Quote:
Originally Posted by Aarongavey
Bergeron would be an exception as well, he produced better in his 30’s. Stamkos had his best PPG season at the age of 32. Which players are the example of the rule?
Kopitar’s best season was
Age 30 - best season 1.12 PPG
There is literally no difference between his PPG average in his 20’s and now. In fact this season his PPG average at the age 37 is higher than it was in his 20’s.
I think we are up to 8 or 9 exceptions to the rule, I am curious which elite first line forwards are the rule.
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PPG means less when you fail to compare it to the average goals per game as well and the PPG among top line players. It wasn't that long ago where Jamie Benn won the Art Ross scoring less than 90 points and very few players topped 100 points. The goals per game has increased from 2.65 per team per game to 3.14.
Elite players are still elite in their 30s but their numbers are potentially inflated due to the game changing as well. Also the NHL has done a better job of protecting their stars, no matter what the Oilers fans think about holding not being called, so they are injured less, relative to an era that saw players like Kariya, Lindros, LaFontaine, Savard, and others retire early or saw their productiveness take a massive hit due to concussions and headshots.