The oldest player in NHL history is Gordie Howe (Canada, b. 31 March 1928) who was 52 years old when he retired in 1980.

The second-oldest player to appear in an NHL game is the currently active Detroit Red Wings (USA) defenseman Chris Chelios (USA, b. 24 January 1962, USA) who turned 46 years old during the 2007-08 season.