Hockey players train their entire lives to make it to the best league in the world and work even harder to stay. Although everyone dreams of hoisting the Stanley Cup at some point, others have the privilege of playing their entire careers with one organization and never get that chance at a championship.
Related: 10 NHL Players Who Played Their Entire Career With One Team
Very few skaters in league history have played their whole careers with one organization because, in a salary-cap world, it’s hard to stay competitive for extended periods without significant roster turnover. After a busy trade deadline, with several big names relocating, here is the list of longest-tenured players who remain with their current NHL teams in March 2024.
*Please note that in the event of a tie, the nod goes to the player with the most games played with that franchise.
The Seattle Kraken is the NHL’s latest expansion team and signed their first player, Luke Henman, on May 12, 2021. During the expansion draft (July 21, 2021), management picked all their players internally before announcing the names alphabetically. Meanwhile, Matty Breniers is the club’s first-ever Entry Draft pick, second overall in 2021. Considering every player on the current roster started at zero NHL games with the team, their longest-tenured player is Adam Larsson, who hasn’t missed a single game in franchise history
Vegas Golden Knights – Jonathan Marchessault (Oct. 6, 2018)
Like the Kraken, the Vegas Golden Knights started from scratch in 2018, signing Reid Duke as the first player in team history on Mar. 6, 2017.
During the expansion draft on June 21, 2017, their first pick was Calvin Pickard, and in the 2021 Entry Draft, they selected Cody Class. As of 2024, only five players remain from their inaugural season, with Jonathan Marchessault becoming the first skater in team history to skate in 500 games.
Vancouver Canucks – Brock Boeser (Mar. 25, 2017)
Brock Boeser was a Vancouver Canucks first-round pick (23rd overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Since making his debut late in the 2016-17 season as a 19-year-old, he’s been a fixture in the team’s lineup for almost 500 games, where he’s compiled close to 400 points.
New Jersey Devils – Jesper Bratt (Oct. 7, 2017)
Jesper Bratt and captain Nico Hischier both made their NHL debuts for the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 7, 2017, against the Colorado Avalanche. However, Bratt outranks Hischier in games played by more than 20 since Hischier missed a chunk of time in 2020-21. As a sixth-round pick (162nd overall) in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Bratt has established himself as one of the Devils’ core players with back-to-back 73-point seasons. Overall, after 450 games, he’s close to surpassing 350 points.
Chicago Blackhawks – Connor Murphy (Oct. 5, 2017)
Connor Murphy joined the Chicago Blackhawks in a June 2017 trade that sent Niklas Hjalmarsson to the Arizona Coyotes. As one of the few players left on the team to skate with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, Murphy is the 10th oldest member in the current lineup, despite being placed on LTIR in January 2024. During his seven-season Blackhawks tenure, he’s skated in over 400 games and is approaching 100 points.
Ottawa Senators – Thomas Chabot (Oct. 18, 2016)
Thomas Chabot is one of nine former first-round draft picks in the Ottawa Senators lineup. He joined the team as the 18th overall pick in the 2015 Entry Draft. After eight seasons, the 27-year-old is the team’s longest-tenured player and the only holdover from the 2016-17 team that lost in the Eastern Conference Final (despite playing only one regular season game). After 400 games, he’s recently just collected his 250th point.
Arizona Coyotes – Lawson Crouse (Oct. 15, 2016)
Lawson Crouse made his NHL debut on Oct. 15, 2016, and is the longest-tenured member of the Coyotes. After being the 11th overall pick in the 2015 Entry Draft, he skated 72 games in 2016-17 as a 19-year-old before spending most of the 2017-18 season in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners. Since becoming an NHL regular, he’s closing in on 200 points and 500 games.
Detroit Red Wings – Dylan Larkin (Oct. 9, 2015)
Dylan Larkin is the only member of the Detroit Red Wings lineup who has skated in a playoff game with the franchise. The former 15th overall pick from the 2014 Entry Draft has played nine seasons in Detroit and has been captain since 2020-21. As Larkin approaches 650 games, he will soon collect his 500th point.
St. Louis Blues – Colton Parayko (Oct. 8, 2015)
Colton Parayko joined the St. Louis Blues as a third-round pick (86th overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Since debuting in October 2015, he has played for the team for nine seasons and was one of its top defensemen when they captured the Stanley Cup in 2019. As Parayko approaches 650 games, he’s just surpassed 250 career points.
Toronto Maple Leafs – Morgan Rielly (Oct. 5, 2013)
Morgan Rielly is a first-round draft pick (5th overall) from the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, making his debut a season later as a 19-year-old. In 11 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he’s been part of some great moments (Auston Matthews scoring 60 goals) and some rather disappointing ones (one playoff series victory). As Rielly approaches 800 games, he’s closing in 500 points, with the eighth most assists in Maple Leafs’ history.
Columbus Blue Jackets – Boone Jenner (Oct. 4, 2013)
Bonne Jenner is a second-round pick (37th overall) from the 2011 NHL Entry Draft who has skated in over 700 games during his 11-year career with the Columbus Blue Jackets. With close to 200 goals and 375 points, he’s approaching the franchise records for lamplighters (289) and points (547). In their history, the Blue Jackets have made the playoffs six times, and Jenner has been there for five of them, getting promoted to team captain in 2021-22.
Florida Panthers – Aleksander Barkov (Oct. 3, 2013)
Aleksander Barkov, a former second-overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, debuted for the Florida Panthers as an 18-year-old and earned a Lady Byng (2019) and Selke Trophy (2021) in 11 seasons. Overall, he’s scored at least 20 goals in the past seven campaigns, netting a career-high of 39 in 2021-21. Barkov was named captain in 2018-19 and is approaching 750 games and 700 points.
Buffalo Sabres – Zemgus Girgensons (Oct. 2, 2013)
The Buffalo Sabres have been in an endless rebuild for over a decade. Star players have gone, and the high drafts have piled up, meaning Zemgus Girgensons has been there for it all. Despite how young the team is today, he has been there for 10 seasons, appearing close to 700 games. So far, the center is closing in 200 points, with his best season (30 points) coming in 2014-15.
Colorado Avalanche – Nathan MacKinnon (Oct. 2, 2013)
Nathan MacKinnon was the top pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, and he made his debut with the Avalanches months after walking across the draft stage.
Arguably one of the top skaters in his generation, the Calder Trophy winner helped Colorado win the Stanley Cup in 2022 and has been one of the top scorers in the league during the 2023-24 season. MacKinnon is close to netting his 900th point in less than 800 games.
Montreal Canadiens – Brendan Gallagher (Jan. 22, 2013)
As a fifth-round pick (147th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Brendan Gallagher has been skating with the Montreal Canadiens for the past 12 seasons. As he approaches 750 games, he’s collected a modest 400 points with almost 500 penalty minutes. Once a two-time 30-goal scorer, Gallagher was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team during his first season in 2012-13.
Carolina Hurricanes – Jordan Staal (Jan. 19, 2013)
Jordan Staal was drafted second overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He began his career that winter with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning the Stanley Cup in 2009. In 2012, he joined the Carolina Hurricanes, where he’s been for the past 12 seasons. Besides being named team captain in 2019-20, he’s scored over 400 points in 800 games while playing in Raleigh.
New York Rangers – Chris Kreider (Apr. 16, 2012)
Chris Kreider made his NHL debut for the New York Rangers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2011. He hovered around the 20-goal mark for years before exploding for 52 goals in 2021-22. It was his best season as a professional, whose team came within a few wins shy of the Stanley Cup Final. In 800 games, he has almost 300 goals and 550 points, a little more than 100 goals from the franchise record.
New York Islanders – Casey Cizikas (Feb. 24, 2012)
Casey Cizikas went from being a fourth-round draft pick (92nd overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft to the longest-tenured player in the New York Islanders lineup in 2023-24. As a bottom-six forward, he’s compiled almost 250 points in 800 games while playing in the Eastern Conference Final in 2020 and 2021.
Nashville Predators – Roman Josi (Nov. 26, 2011)
Roman Josi has spent his entire 13-year career with the Nashville Predators, who drafted him in the second round (38th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. The 2019-20 Norris Trophy winner is the franchise leader in assists and points, ranking second in games played and third in goals. Considering Josi is signed through the 2027-28 season, there’s a good chance he continues to climb the list of longest-tenured players.
Edmonton Oilers – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Oct. 9, 2011)
The Edmonton Oilers had a run of first overall picks (2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015), with only Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011) and Connor McDavid (2015) still on the team. Nugent-Hopkins cracked the lineup as an 18-year-old in 2011-12 and hasn’t left. Serving as an alternate captain since 2015-16, he’s closing in on 700 points and 900 games.
Winnipeg Jets – Mark Scheifele (Oct. 9, 2011)
Mark Scheifele was a first-round selection (7th overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, and he still plays with the team that selected him. He took the long road to becoming an NHL regular, playing just 11 games through his first two years before officially making the Winnipeg Jets’ lineup as a 20-year-old in 2013-14. As Scheifele approaches 800 games, he’s scored over 700 points and already ranks in the top three in franchise history in games played, goals, assists, and points.
Philadelphia Flyers – Sean Couturier (Oct. 6, 2011)
Sean Couturier debuted in 2011-12, two seasons after the Philadelphia Flyers lost in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final. The stars from that team slowly started to depart, leaving room for him to become the face of the next generation of stars, getting named captain during the 2023-24 season. The former Selke Trophy winner (2019-20) is approaching 500 points and 800 games.
Minnesota Wild – Jared Spurgeon (Nov. 29, 2010)
Jared Spurgeon was a sixth-round pick (156th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft who has morphed into the Minnesota Wild’s longest-tenured player after 14 seasons. As he approaches 900 games and 400 points, Spurgeon has a chance to surpass Mikko Koivu in most games played for the franchise while working on his ascend (as a defenseman) up the team’s all-time scoring list, where he currently ranks fourth.
Anaheim Ducks – Cam Fowler (Oct. 8, 2010)
Cam Fowler has quietly become one of the NHL’s longest-tenured players, remaining with the Anaheim Ducks for 14 seasons after they drafted him as the 12th overall pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. Although some legendary players are ahead of him on the Ducks’ career lists, Fowler should become the second skater (besides Teemu Selänne) to play in 1,000 for the franchise next season. As of 2024, he ranks fifth all-time in points behind Ryan Getzlaf, Selänne, Corey Perry, and Paul Kariya.
Boston Bruins – Brad Marchand (Oct. 21, 2009)
Brad Marchand will always be remembered for playing on the edge and crossing the lines with his on-ice antics. However, since debuting as a 21-year-old in 2010-11, the former Stanley Cup champion has risen the all-time leaderboards in Boston Bruins history, ranking among the top ten in games played (8th), goals (5th), assists (7th), and points (5th). As one of the best penalty killers ever, Marchand became the Bruins’ 27th captain in 2023-24.
Dallas Stars – Jamie Benn (Oct. 3, 2009)
Jamie Benn was a fifth-round pick (129th overall) who made his NHL debut in 2009-10. He is a former Art Ross winner (2014-15) and a three-time all-star. He has been captain of the Dallas Stars since 2013-14 and only sits behind franchise icon Mike Modano in games played, goals, and points while ranking third in assists. During his captaincy, Dallas has won two divisional titles and appeared in the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.
Calgary Flames – Mikael Backlund (Jan. 8, 2008)
Mikael Backlund is the only player in the Calgary Flames lineup who has skated under three general managers after being selected 24th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. As the current captain, he’s approaching 1,000 games and is set to become the first draft pick in franchise history to achieve the milestone.
Related: 7 Cool Things About Mikael Backlund
Considering Calgary is about to rebuild its lineup, Backlund may not finish his contract in Alberta and chase a Stanley Cup in another city in 2024-25.
Tampa Bay Lightning – Steven Stamkos (Oct. 4, 2008)
Steven Stamkos has been with the Tampa Bay Lightning since being selected first in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. As the best player in franchise history, he led the Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021. After debuting at 18, he’s become one of the few players to score 60 goals in a season and is the only skater in franchise history to score 500 goals and 1,000 points.
Los Angeles Kings – Anže Kopitar (Oct. 6, 2006)
For many years, Dustin Brown was the captain of the Los Angeles Kings, but the team’s offense flowed through Anže Kopitar. The two-time Stanley Cup champion has scored almost 1,200 points, which ranks second behind Marcel Dionne for the top spot in team history. As one of the top defensive forwards of his generation, he holds the franchise records for games played and assists.
San Jose Sharks – Marc-Édouard Vlasic (Oct. 5, 2006)
Once upon a time, the San Jose Sharks employed Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton, two of the longest-tenured players in the NHL. However, Marc-Édouard Vlasic steps into the role as the longest Sharks player on the current roster. Drafted in the second round (35th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, he is a veteran of more than 1,270 games and is closing in on 375 points.
Washington Capitals – Alex Ovechkin (Oct. 5, 2005)
Alex Ovechkin has been terrorizing goalies since debuting in 2005. After scoring his 800th goal in December 2022, he’s been inching closer to Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.
Related: Wayne Gretzky, Alex Ovechkin and the Goalies They Scored On
Besides winning a record nine Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies, he cemented his legacy as one of the greatest by winning the Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup in 2018.
Pittsburgh Penguins – Sidney Crosby (Oct. 5, 2005)
Since 2005, Sidney Crosby has won three Stanley Cups, two scoring titles, two league MVPs, and collected close to 1,600 points and 600 goals. He is the Penguins’ all-time leader in games played, with over 1,250, becoming the first player in club history to suit up for 1,000. Crosby will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer thanks to one of the most impressive resumes.
Further Perspective
Of the players on the list, 23 have spent more than a decade with their teams, with eight skating over 15 seasons. Additionally, 14 players are captains, with another 10 serving as alternate captains, and 28 have played their entire careers with the club they debuted with.
Sign up for our NHL History Substack newsletter
Today, transactions have become more common in the past 50 years, but most of these skaters have defied the odds and built impressive careers with the teams where they rank as the longest-tenured players. Considering that 65% of this list are first-round draft picks (including Larsson from New Jersey), most of these franchises have built their cores around elite prospects now in their leadership groups thanks to lengthy careers in their sweaters.
