Gordie Howe's legacy highlighted as NHL season begins
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 6, 2026, 8:00 AM
Last updated Oct 6, 2026
As the NHL season starts, Gordie Howe's legacy continues to resonate, 46 years after his last game. Howe, known as Mr. Hockey, remains a benchmark for performance among older players. Evgeni Malkin has matched Howe’s historic achievements by scoring in the first two games of the 2025-26 season at the age of 40. The season opener holds significance in celebrating Howe's record as the only player to have his career best season in his 40s. Howe's final pro appearance came on October 3, 1997, when he skated for the IHL's Detroit Vipers.
- •Gordie Howe played his last NHL game 46 years ago.
- •Evgeni Malkin scored in both of his first games of the season.
- •Malkin is the second 40-year-old to score in consecutive season openers.
- •Howe remains the only player to excel in his best season at 40 and older.
- •Howe's last appearance was with the Detroit Vipers in 1997.
- 8:00 AMYahoo Sports — Red Wings Mr. Hockey in The News
"It’s been 46 years since Gordie Howe played in the NHL and 55 years since he suited up for the […]
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