There is a select fraternity in the NHL with an exclusive and limited membership. It is often attained by tenure, though it could be said that maintaining employment in the world’s best hockey league requires a great deal of merit too.
The 35-year old and over club might not be as sexy and provocative as the young bucks of the newer generations. These grizzled veterans know what it takes to stay at the top though. Longevity in a young man’s game speaks to the elite talent level across the board and where youthful exuberance fails, there will always be a place for a cagey veteran.
This article will help put a spotlight on the forgotten old men of the sport. Not necessarily the one’s who are still at the top of the fantasy game. Super stars like Pavel Datsyuk (99% owned), Zdeno Chara (99%) and Martin St. Louis (98%) have already been scooped up on draft day, but they are just the tip of the elderly iceberg. Here are half-dozen more grey beards that can help your fantasy roster.
Jaromir Jagr, 41, New Jersey Devils
Playing on the Devils this season means Jagr has played for every former Patrick Division team except the New York Islanders. However, the season is far from over and the Isles could use an experienced sniper that knows how to win. He’s the leading scorer for New Jersey and is currently the highest rated free agent in most leagues with a 76% ownership in Yahoo leagues.
Martin Brodeur, 41, New Jersey Devils
With the limited amount of skating that goaltenders do it is easy to assume that net minders have a longer shelf life. But when you also consider that they have 100-mph galvanized rubber biscuits being flung at them, they duties are that much more impressive. 60% owned in Yahoo leagues.
Teemu Selanne, 43, Anaheim Ducks
The former Finnish Flash is hardly as fleet of foot, er skate, but he is still capable of finding the net. He is on pace for his lowest point total in almost a decade, but Selanne always finishes the season strong. He’s going to be available in almost every league with an ownership of 12%.
Sergei Gonchar, 39, Dallas Stars
Though he ended up as a snub for his fifth Olympic Games, Gonchar is still one of the top offensive defensemen in the game. A down year from the soon-to-be 40-year old had to happen eventually, but Gonchar is still a magnet for power play points even in the twilight of his career. Currently only owned in 46% of all leagues.
Patrik Elias, 37, New Jersey Devils
The “whippersnapper” of New Jersey’s senior circuit, Elias tips the abacus at a spritely 37-years young. The shifty Czech winger is on pace for another 50 points this season which would be his 11th in 17 years with the Devils. Despite his consistency Elias is still available in 52% of all Yaoo leagues.
Daniel Alfredsson, 41, Detroit Red Wings
As the high profile free agent addition to the Red Wings, the long time captain of Ottawa has been solid in Hockeytown. With injuries and declining production nagging the 41-year old is still on pace for 20 goals and 55 points. Alfredsson has always finished strong and with Detroit due to get his high scoring teammates back at some point, look for Alfie to start cranking it up. 50% ownership at the moment.
Dan Boyle, 37, San Jose Sharks
Despite a scary injury earlier this season, Boyle has come on strong for San Jose. He isn’t going to tease the 50-point mark like his younger days but Boyle racks up points on the power play and can still skate with the youngsters in the league. With the Sharks in the thick of the playoff hunt, look for some production from the 14-year veteran. Boyle is currently owned in 84% of al leagues.