A surprising placement
The Hockey Writers recently released a ranking of the best 34‑year‑old players in the league, and Mark Stone emerged as the clear leader. The list, however, left Artemi Panarin with only an honorable mention, a placement that has sparked considerable discussion among analysts and fans alike.
Stone’s ascent is anchored in his all‑around impact. As a Selke‑caliber forward, he combines defensive responsibility with timely offense, and his leadership helped the Vegas Golden Knights reach the Stanley Cup Finals the previous spring. His durability, while not flawless — he has only managed a full 70‑game season once since 2018 — still underscores his value to a championship‑contending club.
Panarin, by contrast, has built his reputation on relentless offensive consistency. Over nine consecutive seasons he has averaged at least a point per game, positioning him as a perennial Hart Trophy candidate and edging him toward the 1,000‑career‑point milestone. His ability to maintain elite production across multiple teams and systems highlights a different kind of longevity.
Value versus peak
The debate sparked by the ranking reflects a broader conversation about how we evaluate players of this age. While Stone’s peak performance and leadership are undeniable, Panarin’s sustained excellence suggests that longevity and consistent contribution may deserve equal, if not greater, weight when assessing a player’s overall value to a team.