more and more players are playing into their 40s, which used to be far less common. Brad Marchand, Corey Perry, and Brent Burns are three great examples of this, still producing and are desired pieces of a Cup-pushing team.

Experience still defines the NHL’s toughest moments. Jordan Staal winning the Conn Smythe at 37 wasn’t an anomaly—it was a reminder that the league’s biggest battles are still won by players who’ve lived them before. The NHL may be getting younger, faster, and richer, but when the stakes peak in May and June, it’s the veteran cores that carry teams across the finish line. Maybe it is an old league—but that’s exactly what makes it great.

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