Players with most seasons played in NHL history?

Question

Which players has had the longest career in NHL history?

Answer 1

JS has it right.

Gordie has played a couple more than Chelios if you include WHA seasons. If not Chelios is first.

Chelios has played 27 NHL seasons, plus one in Switzerland.

Howe has played 25 NHL seasons, plus six in the WHA.

Answer 2

Slow down. You guys are close but here it is:

Gordie Howe               26 seasons

Mark Messier              25 seasons

Chris Chelios              24 seasons (entering 25)

Alex Delvecchio           24 seasons

Tim Horton                 24 seasons

Answer 3

Without looking it up, Gordie Howe and Chris Chelios come to mind first.  Gordie Howe had a stint in the WHA, but he still played well over 20 seasons in the NHL, and I think Chelios may be on 24 seasons.