Here is a short list of older NHL defenseman that are major components for their respective teams. Some are still arguably top five in the league.
- Nicklas Lidstrom – 39 years old. Was nominated for the Norris Trophy this past season and won the award the previous two years at ages 37 and 38.
- Scott Neidermeyer – Soon to be 36 years old. Former Norris Trophy winner. He was the playoff MVP during the Duck’s Stanley Cup run in 2007.
- Rob Blake – Soon to be 40 years old. Former Norris Trophy winner. Signed with the Sharks last season for $5 million per year and at 40 years old, resigned for $3.5 million. He was instrumental in the Sharks outstanding regular season and played major minutes for the club.
- Sergei Zubov – 39 years old. In 2006, at 36 years old, he was nominated for the Norris Trophy and is still a mainstay for the Dallas Stars.
- Sergei Gonchar – 35 years old. Was instrumental on the Penguins Stanley Cup team. Gonchar later revealed that despite the odds being stacked against him, he returned to finish the playoffs for game 7 against the Caps and the next two series after a knee-on-knee collision with Alexander Ovechkin that created a partial tear in his MCL.
- Chris Pronger – 34 years old. Former Norris Trophy Winner and League MVP. Was a major force after being traded to Edmonton and helped lead them to Stanley Cup Final in 2006. Pronger was than traded to the Ducks the following season and helped the Ducks to their first Stanley Cup.
Other Notables:
Chris Chelios (47), Mathieu Schneider (40), Adrian Aucoin (36)
Definitely worth mentioning:
Scott Stevens was 40 years old when he retired from the game in 2004. He captained the devils to 3 championships at ages 32, 36 and 39.
