Every NHL Team’s Longest-Tenured Player

*this article was updated in March 2026
**this archive was originally written by Ryan Gagne

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 yet never get that chance at a championship.

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. With that, here is the list of longest-tenured players who have admirably remained with their current NHL teams.

*Please note that in the event of a tie, the nod goes to the player with the most games played with that franchise.

San Jose Sharks – Collin Graf (April 6, 2024)

As they feature one of the youngest cores in the league, it shouldn’t be a huge surprise the rebuilding San Jose Sharks, who have experienced significant roster turnover in recent seasons, take the first spot here. Coming off a career-best 46-point season, forward Collin Graf represents the team’s longest-serving member, despite being just 24 years of age to start the 2026-27 season.

Chicago Blackhawks – Arvid Soderblom (Jan. 1, 2022)

Similar to Murphy, Soderblom is one of the few players left on the team to play with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, serving as something of a bridge between the team’s championship era and its current rebuild. During his five-season Blackhawks tenure so far, he’s played in 112 games, sporting a 25-65-14 record, with a 3.60 goals-against average and .887 save percentage, numbers emblematic of the aforementioned rebuild.

Seattle Kraken – Adam Larsson (Oct. 12, 2021)

The Seattle Kraken is the NHL’s latest expansion team, which 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. Matty Breniers meanwhile became the club’s first-ever NHL 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 has missed only a single one in franchise history.

Montreal Canadiens – Nick Suzuki (Oct. 3, 2019)

With the Montreal Canadiens trading Brendan Gallagher in the 2026 offseason, captain Nick Suzuki officially and fittingly became the team’s longest-tenured Hab. Having been acquired in 2018 in the Max Pacioretty trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, Suzuki made his debut a year later, having yet to miss a game since, going on 537 games (as of the same offseason Gallagher was traded) and 467 points. Most significantly, in 2025-26, Suzuki became the first Canadiens player since 1985-86 (Mats Naslund) to score 100 points, while winning the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward in the process.

Buffalo Sabres – Rasmus Dahlin (Oct. 4, 2018)

With the departure of Zemgus Girgensons, captain and 2018 first-overall pick Rasmus Dahlin is the longest-tenured Buffalo Sabre. He is the team’s top defenseman and has appeared in over 550 career games and has more than 400 points.

Anaheim Ducks – Troy Terry (March 27, 2018)

Forward Troy Terry, who has led the Anaheim Ducks in scoring in two of the last five years (heading into 2026-27), is the franchise’s longest-tenured player. Drafted 148th overall in 2015, Terry first joined the Ducks to close out the 2017-18 season.

Having spent some time in the American Hockey League (AHL) over his first few seasons as a professional, Terry hasn’t looked back since 2020-21. He scored a career-high 67 points (75 games) the following campaign, in the first of those two aforementioned team-leading seasons (2024-25).

Vegas Golden Knights – Brayden McNabb (Oct. 6, 2017)

Like the Kraken, the Vegas Golden Knights started from scratch in 2018, signing forward Reid Duke as the first player in team history on Mar. 6, 2017. However, after five seasons in the AHL and then moving on overseas, he never played a game for the Knights.

During the Expansion Draft on June 21, 2017, their first pick was goalie Calvin Pickard, and in the 2021 Entry Draft, they selected forward Cody Glass. Neither of whom remain with the organization currently. As of 2025, defenseman Brayden McNabb, another expansion-draft selection, leads the franchise in games played.

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 over 600 games, as he approaches 500 career 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 five consecutive 70-plus-point seasons. Overall, after more than 600 games, he’s reached (and passed) the 500-career-point mark.

Ottawa Senators – Thomas Chabot (Oct. 18, 2016)

Thomas Chabot joined the Ottawa Senators as the 18th overall pick in the 2015 Entry Draft. After parts of 10 seasons with the team, the 29-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 and not having appeared in the playoffs). After more than 550 games, he stands at over 330 career points.

Utah Mammoth – Lawson Crouse (Oct. 15, 2016)

Lawson Crouse made his NHL debut on Oct. 15, 2016, and is the longest-tenured member of the now-Utah Mammoth. After being drafted 11th overall in the 2015 Entry Draft by the Florida Panthers and traded to the then-Arizona Coyotes, he skated 72 games in 2016-17 as a 19-year-old before spending most of the 2017-18 season in the American Hockey League with the Tucson Roadrunners. Since becoming an NHL regular, he’s eclipsed 100 goals and 200 points.

Columbus Blue Jackets – Zach Werenski (Oct. 13, 2016)

Coming off a James Norris Memorial Trophy win, star-defenseman Zach Werenski became the Columbus Blue Jackets’ longest-tenured player after forward Boone Jenner signed with the Washington Capitals as an unrestricted free agent in 2026. That marks a full decade wearing the Blue Jackets’ uniform for Werenski, who was rumoured to want out earlier the same summer, but has since committed to staying put (for now).

New York Rangers – Mika Zibanejad (Oct. 13, 2016)

Officially, Mika Zibanejad is now the longest-tenured New York Ranger, having been traded to the Big Apple by the Ottawa Senators in the summer of 2018 as part of a deal involving Derick Brassard. Having hit 1,000 NHL games, Zibanejad has suited up for the Blueshirts for over 700 of them as a regular top-six contributor, scoring a career-high 91 points in 2022-23.

Technically though, J.T. Miller debuted for the Rangers earlier, on Feb. 5, 2013. He just ended up playing for multiple teams before returning in a 2025 trade with the Vancouver Canucks centered around Filip Chytil. A 2011 first-round pick (15th overall), Miller initially played six seasons with the Rangers before getting traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning with Ryan McDonagh in 2018. He was eventually traded again to the Canucks, with whom he emerged as a consistent top-line presence, scoring a career-high 103 points in 2023-24.

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, in his first season with the club in 2015-16. They haven’t made it to the postseason since. The former 15th overall pick from the 2014 Entry Draft has played 11 seasons in Detroit and has been captain since 2020-21. He’s dressed for over 800 games, with 600-plus points to his name so far. Having made a trade request in the summer of 2026, his place on this list appears to be tenuous at best, though.

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 11 seasons and was one of its top defensemen when they captured the Stanley Cup in 2019. He’s played in 800 career games even, heading into 2026-27.

Boston Bruins – David Pastrnak (Nov. 24, 2014)

When the Boston Bruins traded Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers in 2025, David Pastrnak became the Bruins’ longest-tenured player, and it’s not that close. He was drafted 25th overall in 2014 and made his NHL debut in November of the same year. He had to wait until January to score his first NHL goal, but it’s all been downhill since then.

In the seasons that have followed, he has been a four-time All-Star, one-time winner of the Rocket Richard Trophy for leading the league in goals, and has finished as a Hart Trophy finalist in 2023. Considering he’s only going 30 and has five full years left on his contract entering 2026-27, he’s a good candidate to be the Bruins’ next captain and will likely be the team’s representative on this list for years to come.

Toronto Maple Leafs – Morgan Rielly (Oct. 5, 2013)

Morgan Rielly was a first-round draft pick (5th overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, who made his debut a season later as a 19-year-old. In 12 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he’s been part of some great moments and some rather disappointing ones (only two playoff series victories). With over 900 games under his belt, he’s passed 500 points, with the sixth-most assists in Maple Leafs’ history.

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 has won the Selke Trophy three times. Overall, he’s scored at least 20 goals in his last 10 campaigns, netting a career-high 39 in 2021-22. Barkov was named captain in 2018-19, leading the team to consecutive Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025 before sitting out 2025-26 due to injury.

Carolina Hurricanes – Jordan Staal (Jan. 19, 2013)

Jordan Staal was drafted second overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He began his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning the Stanley Cup in 2009. In 2012, he joined the Carolina Hurricanes, where he’s played for the past 14 seasons. Named team captain in 2019-20, he’s on the verge of hitting 500 points in over 950 games playing in Raleigh, while also having won the 2026 Stanley Cup (and Conn Smythe Trophy to go along with it).

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. As a bottom-six forward, he’s compiled nearly 300 points in over 950 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 15-season 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, points, and games played and third in goals, a few behind second-place David Legwand (210; Filip Forsberg, 358). 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) remaining 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 just passed 800 points, having appeared in over 1,000 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. Now a veteran of 961 games, Scheifele has also passed the 900-point mark and leads the franchise in games played, goals, and points. He meanwhile trails just Blake Wheeler in assists (550).

Colorado Avalanche – Gabriel Landeskog (Oct. 8, 2011)

Returning to action after a lengthy multi-season absence due to injury, Gabriel Landeskog suited up for the Colorado Avalanche in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. That gives him back the title of the team’s longest-tenured player over Nathan MacKinnon, with the Swede having first played for the Avs months after having been drafted second overall in 2011.

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. That team started to be disassembled, leaving room for him to become the face of the next generation of stars, getting named captain during the 2023-24 season. The 2020 Selke Trophy winner is approaching 600 points and 1,000 games.

Minnesota Wild – Jared Spurgeon (Nov. 29, 2010)

Jared Spurgeon was a sixth-round New York Islanders pick (156th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft who has morphed into the Minnesota Wild’s longest-tenured player after 16 seasons. Having recent hit 1,000 games with over 400 points to his name, the Spurgeon has a chance to pass Mikko Koivu, from whom he took over as captain, for most appearances in franchise history (1,028), having already become the team’s highest-scoring defenseman.

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 an Art Ross Trophy winner (2014-15), having played in two All-Star Games. 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. He meanwhile trails Modano and Neal Broten for the most assists in franchise history. During his captaincy, Dallas has won two divisional titles, also appearing in the 2020 Stanley Cup Final (Tampa Bay Lightning).

Tampa Bay Lightning – Victor Hedman (Oct. 3, 2009)

Victor Hedman has been with the Tampa Bay Lightning since they drafted him second overall in 2009. He made his NHL debut that fall and is likely to play his entire career with the Bolts. He has one Norris Memorial Trophy, one Conn Smythe Trophy, two Stanley Cups and four All-Star Game appearances. He was also named captain following Steven Stamkos’ departure via free agency in 2024.

Calgary Flames – Mikael Backlund (Jan. 8, 2009)

Mikael Backlund is the only player in the Calgary Flames lineup who has skated under six general managers after being selected 24th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. As the current captain, he became the first draft pick in franchise history to reach 1,000 career games.

Los Angeles Kings – Drew Doughty (Oct. 11, 2008)

With the retirement of longtime Kings captains Anže Kopitar, 36-year-old defenseman Drew Doughty became the team’s elder statesman. The two-time Stanley Cup champion has totaled over 700 points in over 1,200 games in his career, trailing just Kopitar (1,521) and Dustin Brown (1,296) in that category currently. Widely considered one of the top defensemen of his generation, Doughty won the 2016 Norris Trophy.

Pittsburgh Penguins – Sidney Crosby (Oct. 5, 2005)

Since 2005, Sidney Crosby has won three Stanley Cups, two scoring titles, two league MVPs, and collected over 1,700 points and more than 600 goals. He is the Pittsburgh Penguins’ all-time leader in games played, with over 1,400, becoming the first-ever player in club history to suit up for 1,000. Crosby is an irrefutable first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Washington Capitals – Alex Ovechkin (Oct. 5, 2005)

Alex Ovechkin has been terrorizing goalies since debuting in 2005, passing Wayne Gretzky’s one-time record for goals scored (894) in 2024-25. Now its sole owner, he hit 900 in his 21st season in 2025-26, all with the Washington Capitals.

Besides winning a record nine Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies, he has long since cemented his legacy as one of the greatest by adding the Conn Smythe Trophy and Stanley Cup in 2018 to his resume.

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 about 60% of this list are first-round draft picks, most of these franchises have built their cores around elite prospects now in their leadership groups thanks to lengthy careers in their sweaters.