The 2024-25 NHL season marked a significant milestone for Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, celebrating 20 years in the league. While their careers are impressive, they still have a way to go to match the NHL's all-time longevity records.

All-Time Longest NHL Careers

• 26 Seasons: Chris Chelios (1983-2010), Gordie Howe (1946-71, 1979-80)
• 25 Seasons: Mark Messier (1979-2004)
• 24 Seasons: Tim Horton (1949-74), Alex Delvecchio (1950-74), Zdeno Chara (1997-2022), Joe Thornton (1997-2022), Jaromir Jagr (1990-08, 2011-18)
• 23 Seasons: Al MacInnis (1981-2004), Johnny Bucyk (1955-78), Dave Andreychuk (1982-2006), Ron Francis (1981-2004), Patrick Marleau (1997-2021)
• 22 Seasons: Ray Whitney (1991-2014), Dean Prentice (1952-74), Doug Mohns (1953-75), Stan Mikita (1958-80), Steve Yzerman (1983-2006), Ray Bourque (1979-2001), Scott Stevens (1982-2004), Mark Recchi (1988-2011)

Active Players (as of 2024-25 Season)

• 21 Seasons: Brent Burns, Marc-Andre Fleury

Recently Retired (End of 2024-25 Season)

• 21 Seasons: Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Corey Perry, Ryan Suter
• 20 Seasons: Jack Johnson, Anze Kopitar, Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, Marc-Edouard Vlasic

For more detailed stats, schedules, and standings, visit the ESPN NHL hub page.