Every hockey player dreams of lifting the Stanley Cup. It’s the ultimate goal — the moment that defines a career. For some NHL stars, though, that moment never comes easily. Even after playing for over a decade or two, many top players are still chasing that one shining chance. In 2025, several seasoned NHL veterans are once again trying to turn their dreams into reality.
Let’s take a look at some of the longest-serving NHL players still waiting to win the Cup, hoping that this year might finally be their time.
Ryan Suter: Mr. Durable Still Going Strong at 40
Ryan Suter is the oldest skater in the NHL this season at 40 years old. He’s played an incredible 1,526 games — the most among all active players — and hasn’t missed a single game since 2018. After being released by the Dallas Stars, he signed a one-year deal with the St. Louis Blues and played all 82 games this season, averaging nearly 20 minutes a night. But even after 20 seasons, Suter has never reached the Stanley Cup final. With the Blues making a strong late-season push, Suter gets another shot this year.
Cam Fowler: Fresh Start, New Hopes in St. Louis
Cam Fowler, 33, joined Suter in St. Louis this season after a mid-season trade from Anaheim. Since joining, he’s contributed 36 points in just 51 games, becoming a key player for the Blues. With over 1,000 NHL games under his belt, this is Fowler’s first trip to the playoffs since 2017. His deepest playoff run came back in 2015 when the Ducks made it to the Western Conference final.
Brent Burns: The Ironman Defender
Brent Burns holds the record for the longest active consecutive games streak in the NHL with 923. At 39, he’s still playing top-level hockey and remains a key part of the Carolina Hurricanes. Burns has 120 playoff games under his name and has come close to the Cup before — reaching the final in 2016 with San Jose and making deep runs in 2019 and 2023. As a free agent after this season, winning the Cup would be a perfect ending to his journey.
Claude Giroux: Back Home, One Last Try?
Claude Giroux had an amazing playoff performance back in 2010 with the Philadelphia Flyers. Now 37, he’s returned to his roots, playing for the Ottawa Senators. With the team finally back in the playoffs after a seven-year drought, Giroux is aiming for one more serious run before becoming a free agent again.
Jamie Benn: Stars’ Captain Still Searching
Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn, now 35, has led the team through several strong playoff runs, including the 2020 Stanley Cup Final. However, the Cup still remains out of reach. Stuck on 399 career goals, Benn is hoping this playoff season brings that milestone and, more importantly, the trophy he’s long chased.
Matt Duchene: A Career-Best Season
Matt Duchene, with over 1,100 games played, is having one of the best seasons of his 16-year career. After re-signing with the Dallas Stars, he’s hit the 80-point mark and remains a strong playoff performer. Last year was his first trip to a conference final, and he’s eager to go further.
John Tavares: Leafs’ Leader on a Mission
At 34, John Tavares continues to be a consistent force for the Toronto Maple Leafs, averaging a point per game. While he no longer wears the captain’s “C,” his leadership and strong face-off game remain vital. He and the Leafs are still chasing their first Cup since 1967, and this might be their best shot yet.
James van Riemsdyk: Unexpected Hope in Columbus
James van Riemsdyk, 35, may still sneak into the playoffs with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He’s been a steady veteran presence and has shown he can still contribute, especially in big moments. With his contract ending, this could be one of his last chances to make a deep run.
Connor Hellebuyck: The Goalie’s Time?
Connor Hellebuyck may only be 31, but he’s played over 560 games and is already a top contender for his third Vezina Trophy. Playing for a Presidents’ Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets team this year, Hellebuyck has the perfect chance to finally add a Stanley Cup to his name.
Every season brings fresh opportunities, but time is running out for many of these NHL veterans. For players like Ryan Suter, Brent Burns, and Claude Giroux, this could be one of their last real shots at winning the Stanley Cup. Whether it’s a comeback story or a long-deserved payoff, 2025 could be the year these long-time warriors finally get their moment with hockey’s greatest prize.
