2025-26 NHL Teams Analyzed by Age, Height, Weight, and Nationality

The analysis of NHL teams for the 2025-26 season has revealed significant demographic trends among players. In the first two weeks of the season, a total of 726 players have participated, consisting of 436 forwards, 228 defensemen, and 62 goaltenders.

NHL Player Demographics: Age, Height, and Weight

The average age among players is 28.4 years, with an average height of 6 feet 1.5 inches and a weight of 201 pounds. This year continues a trend of slightly older and larger players compared to previous seasons, although changes from last season are minimal. Team rosters fluctuate due to retirements and rookie additions, showcasing variations across the league.

Player Age Breakdown

• Average age of forwards: 28.1 years
• Average age of defensemen: 28.4 years
• Average age of goalies: 29.8 years
• Overall NHL average age: 28.4 years

The Winnipeg Jets have emerged as the oldest team, featuring only one player under 25 and 14 players over 30. Conversely, the Montreal Canadiens are experiencing a youth movement, boasting numerous players under 25.

Performance Insights by Age

Older teams generally perform better in the standings. Of the 11 youngest teams, only the Canadiens reached the playoffs. In contrast, only the Pittsburgh Penguins among the nine oldest teams failed to qualify for postseason play.

Height Trends in the NHL

The average height of NHL players this season is 73.5 inches. Notable trends include an increase in taller players, with 13 listed at 6 feet 7 inches or taller, compared to only nine last season.

Tallest and Shortest Players

• Tallest Players:
  • Matt Rempe, New York Rangers: 81 inches
  • Curtis Douglas, Tampa Bay: 81 inches
  • Elmer Soderblom, Detroit: 80 inches
• Shortest Players:
  • Gavin Brindley, Colorado: 5 feet 8 inches
  • Logan Stankoven, Carolina: 5 feet 8 inches
  • Bobby Brink, Philadelphia: 5 feet 8 inches

NHL Player Weight Insights

This season’s average weight across all players is 201 pounds, with distinct trends emerging. A handful of players weigh over 250 pounds, emphasizing an influx of larger athletes in the league.

Weight Categories

• Heaviest Players:
  • Matt Rempe, New York Rangers: 261 pounds
  • Nikita Zadorov, Boston: 255 pounds
  • Jamie Oleksiak, Seattle: 252 pounds
• Lightest Players:
  • Patrick Kane, Detroit: 154 pounds
  • Lane Hutson, Montreal: 162 pounds
  • Logan Stankoven, Carolina: 165 pounds

Nationality Breakdown of Players

In terms of player demographics by nationality, the distribution is as follows:

• Forwards: 42.7% Canadian, 27.4% American, 29.5% European
• Defensemen: 42.5% Canadian, 30.7% American, 26.8% European
• Goaltenders: 22.6% Canadian, 27.4% American, 50% European

Despite a largely Canadian presence in the league, the number of American players has significantly increased, shifting the talent landscape in recent years.

Draft Trends in the NHL

An interesting aspect of the current NHL player pool involves their draft origins:

These statistics underline the importance of early-round draft picks while also highlighting that a notable percentage of players enter the league undrafted.

As the season progresses, these trends will continue to shape team strategies and player performances across the NHL.