Aging players often get overlooked as their numbers dip, but many still bring significant value to their teams beyond just stats. This is not a list of fantasy sleepers or fantasy assets over the age of 35 but rather, it is a look at established veterans who may be on the decline but remain impactful. From leadership and experience to specialized roles, clutch contributions, and steady secondary scoring, these players continue to influence games by supporting their teams in meaningful ways. Here are 10 veterans on the decline who continue to add value, on and off the ice.

Enjoy!

10. Gabriel Landeskog – Colorado Avalanche

Landeskog's return in the 2025 playoffs after nearly three seasons out with a major knee injury was a huge moment for Colorado. He was not the 70-point force we remember, but his presence will matter when it comes to leadership and timely plays in big moments. Expectations need to be realistic, but if he stays healthy, he can still drive play in key situations, give the Avs a net-front option on the power play, and be that voice in the room. That is likely what you will get from him moving forward.

9. Jonathan Toews – Winnipeg Jets

Much like Landeskog, few expected Jonathan Toews to consider a comeback, and most assumed his career was over. Yet, he is back with the Winnipeg Jets. How this season unfolds will be interesting, as Toews is a few years removed from regular NHL play. His fantasy value may be limited, but his impact on the Jets goes far beyond stats. Toews brings invaluable leadership and veteran presence to a strong lineup. Having seen and experienced it all, his influence in the locker room and on the ice remains a key asset for Winnipeg's team dynamic.

8. Claude Giroux – Ottawa Senators

Claude Giroux is signed with the Ottawa Senators for one more season at a $2 million cap hit, after which he will become a 38-year-old unrestricted free agent. Despite his age, his offensive instincts remain sharp. A 10.8 percent shooting rate on 139 shots last season shows he is still selective and efficient. Ottawa did not re-sign him for his offensive production but more so for previously having captained an NHL team and played over 1,200 games. Giroux's experience benefits young players like Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk, and Shane Pinto, all while doing what he does best – focus on playmaking.

7. Tyler Seguin – Dallas Stars

Tyler Seguin's game has moved into a new phase, less about speed and flashy numbers, more about experience, reliability, and making smart plays in key spots. The 80-point upside is gone, but he still brings clear value to the Stars. Injuries, especially hip surgeries, have taken a toll on his speed, but he has adjusted. Seguin has embraced a different role and found ways to contribute that go beyond the scoresheet. Whether it is secondary scoring, matchups, or leadership, he gives Dallas exactly what it needs. He is not the main event anymore, but he is still part of the winning formula.

6. Chris Kreider – Anaheim Ducks

Chris Kreider is coming off a down year by his standards, which was later revealed to be impacted by a hand injury that required surgery. He is expected to be ready for training camp, and his move to Anaheim is one of the more intriguing shifts of the offseason. After years under the spotlight at Madison Square Garden, he joins a younger, still-developing Ducks team with a new coach in Joel Quenneville. This move is less about chasing another 50-goal season and more about setting the tone for this young roster. If healthy, he will produce steadily and play a key role in pushing Anaheim forward.

5. Brayden Schenn – St. Louis Blues

Brayden Schenn keeps doing what he does best, steady production, physical edge, and reliable two-way play. He played all 82 the last three seasons, putting up 65, 46 and 51 points respectively, as a solid middle-six option who handled tough minutes. His 12.5 S% on 144 shots shows he is still efficient when chances come, and nearly 200 hits make him a strong banger-league option. His PP role is smaller than it once was, but he still fits in as a secondary setup guy. As the Blues shift toward younger talent, Schenn still remains a key stabilizer in the lineup.

4. Drew Doughty – Los Angeles Kings

Even after missing most of the last season with a broken ankle, Drew Doughty returned in late January and instantly picked up where he left off. He stepped back into 24-plus minutes a night, handled top matchups, anchored the penalty kill, and ran the top power play. The Kings did not ease him in and that says a lot. He was leaned on heavily, and for good reason. Offensively, 40 points feels like a fair expectation. His return was not just steady, it was a reminder that even with age and injury, Doughty remains a reliable top-pairing workhorse.

3. Steven Stamkos – Nashville Predators

Just two years ago, Steven Stamkos scored 40 goals with Tampa Bay, but his first season in Nashville was a major disappointment. Despite that, he will likely be a popular bounce-back candidate for this coming season. Even at 35, Stamkos has a few productive years left. It is unlikely he will return to his 90-point peak, but he remains a lethal shooter and a true trigger man. His ability to find the net with his one-timer is still a weapon, making him a valuable asset for Nashville as he adapts to a new role.

2. John Tavares – Toronto Maple Leafs

Tavares is not the 47-goal scorer from his first year in Toronto, but he is still productive and remains a key piece of the Leafs’ core. The drop-off is real, but it is gradual, not sudden. Toronto can manage that. His new four-year deal at a team-friendly number shows the organization still sees his value. His near 60% faceoff win percentage means he is heavily relied on in key defensive moments and high-leverage late-game situations. He should still push for 60–70 points while anchoring the second line and logging time on the top power play.

1. Erik Karlsson – Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins are on the decline, and while Sidney Crosby is still holding things together, this is not about him, Evgeni Malkin, or Kris Letang for that matter. It is about EK65. He is no longer that 100-point unicorn from two years ago nor is he even in the discussion of a top-10 defenseman, but that does not mean he has lost his value. If he gives you 45-55 points, drives play, logs heavy minutes, and keeps feeding Crosby and the top six, he is doing his job. He is not dragging this team into the playoffs by himself, but with the right expectations, Karlsson is still a legit option.

Thanks for reading! See you next week! For more fantasy hockey content and analysis, follow me on X @Punters_hockey. If you have any questions about your team or a trade? My DMs are always open, happy to help!