The end of an NHL career rarely arrives with much warning. Some stars announce a farewell tour, while others simply reach the end of a contract and discover that the next opportunity never materializes. Heading into 2026-27, several recognizable veterans are facing exactly that kind of uncertainty.
Age alone does not determine when a player is finished, and several names here have made it clear they still want to compete beyond this season. Still, one-year contracts, expiring deals, changing roles and the physical demands of lengthy careers create legitimate questions. These 20 NHL veterans enter 2026-27 with circumstances that could make it their final season, even if many will spend the year trying to prove there is another chapter left.
Alex Ovechkin — Another One-Year Decision Awaits
Alex Ovechkin already faced the retirement question once this summer. After completing the five-year contract he signed in 2021, the Washington Capitals captain took time to discuss his future with his family and the organization before choosing to return. Washington ultimately signed him to a one-year contract for 2026-27. Ovechkin turned 41 in September and is beginning his 22nd NHL season, putting him in territory reached by very few elite forwards.
There is still plenty motivating him. Ovechkin remains the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, and his return gives Washington another opportunity to chase the Stanley Cup with the most recognizable player in franchise history. Yet a one-year arrangement makes the question impossible to ignore. The decision could again come down to health, family and whether the daily demands remain enjoyable. Washington fans already spent last spring chanting for one more year. They could find themselves doing it again.
Evgeni Malkin — Even Malkin Is Leaving the Door Open
Evgeni Malkin’s contract could hardly look more like a potential final chapter. Pittsburgh brought the longtime star back on a one-year, $5.5 million deal after his previous contract expired, guaranteeing a 21st season with the only NHL franchise he has represented. Malkin turned 40 during the summer, although his production still looked remarkably healthy: he recorded 61 points in only 56 regular-season games in 2025-26.
What makes the situation particularly interesting is that Malkin himself does not know what comes next. At training camp, he said he still loves hockey but acknowledged that his body and how the season unfolds will influence the decision. That is far different from a formal farewell announcement. It also means every milestone could carry a little extra significance. Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang have defined an era in Pittsburgh. If this is Malkin’s last run, one of hockey’s longest-lasting cores will finally begin changing permanently.
Brent Burns — Still Playing Every Night at 41
Brent Burns has spent much of his career making normal aging curves look optional. Colorado brought the veteran defenseman back on another one-year contract after an impressive 2025-26 season in which he played all 82 games, scored 12 goals and recorded 35 points. Burns also finished with a career-best plus-33 rating while averaging nearly 19 minutes of ice time. At 41, that combination of durability and production is extraordinary.
Those numbers are also what make predicting his retirement difficult. Burns remains useful enough that another contract would hardly be shocking. Still, every season becomes a major physical undertaking at this stage of a career, particularly for a defenseman who has accumulated well over 1,500 regular-season games. Colorado’s short-term approach gives both sides flexibility. Burns can focus on another Stanley Cup run without committing beyond the spring, while the Avalanche can reevaluate afterward. A player this durable may keep going, but there cannot be many more seasons left.
Corey Perry — The Competitive Fire Is Still Burning
Corey Perry continues to stretch a remarkable late-career run. The 41-year-old returned to Los Angeles on a one-year deal for 2026-27 after splitting the previous season between the Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning. He produced 28 points in 50 games for Los Angeles before a deadline trade and added six goals in 22 games with Tampa Bay. It will be his 22nd NHL season.
Perry has repeatedly made it clear that walking away is not something he is eager to do. He said this summer that he still feels good, is enjoying the experience and values having his young son old enough to share it with him. That enthusiasm matters, but eventually opportunity becomes as important as desire. Perry’s recent contracts have been short-term arrangements built around leadership, net-front play and postseason experience. Another productive season could extend the ride again. At 41, however, every one-year contract naturally carries the possibility of being the last.
Cam Talbot — A One-Year Deal Creates a Natural Crossroads
Cam Talbot did not secure his 2026-27 NHL job until September, when Columbus signed the 39-year-old goaltender to a one-year, $950,000 contract. His arrival gives the Blue Jackets another experienced option while Elvis Merzlikins recovers from shoulder surgery. Talbot went 12-9-6 for Detroit last season, although his .883 save percentage and 3.19 goals-against average represented a difficult statistical year.
The larger picture is much stronger. Talbot has appeared in more than 560 regular-season games and has played for eight NHL organizations since arriving in the league as an undrafted goaltender. That longevity alone is impressive for a position in which roster spots disappear quickly. Columbus offers another opportunity, but it is also clearly a short-term arrangement. Jet Greaves has already established himself as an important part of the Blue Jackets’ future. If Talbot’s workload declines or another team does not need veteran goaltending next summer, 2026-27 could become the closing chapter of an unlikely NHL career.
Mats Zuccarello — Los Angeles Offers One More Short-Term Run
Mats Zuccarello arrives in Los Angeles with plenty of hockey still in his game. He scored 54 points in just 59 regular-season games for Minnesota last season, including 39 assists, before adding nine points in the playoffs. The Kings nevertheless signed him to only a one-year contract, making 2026-27 another season in which performance and personal preference will determine what happens next.
That arrangement reflects where Zuccarello is in his career rather than a lack of ability. He remains a gifted passer who can complement offensive players and create chances around the power play. Los Angeles pursued him aggressively, and Zuccarello said feeling wanted played a major role in his decision. Still, moving from Minnesota after seven seasons was a reminder that even productive veterans eventually reach the year-to-year stage. If the partnership works, another short contract is conceivable. If age, injuries or role changes reduce his impact, this new beginning in Los Angeles could unexpectedly double as his NHL finish.
Claude Giroux — Ottawa Is Taking It One Year at a Time
Claude Giroux’s return to Ottawa came only after a thoughtful offseason decision involving both hockey and family. The Senators ultimately re-signed the 38-year-old to a one-year contract carrying a $2 million base salary and performance bonuses. Giroux remained productive in 2025-26, recording 49 points in 82 games, and reached the significant milestone of 1,300 career regular-season appearances.
His continued usefulness makes retirement far from inevitable. Giroux can still distribute the puck, handle important situations and provide an experienced voice for a Senators roster that has gone through substantial change. At the same time, the one-year structure says something about where the relationship stands. Giroux has already explained that family considerations matter heavily when deciding where and whether to play. That makes his situation different from a younger unrestricted free agent simply seeking another contract. Ottawa remains where he wants to be today. Next spring could bring another family discussion about whether there should be a tomorrow.
Nick Foligno — Leadership May Matter More Than the Score Sheet
Nick Foligno’s career has gradually shifted from being defined by production to being valued for leadership, physicality and experience. Minnesota re-signed the 38-year-old to a one-year, $900,000 contract after acquiring him from Chicago during the 2025-26 season. Foligno finished the year with 15 points in 54 games between the two teams and contributed three points during Minnesota’s playoff run.
The move also created a memorable family connection because Foligno gets to continue playing alongside his younger brother Marcus. That makes the Wild an appealing location for another season, but it does not guarantee another contract will follow. Nick Foligno has already played 20 NHL seasons and more than 1,280 regular-season games. Minnesota has younger forwards pushing for opportunities, meaning his roster value increasingly depends on elements that do not always appear in scoring totals. If 2026-27 ends with another playoff run beside his brother, the setting could provide a fitting conclusion even if no retirement decision has been made.
Jamie Benn — Another One-Year Deal With the Only NHL Team He Knows
Jamie Benn and the Dallas Stars have reached the stage where they are renewing their relationship one season at a time. Benn signed a one-year, $850,000 contract for 2026-27 with additional performance bonuses available. It will be his 18th NHL season, all in Dallas, and he remains the captain of a franchise he has led since 2013.
Benn’s role has changed significantly from his Art Ross Trophy years. He averaged 13:17 of ice time last season and finished with 36 points in 60 games after an unusual preseason injury interrupted his campaign. Dallas now relies on him more as an experienced depth contributor than as its offensive engine. That transition can extend a veteran’s career, but it can also signal that the end is approaching. Benn has repeatedly expressed how closely his identity is tied to the Stars. If he eventually decides the time has come, finishing in Dallas rather than searching for another roster spot would seem consistent with the path he has chosen.
Frederik Andersen — A Cup Champion Takes a New One-Year Challenge
Frederik Andersen could have stepped away from the game after reaching the summit. Instead, the veteran goaltender left Stanley Cup champion Carolina and signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with Edmonton. His regular-season numbers with the Hurricanes were uneven, but his postseason performance was outstanding: Andersen went 13-2 with a 1.89 goals-against average and .910 save percentage across 16 playoff appearances.
There is also a physical question to monitor. Andersen missed the final three games of the Stanley Cup Final because of a knee injury, and he has dealt with various interruptions during the later stages of his career. Edmonton is betting that a healthy Andersen can bring composure and playoff experience to an organization still chasing another championship. At 36, a strong season could easily earn him another opportunity. But veteran goaltending jobs can disappear quickly when health or performance slips. A one-year contract after finally winning the Cup gives Andersen a natural point at which to reassess everything.
Luke Schenn — Back in Vancouver for a Third Time
Luke Schenn’s latest return to Vancouver has the feel of a career coming full circle. The 36-year-old defenseman signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Canucks, beginning his third separate stint with the organization. Schenn recorded seven points in 50 games split between Winnipeg and Buffalo last season and appeared in two playoff games.
Nobody has ever confused Schenn’s value with offensive statistics. His career has been built around physical defending, net-front battles, leadership and a willingness to fill demanding depth roles. He also owns two Stanley Cup championships from his time with Tampa Bay. Vancouver offers familiarity and another chance to contribute, but the one-year term reflects the reality facing many veteran defensive defensemen. Young players are constantly competing for cheaper roster spots, and mobility becomes increasingly important. Schenn could remain useful beyond 2027, but returning to a city that has already felt like home would give his career a particularly appropriate place to end.
Ian Cole — Closing In on 1,000 Games
Ian Cole begins his Chicago tenure sitting just 10 regular-season appearances short of 1,000 for his NHL career. The Blackhawks signed the 37-year-old defenseman to a one-year, $4 million contract after he recorded 23 points and played all 82 games for Utah last season. He also blocked 151 shots, demonstrating that his value continues to come from difficult defensive minutes rather than highlight-reel production.
Chicago’s young roster makes Cole’s assignment easy to understand. He provides stability and experience around developing defensemen while giving the club somebody who has played 135 postseason games and won consecutive Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017. Reaching 1,000 games should be one of the early emotional moments of his season. What happens after that is harder to forecast. Cole remains durable, which could keep teams interested, but a 37-year-old defenseman on a one-year contract is inherently working without much long-term certainty. The milestone season could become a farewell season as well.
Zach Bogosian — Another Year in a Depth Role
Zach Bogosian has survived nearly two decades in the NHL by adjusting to what teams need from him. Minnesota brought the veteran defenseman back on a one-year, $1.25 million deal after he appeared in 41 regular-season games last season. He contributed six points, 47 hits and 37 blocked shots while working primarily in a depth role.
Bogosian is closing in on another major milestone. He has played 970 regular-season NHL games across a career that began with Atlanta in 2008 and has included stops in Winnipeg, Buffalo, Toronto, Tampa Bay and Minnesota. He also won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2020. Reaching 1,000 games would provide an especially meaningful marker for a player whose career included injuries and significant role changes. Minnesota still values his physical presence, but younger defensemen will continue pushing for lineup time. At this stage, a reduced role could make another contract more difficult to secure, making 2026-27 a legitimate potential endpoint.
Chris Kreider — Montreal Offers a Fresh Start After an Abrupt Exit
Chris Kreider’s path into 2026-27 changed dramatically just before training camp. Anaheim placed the 35-year-old forward on unconditional waivers and terminated the final season of his contract after he went unclaimed. Montreal quickly stepped in, signing Kreider to a one-year deal and giving him another opportunity with a Canadiens club coming off a trip to the Eastern Conference Final.
Kreider’s recent production suggests he can still contribute. He scored 22 goals and 50 points in 75 games for Anaheim last season, giving him at least 20 goals for the 11th time in his NHL career. The warning sign is the contract sequence itself. A veteran can remain productive yet still discover that his previous salary or role no longer fits how teams value him. Montreal provides a reset rather than a guaranteed long-term home. If Kreider translates his speed and net-front scoring into another strong season, more offers could come. If not, the market’s earlier hesitation may prove significant.
Drew Doughty — The Contract Is Ending, Even If He Does Not Want To
Drew Doughty has been unusually clear about what he wants: to finish his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings. The complication is that 2026-27 is the final season of the eight-year, $88 million contract he signed in 2018. Doughty said after last season that he wants to stay in Los Angeles until retirement, while also acknowledging that his performance needs to improve.
That distinction makes him one of the most fascinating names here. The 36-year-old is not publicly planning to retire, but there is no guarantee that his next contract will materialize exactly as envisioned. Doughty has spent all 18 of his NHL seasons with the Kings and helped the franchise win Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. He has little left to prove historically. The real question is whether Los Angeles and Doughty find a short-term arrangement that fits his evolving role. If they cannot, he would face the kind of decision longtime franchise icons rarely enjoy making.
Alex Killorn — The Final Year of His Anaheim Contract
Alex Killorn enters 2026-27 in the final season of the four-year contract he signed with Anaheim in 2023. The veteran winger remains part of the Ducks’ projected forward group after recording 33 points, including 15 goals, while playing all 82 regular-season games last year. Earlier in 2026, he also celebrated his 1,000th NHL appearance, a milestone that underscored just how long his career has already lasted.
Killorn’s experience remains useful on a young Anaheim team. He won consecutive Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021 and appeared in four Cup Finals during his Lightning career. Yet the Ducks are increasingly being shaped around a younger core, creating natural competition for important minutes. Killorn could easily continue beyond this contract if he stays healthy and productive, especially because dependable veteran forwards remain valuable. Still, an expiring deal, more than 1,000 games of accumulated mileage and a changing organizational timeline make this season an obvious career checkpoint.
Sidney Crosby — The Contract Ends, but Crosby Is Thinking Beyond It
Sidney Crosby belongs here with a substantial qualification: current evidence suggests he wants to continue playing. The 39-year-old is entering the final season of his two-year, $17.4 million contract with Pittsburgh, but he confirmed in September that his agent and the Penguins are already discussing another deal. Crosby said he would like to play for a number of years and remains motivated by the possibility of representing Canada at the 2028 World Cup of Hockey.
That makes retirement after 2026-27 less likely than it is for several other players here. Still, Crosby also acknowledged that projecting the future becomes more complicated at his age because physical condition can change from year to year. His current contract ending creates a natural decision point regardless of today’s intentions. Pittsburgh has been his NHL home for more than two decades, and another agreement could eliminate the uncertainty quickly. Until then, every Crosby season carries slightly more historical weight simply because there cannot be many of them left.
Blake Coleman — Productive, but Reaching the End of His Deal
Blake Coleman is one of the younger and less obvious names in this group. Minnesota acquired the 34-year-old from Calgary during the offseason, and he enters 2026-27 with one season remaining on the six-year contract he signed with the Flames in 2021. Coleman remains effective: he produced 20 goals and 35 points in 69 games last season while continuing to provide physical play and penalty-killing value.
For that reason, retirement would be surprising if he maintains his current level. The case for including him is based more on contract timing and mileage than an expectation that he is ready to leave hockey. Coleman has played a demanding, high-energy style throughout his NHL career and won two Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay. Minnesota views that experience as useful for a team trying to take another postseason step. A strong year could lead directly to another contract. A significant decline, however, would put him into an uncertain veteran free-agent market for the first time at this stage of his career.
Calvin Pickard — Backup Jobs Can Disappear Quickly
Calvin Pickard’s new opportunity with Minnesota comes on a one-year, $1 million contract. The 34-year-old spent the previous three seasons with Edmonton and went 5-6-2 with a 3.68 goals-against average and .871 save percentage in 16 games last season. Minnesota added him as experienced insurance while Filip Gustavsson works back from offseason hip surgery.
Pickard’s career is an example of how difficult it can be for backup goaltenders to remain established. He has played 191 NHL regular-season games for seven organizations, repeatedly earning his way back into the league after periods of uncertainty. He also played meaningful postseason hockey during Edmonton’s runs to the 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cup Finals, going 8-2 across 13 playoff appearances over his Oilers tenure. Minnesota gives him another useful role, but the contract provides no security beyond spring. If younger goaltenders claim more opportunities or Pickard struggles statistically, the market could narrow quickly. For journeyman goalies, careers sometimes end without a formal farewell.
Erik Gudbranson — One More Year With Columbus
Erik Gudbranson returned to Columbus on a one-year, $1.75 million contract after completing his previous deal. The 34-year-old defenseman appeared in 37 games for the Blue Jackets last season and produced three points. Offense has never been the central reason teams employ him; his size, physicality, defensive-zone work and veteran experience have kept him in NHL lineups for well over a decade.
Gudbranson has now appeared in more than 840 regular-season games while representing eight franchises. That résumé is substantial, especially for a stay-at-home defenseman whose game involves considerable physical punishment. Columbus still sees value in bringing him back, but a one-year deal shows the relationship is being evaluated on a shorter timeline. Younger defensemen will continue to compete for opportunities, and veteran depth players often feel that pressure first. Gudbranson could absolutely earn another contract after 2026-27. But if his workload falls or his body makes the grind harder, this season provides an obvious point at which a long NHL career could reach its conclusion.
