Hockey benches across the NHL in 2025-26 are guided not only by fresh strategies but also by decades of lived experience. Some of the league’s oldest coaches remain sharp, carrying with them the lessons of eras that shaped the modern game.

Age has never been a barrier in the chase for wins. These veteran figures blend tradition with adaptation, proving that wisdom forged over years behind the bench can still outwit faster, younger minds across the ice.

What stands out isn’t just their longevity, but their resilience. Through rule changes, shifting rosters and evolving styles of play, these figures have remained steady presences—symbols of endurance in a league built on constant motion.

Marco Sturm | 46 years old

At 46, Marco Sturm is the youngest of this veteran group, but his appointm

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