One of the strangest things after any trade deadline is seeing players who have played on just one team for a very long time don another jersey.
Ray Bourque in Avalanche burgundy, Brian Leetch in Maple Leafs blue and white, Jarome Iginla in Penguins black and gold — the list goes on. And you can add Brad Marchand in Panthers red to that list once he finally suits up for Florida.
That thought served as inspiration for this week’s Power Rankings: An ode to the OGs. We check in with some of the longest-tenured players from each team and see how they’re doing. The special bonus is that we’ve got The Athletic’s own OG, James Mirtle, taking the reins for the week as Sean gets some much-needed time off.
Now, on to the golden oldies — still in their classic uniforms. For now anyway, who knows what Deadline Day 2026 holds.
1. Dallas Stars, 42-20-2
Last week: 2
Mirtle rank: 1
Dom rank: 1
The OG: Jamie Benn
The Stars captain has been here so long that he was teammates with Mike Modano and Marty Turco. That was ages ago and Benn serves as a bridge between eras of greatness.
The 35-year-old is still searching for his own taste of glory and remains an incredibly effective top six caliber player. His play-driving may have dropped off a bit this season, but on Dallas’ third line he’s a luxury that helps with the team’s depth advantage. For an old-timer, he still provides a lot of value and would be one of the top OGWAC (old guy without a Cup) candidates to root for this postseason.
2. Florida Panthers, 41-22-3
Last week: 4
Mirtle rank: 2
Dom rank: 2
The OG: Dmitry Kulikov
He may have left in 2016 to go on a nomadic expedition across the NHL (seven teams in seven seasons!) but Kulikov is the original Panther on this roster. He was drafted in 2009 and spent seven seasons with the team, back when the Panthers weren’t exactly a destination franchise.
In his second tour of Florida, Kulikov has proven himself a steady defensive presence with a plus-3.0 Defensive Rating. The addition of Seth Jones pushes him to the third pair where he’s better served, but to his credit, Kulikov was pretty solid in the top four this season. It’s a testament to the team’s depth that the Panthers can deploy Kulikov lower in the lineup. After struggling with too heavy a burden in his first run with the Panthers, Kulikov has carved out a nice role for himself in his second Sunrise stint.
3. Winnipeg Jets, 45-17-4
Last week: 1
Mirtle rank: 3
Dom rank: 3
The OG: Mark Scheifele
The inaugural first-round pick for Jets 2.0 is still going strong. Scheifele is on pace for 43 goals and 89 points, both career highs, and turns the ripe old age of 32 on Saturday.
Now all he needs is some postseason glory, as his 42 career playoff games is a tough, Thrashers-like ratio compared to 863 in the regular season. The good news is his goalie is playing like a Hart Trophy candidate and the Jets are on track for a franchise record 117 points, so maybe this is his year.
4. Washington Capitals, 43-14-8
Last week: 3
Mirtle rank: 4
Dom rank: 5
The OG: Alex Ovechkin
The ultimate of the OGs on this list. Ovechkin has played an incredible 1,476 regular-season games as a Capital, putting him fifth on the all-time list of NHL players who spent their entire career with just one franchise. The folks ahead of him? Nick Lidstrom, Alex Delvecchio and Steve Yzerman from the Red Wings, and Shane Doan with the Jets/Coyotes.
Ovechkin is just 89 games from moving to the top of that list, meaning he can set yet another NHL record next year. Which, coincidentally, Ovechkin has hinted will be his last in the NHL.
5. Vegas Golden Knights, 39-19-7
Last week: 5
Mirtle rank: 6
Dom rank: 4
The OGs: William Karlsson, Reilly Smith, Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb
Poor Jonathan Marchessault lost his OG crown by grabbing the bag in struggling NashVegas in the offseason. But four Golden Misfits remain from that remarkable 2017 expansion draft, when the Golden Knights laid the foundation for a team that went to the finals in Year 1 and won a Stanley Cup in Year 6.
The OG of the OGs is probably McNabb given he leads the Misfits with 566 games out of the 601 played by Vegas in franchise history, meaning he’s missed an average of just four games a season while logging 20 tough, physical minutes every night.
This season? No games missed and 20:13 a night in ice time. Like clockwork. He’s a really underrated defensive defenseman.
6. Colorado Avalanche, 39-24-3
Last week: 9
Mirtle rank: 5
Dom rank: 6
The OG: Erik Johnson
One of the best stories from the deadline was Johnson’s return to Colorado. Johnson spent 13 seasons with the Avalanche and won the Stanley Cup with them in 2022 — now he’s back for more after a two-year stint away.
Kudos to Flyers GM Daniel Briere for doing Johnson a solid and sending him back where he belongs for another Cup run. Johnson may not offer much on-ice value at this stage of his career, but off the ice, it’s clear that Colorado’s vibes-per-60 went way up after the deal. Johnson knows his role will be limited, but it’s his veteran attitude that might be able to help put the team over the top. He’s a leader.
Erik Johnson: “I’m willing to do anything here. Play 5, 10, 15 minutes.”
“If you want me to shovel snow in-between whistles, I’ll do that too.” pic.twitter.com/r68Hvd1lGU
— DNVR Avalanche (@DNVR_Avalanche) March 8, 2025
7. Carolina Hurricanes, 39-22-4
Last week: 7
Mirtle rank: 8
Dom rank: 7
The OG: Jordan Staal
Incredibly, the blockbuster trade that sent Staal from the Penguins to the Canes for Brandon Sutter, Brian Dumoulin and a first round pick was 13 years ago.
We’ll give Carolina the edge in that one, as the captain has been a horse for them ever since.
Now 36 and the last of the Staal brothers still going, Jordan is on pace to top 40 points for the first time since 2017-18 and has a remarkable 94 percent defensive rating. All that for a bargain, too: $2.9 million for two more years.
8. Tampa Bay Lightning, 37-23-5
Last week: 6
Mirtle rank: 7
Dom rank: 9
The OG: Victor Hedman
This could’ve been Steven Stamkos’ spot, but we know how that turned out (and it looks like the right call for Tampa Bay given what Stamkos has accomplished this season). Stamkos’ departure leaves Hedman as Tampa Bay’s longest-tenured player and he’s once again been a force for the Lightning.
While Hedman’s production has dropped from last year’s 80-point pace, that drop has been a worthy sacrifice in the name of his defensive game. After a couple seasons of questionable impact without the puck, Hedman’s defensive value is back on track this season. The re-acquisition of Ryan McDonagh probably helps a lot there as that’s eased Hedman’s burden. Either way, it looks like the 34-year-old has turned back the clock this season.
9. Toronto Maple Leafs, 39-23-3
Last week: 8
Mirtle rank: 10
Dom rank: 8
The OG: Morgan Rielly
It’s been an ugly season for the Leafs’ No.5 pick from way back in the 2012 Kessel-Phaneuf-18-wheeler era. Rielly turned only 31 last week, so he’s not old, per se, but his game certainly is looking its age, given how much he relies on speed on the counterattack.
But the coaching change is a big factor in Toronto, too, as Craig Berube’s no-rush style has Rielly on pace for his worst offensive output since he was a kid. The minus-19 stands out, too.
The Leafs are hoping trade deadline big swing Brandon Carlo can be the partner Rielly’s needed all year, but the early returns have been a bit tough. The good news is Rielly has tended to elevate his play in the postseason, something you can’t say for many Leafs these days.
10. Edmonton Oilers, 37-24-4
Last week: 10
Mirtle rank: 9
Dom rank: 11
The OG: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
You may not have heard much of Nugent-Hopkins’ name this season and that’s part of the problem in Edmonton right now. After scoring 104 points two seasons ago and putting up a respectable 67 last season, Nugent-Hopkins has struggled mightily on offense with just 39 points in 64 games this season. That’s a 50-point pace, an unacceptable amount given how much time he spends next to Connor McDavid.
To Nugent-Hopkins’ credit, he’s putting up one of his best defensive seasons, but his job in the top six depends on him creating offense. With how barren the bottom six is, he needs to bring a lot more to the table down the stretch and in the playoffs. Otherwise, the Oilers won’t go far.
11. Los Angeles Kings, 34-20-9
Last week: 12
Mirtle rank: 11
Dom rank: 10
The OG: Anze Kopitar
Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews may be gone from their teams, but Anze Kopitar is still rocking it for the Kings. This is Kopitar’s 19th season with the Kings. He’s been a consistent marvel for the team and that has yet to change at 37. Kopitar is once again scoring at a near 70-point pace and the Kings are once again earning over 55 percent of the goals in his minutes. You can set a watch to Kopitar’s impact for the Kings.
With that being said, the transition to the Kings no longer being ‘his team’ looks well under way. Relative to teammates, Kopitar’s impact on xG differential is minus-0.3 per 60 — a career low. He’s also seeing less of the tough minutes he’s used to soaking up.
It’s a testament to Kopitar’s greatness that it took 19 years to get to this point, though. The sun may be starting to set for him, but if that means a 65-to-70 point season and outscoring opponents considerably, then the Kings still have time before it hits the horizon. Kopitar still rules.
12. Ottawa Senators, 35-25-5
Last week: 15
Mirtle rank: 12
Dom rank: 12
The OG: Thomas Chabot
Chabot is 28 years old and the only Senator who’s been around long enough to have played games in 2016-17. He’s also still pushing for his first ever playoff appearance, which has been looking more likely of late given the way Ottawa has played.
Health has been an issue at times for the silky smooth defender, but he’s put together a solid campaign this season, logging 23 minutes a game. Chabot should hit the 500-game mark next week, making him just the fourth Senators defenseman ever to get there (Chris Phillips, Wade Redden and Erik Karlsson).
13. New Jersey Devils, 36-25-6
Last week: 13
Mirtle rank: 13
Dom rank: 13
The OG: Nico Hischier
Can you be an OG at 26 years old? Apparently!
It shows how much the Devils roster has turned over throughout this rebuild that Hischier and Jesper Bratt lead the way in longevity with 500ish games in New Jersey. Both have evolved through some lean years into superstars, with Bratt sitting tied for 11th in league scoring and Hischier on pace for nearly 35 goals.
They’re going to have to find another gear, however, with Jack Hughes out in order to keep the Devils relevant in the postseason. Good thing they’re young and under reasonable contracts for a bit here, as this roster has potential if it can stay healthy one of these years.
14. Minnesota Wild, 37-24-5
Last week: 11
Mirtle rank: 14
Dom rank: 14
The OG: Jared Spurgeon
He debuted so long ago he was part of a D-corps with Brent Burns and Cam Barker. And, we’ll be honest, the first time some of us saw him in the dressing room, we weren’t sure if he was a player or not.
But the 2008 (!) sixth rounder (!) from the Islanders (?) has had a terrific career despite his diminutive size, to the point that he can hit the 1,000 game mark with good health next season. Spurgeon has had a very solid bounceback campaign after missing most of last season due to hip and back surgeries, playing big minutes and posting an impressive 95 percent defensive rating at 35.
Spurgeon sits just 111 games from passing Mikko Koivu into first all-time for the franchise.
15. Vancouver Canucks, 30-24-11
Last week: 14
Mirtle rank: 16
Dom rank: 15
The OG: Brock Boeser
The OG’s of the league deserve respect and it feels like Vancouver’s highly public lack of it toward Brock Boeser speaks volumes about the current state of the franchise. And we know they’re reading this so we’d just like to say “Hi Vancouver front office! Welcome to the Power Rankings!”
In fairness, the Canucks were in a bit of a pickle with Boeser. He probably isn’t an $8 million player and he should’ve been valuable enough to command a decent package via trade. But maybe don’t air that out so publicly?
Allvin pressed by @FarhanLaljiTSN about what he could have got in a trade for Boeser.
Farhan: “Was there really no interest in him?”
Allvin: “If I told you what I was offered for Brock Boeser, I think I would have to run out of here because you would not believe me.”
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) March 7, 2025
Boeser is having a down year after a career season in 2023-24, but so is almost everyone else on the Canucks. The longest-tenured Canuck has endured a lot during his time in Vancouver. Having his name dragged through the mud by the GM after not dealing him from the only city he’s ever played for shouldn’t have been one of them.
16. Columbus Blue Jackets, 31-26-8
Last week: 17
Mirtle rank: 15
Dom rank: 18
The OG: Boone Jenner
The 2011 second rounder has quietly become the Jackets heart-and-soul leader, captain and all-time franchise games played leader. He’s only played nine games this season due to injury but has posted a point-a-game, stepping into a key role as the 2C and on the top PP and PK units.
Despite never topping 49 points in his career, Jenner does it all for this team, and his return could be a big part of them sneaking into a wild-card spot.
17. New York Rangers, 3-28-6
Last week: 16
Mirtle rank: 18
Dom rank: 16
The OG: J.T. Miller
It’s the year of the reunion and for Miller, it’s really good to be back. Miller’s Rangers roots go back to the 2012-13 season, where he made his debut alongside Chris Kreider. He carved out a nice niche for himself in his first six seasons with the team, but it wasn’t until he left that he became the star forward he is now. Leave it to the Rangers to ditch a player before his prime kicks off and re-acquire him just as it’s ending.
The Rangers still have a long road ahead of them to make the playoffs, but Miller’s addition has added a spark to the team. Miller has seven goals and 17 points in 16 games with New York while having average possession impacts at five-on-five. AKA: The usual.
18. Utah HC, 29-25-11
Last week: 19
Mirtle rank: 17
Dom rank: 17
The OG: Clayton Keller
We suppose Josh Doan has been with the organization since 2002, although his old man Shane gets the OG credit for that association.
Keller has been a force for the Utahns all season, but especially of late. The seventh pick in 2016, he struggled initially as a Coyote, bottoming out with just 35 points four years ago. Since then, however, he hasn’t looked back, and this season’s heroics have him into the top 10 in NHL scoring after piling up 33 points in his last 23 games.
One of the league’s funnest players to watch when he’s on; would be nice to see him rewarded with a chance to shine in the postseason.
19. Montreal Canadiens, 31-27-7
Last week: 22
Mirtle rank: 19
Dom rank: 20
The OG: Brendan Gallagher
Back in the day, Brendan Gallagher was one of the original analytics darlings. A million years later, that hasn’t changed. This season, Gallagher’s impact on expected goal differential is plus-0.74 per 60, a career high and a top five mark in hockey.
That doesn’t mean he’s a secret star or anything as he’s lost the scoring touch that once made him special. But it does mean he’s doing a fantastic job in Montreal’s bottom six. By Net Rating, Gallagher’s plus-1.5 is actually one of the best marks on the team this year. Montreal’s OG still rocks.
20. Calgary Flames, 30-23-11
Last week: 20
Mirtle rank: 21
Dom rank: 19
The OG: Mikael Backlund
Unlucky for Calgary’s playoff hopes is that Mikael Backlund got hurt in the team’s last game against the Canucks, playing just 2:58. If he’s out for any stretch of time, that’s bad news for a club that needs all hands on deck given its lack of talent. Backlund may not bring much to the table offensively anymore (just 24 points in 63 games), but he remains an excellent defensive forward. That’s always been his bread and butter and the Flames will need it down the stretch.
21. Detroit Red Wings, 31-28-6
Last week: 18
Mirtle rank: 20
Dom rank: 22
The OG: Dylan Larkin
Larkin has been a Red Wing for so long he’s actually played playoff games for them. Just five of them, sure, but that’s more than anyone else could say.
Larkin was supposed to serve as the bridge between eras, but there have been some unfortunate heavy construction delays. That Larkin, now 28, made his debut at 19 and hasn’t been back to the playoffs since shows what a truly slow process this has been in Detroit. While the Red Wings have made some strides over the last two seasons, it still hasn’t been enough. They have just a seven percent chance to make the playoffs this season.
That’s not on Larkin either. Over the last two seasons, he’s shown he can be a true 1C, the kind you can win with and the kind you can build around. Larkin is a consistent point-per-game threat and a decent play-driver, both impressive feats given the lack of talent around him. It’s that lack of talent that’s held Detroit back.
Good things are on the horizon, but it is a bit heartbreaking for Larkin who has endured a lot of losing in his 20s. He deserves better and hopefully he sees it in his 30s.
22. St. Louis Blues, 31-28-7
Last week: 23
Mirtle rank: 22
Dom rank: 21
The OG: Colton Parayko
Still only 31, Parayko has impressively already climbed to third all-time in Blues games played, trailing just Barret Jackman and Alex Pietrangelo, both of whom he can pass next season.
We saw a lot of hopeful fan bases (especially in Toronto) throwing around Parayko’s name before the trade deadline, but the big man wasn’t ever going anywhere, not when he’s still able to eat difficult minutes and more than earn his $6.5 million salary.
The Blues have a lot of holes to fill if they’re going to successfully pull off the retool on the fly but big bruising top-pair defenseman is not going to be one of them.
They’re in the thick of the playoff race now and with Parayko likely sidelined for the rest of the season, we’re about to see just how vital he is to the Blues.
23. New York Islanders, 29-28-7
Last week: 21
Mirtle rank: 23
Dom rank: 23
The OG: Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin
Not many franchises carry the same fourth liners for 850-plus games, but the Islanders are a special case. Martin, 35, was a fifth-round pick way back in 2008 and has missed a lot of the season with injury. Cizikas, 34, was a fourth-rounder a year later and has made it into every game this season in a depth role.
Cizikas still has another two years on his contract, so he has a good shot at becoming only the fourth player ever to hit 1,000 games as an Islander. Martin, however, may be in tough to land another contract given he’s averaged just 7:47 a game this season.
But it’s probably time to turn the page on a lot of things on Long Island, given how it’s going.
24. Boston Bruins, 30-29-8
Last week: 25
Mirtle rank: 24
Dom rank: 24
The OG: David Pastrnak
No more Brad Marchand means it’s time for a new OG in Boston. And with so much turnover from the previous era, it’s now the young man from all those competitive teams, Pasta, who takes up the mantle.
But what is he leading now with this franchise after the deadline sell-off? A retool? A rebuild? Is the Bruins’ long, impressive run, with more regular season points than anyone the past decade, finally over?
At 28, Pastrnak is still in his prime. And he’s had a monster season, sitting fifth in league scoring, just behind Connor McDavid, on pace for 100 points yet again. But how long will it be until he plays in big, meaningful postseason games again?
25. Philadelphia Flyers, 28-31-8
Last week: 26
Mirtle rank: 26
Dom rank: 25
The OG: Sean Couturier
There was a time where Couturier was one of the best two-way centers in the world, but injuries have derailed that. While you probably haven’t heard much about him since (save for when he’s being healthy scratched by Torts), Couturier is still doing his job as an excellent two-way center — just in a more muted way than at his peak. On a contending team, he might still be a quality middle six center, but on the Flyers he’s sort of just faded into the background.
26. Nashville Predators, 25-32-7
Last week: 29
Mirtle rank: 25
Dom rank: 27
The OG: Roman Josi
Josi took over as the Predators’ all-time games played leader last month, rocketing past David Legwand for that coveted honor. But it’s been a tough season to set the milestone mark, to say the least.
Josi remains a special player offensively, but Nashville has been filled in defensively with him out there this season. How much of that is who he’s been playing with and how much of it is simply being 34 is hard to parse at this point, but in a sea of troubling developments for the Preds, the fact their best player has been closer to okay all year is concerning given he still has three years on his contract at more than $9 million a season.
Nashville is at a big-time crossroads this offseason, and it’s anyone’s guess what comes next. But it feels like just about everything is on the table. Including the captain.
27. Pittsburgh Penguins, 27-31-10
Last week: 28
Mirtle rank: 28
Dom rank: 26
The OG: Sidney Crosby
Who knew that 20 years later we’d still be talking about Crosby and Ovechkin. That duo defined an era and now they continue to dominate the next one — even with some salt and pepper in their hair.
Though all eyes are on Ovechkin now for his Gr8 chase, Crosby is quietly on track to break a Wayne Gretzky record of his own: most consecutive point-per-game seasons. It may not be as illustrious as “most goals ever” but it’s still absolutely wild that Crosby will likely be a point-per-game player for 20 straight seasons. Consistency has always been one of the hallmarks of his game and setting this record would be a perfect symbol of that. Crosby: the player that always delivered.
28. Anaheim Ducks, 28-30-7
Last week: 24
Mirtle rank: 27
Dom rank: 28
The OG: John Gibson
Somehow, Gibson did not get traded at the deadline. That’s cool for the Ducks — their tandem has been among the league’s best this season — but it would’ve been cool to see what Gibson could bring to a playoff team. This season finally felt right in terms of the Ducks having a steady in-house replacement (Lukas Dostal) and Gibson finally playing up to his reputation. He may have had some tough seasons lately, but it’s easy to believe he’s still got it given his work this season. In 26 games, Gibson has 10.7 goals above expected, one of the better per-game marks in the league.
29. Seattle Kraken, 28-34-4
Last week: 30
Mirtle rank: 29
Dom rank: 29
The OGs: The Seattle Seven
With Yanni Gourde gone, seven players remain from Seattle’s original roster: Jared McCann, Jordan Eberle, Jaden Schwartz, Vince Dunn, Adam Larsson, Jamie Oleksiak, and Philipp Grubauer.
Seattle has had a fairly underwhelming season, so you’d be forgiven if you haven’t paid much attention to any of these guys. But there’s also not much to write home about for any of them either. McCann and Dunn haven’t been nearly as effective as in years past. Eberle, Schwartz, and Larsson have been mid. Oleksiak has struggled. And Grubauer is, well, Grubauer.
Compared to Vegas’ Golden Misfits, that group seriously pales in comparison. The future is in the hands of Matty Beniers and Shane Wright — will any of the OGs even remain by the time that future is competitive? It doesn’t look likely.
30. Buffalo Sabres, 25-33-6
Last week: 27
Mirtle rank: 30
Dom rank: 30
The OG: Rasmus Dahlin
Dom left me some notes for this one, which should be helpful given we’re more than 4,000 words in.
*holds up card*
*squints*
“Lot of time spent on a bad hockey team, but he rules.”
That about sums it up, unfortunately, for Dahlin. He is already closing in on 500 games of awfulness in Buffalo, and you can’t help but feel sorry for him given the waste of talent there. Dahlin is already a top five NHL defenseman, somehow outplaying his $11 million salary, but how do you get Norris Trophy votes and other leaguewide accolades when your team is doing whatever it is the Sabres are year to year? Instead, often what happens is the best players get blamed, even when they have little to work with.
Dahlin was quick to shoot down rumors this week he wanted out but would anyone blame him if that were the case? Here’s hoping for better days, for his (and the fans’) sake.
31. Chicago Blackhawks, 20-36-9
Last week: 31
Mirtle rank: 31
Dom rank: 31
The OG: Teuvo Teräväinen
Rebuilds aren’t kind to OG status. Only Connor Murphy has continuously been with Chicago longer than five seasons, and he was acquired in the Niklas Hjalmarsson trade way back in 2017.
But we’ll go with Teräväinen as the OG given he’s had a shockingly productive season with the rebuilding Blackhawks in his second go-round with the franchise. A first-rounder back in 2012, Teräväinen won a Cup as a rookie in 2015 and was immediately a cap casualty, going to Carolina for eight seasons before he signed a three-year UFA deal for $5.4 million to come “home” this past summer.
Teräväinen has somehow piled up 50 points for the low-scoring Hawks, setting himself up to be a nice rental for someone a year or two from now.
32. San Jose Sharks, 17-40-9
Last week: 32
Mirtle rank: 32
Dom rank: 32
The OG: Marc-Edouard Vlasic
Thankfully, just one year is left on Marc-Edouard Vlasic’s deal. The former best defensive defenseman in the league has obviously had a tough few years and this season hasn’t been very different. Vlasic plays the team’s easiest minutes these days and still gets badly outscored in them.
Interestingly, Vlasic has posted his strongest relative xG impact (plus-0.43 per 60) since 2013-14 this year. While that’s not saying much on a truly bad Sharks team, it could indicate that he still has some game left in him — albeit in a very sheltered role. Not that we’ll ever see it again on an actually good team, given he’s 37 and still has that one year left.
(Top photo of Jamie Benn: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
