Four NHL Veterans Thriving For 2024-25 Season

Hockey fans love an underdog story, but for sheer excitement nothing beats watching experienced NHL vets push their limits and remind us why they are considered great.

Here are four veteran hockey players for the 2024–25 NHL season who are redefining their games in the most meaningful way.

#1. Mitch Marner – Contract Star of the Year!

Players often prove to be their best in their contract year, and Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs is a prime example. Marner will confirm everything An NHL team has a full view of his talents ahead of free agency on July 1.

In only 24 games, Marner has collected 33 points, including nine goals. That puts him on pace for a season-best 112 points—amazing numbers considering the Leafs' defense under head coach Craig Berube. Marner's no one fools the pony either, he excels in his defensive work as well. The Natural Stat Trick reports Marner is managing 56.21% of expected goals at 5-on-5, an improvement over his strong stats last season.

Good job, Mitch. Leafs fans love it (for now). But in Toronto, the real test is always the playoffs—can Marner deliver there?

#2. Anze Kopitar – Endless Leadership

When you think about consistency and leadership, Anze Kopitar's name stands out. The Los Angeles Kings captain has shown Hall-of-Fame-caliber skills year after year, but this season, at age 37, he's working like a young player.

Already sitting at 29 points in 25 games, Kopitar's pace (95 projected points) could surpass his previous career high of 92 points—a mark he surpassed in 2017-18 in his Hart Trophy finals campaign. His faceoff win rate is a career-best 58.1%, and his two-man play continues to anchor the team. His expected goal share of 54.95% is further proof that he dominates the ice in a big way as the Kings climb their ranks in the top half of the Pacific Division.

Old reliable? More like timeless elegance. LA's hopes have skyrocketed with Kopitar leading the way.

#3. Matt Duchene – Dallas Crowd Favorite

One of the surprises this season in Dallas has been the resurgence of Matt Duchene. The Dallas Stars have signed forward Matt Duchene to a one-year contract, which runs through the 2024-25 season.

Duchene, 33, has accepted more responsibilities as a leader and reached 90 points for the first time in his career, reaching the top 90. Duchene leads his team with 12 goals and 28 points in 25 games. The Dallas Stars have a good chance to win the Stanley Cup in 2025 with Duchene, too disagreed with by FanDuel of +900 looks like a smart bet if he goes ahead with it.

#4. Zach Werenski – Blue Jackets Rock

Zach Werenski is thriving this season, logging big minutes and producing big results for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Once considered as one of the special defenses with Seth Jones, Werenski is proving that he can lead Columbus on his own—and he's doing so with undeniable brilliance in the 2024-25 season.

Werenski is averaging 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 by his 52.51% expected goal share—makes him invaluable to a Columbus team flirting with playoff contention. If the Blue Jackets clinch a postseason berth, Werenski's name could enter Norris Trophy discussions.

Star veterans steal the limelight

From exploding contract years to rebuilding careers, these NHL veterans prove that age is just a number when talent, leadership, and grit come together on the ice. Marner, Kopitar, Duchene, and Werenski set an example for younger players while lifting their teams to greater heights. With months of hockey left, there's no telling how far they'll push their limits — and their competitiveness.

Fans, what do you say? Are these veterans to highlight this season, or are there others who are turning heads?