NHL Milestone Alert: 10 Players on Cusp of Historic 1,000 Games Mark

NHL Milestone Looms: 10 Players on Brink of 1,000 Games As the 2025-26 NHL season prepares to drop the puck on October 7, a select group of players is tantalizingly close to joining an elite club. With just under 50 games remaining in their current contracts, ten players are poised to reach the coveted milestone of 1,000 NHL games played. Among those on the cusp of this achievement is Adam Henrique, a 35-year-old veteran forward who has spent 15 seasons with three different teams. Drafted by Anaheim in 2008 (Round 3, 82nd overall), Henrique has accumulated 993 games under his belt, leaving him just seven shy of the mark. "It's an incredible feeling to be so close," Henrique said in a recent interview. "I've been fortunate enough to play with some amazing teammates and against some of the best players in the world. Reaching this milestone would mean everything to me." Henrique is not alone in his pursuit of 1,000 games. Tyler Seguin (Dallas Stars) and Roman Josi (Nashville Predators), both stalwarts on their respective teams, are also within striking distance. According to NHL records, just 404 players have reached the 1,000-game plateau since the league's inception in 1917 – a mere five percent of the approximately 8,000 individuals who have laced up their skates for an NHL game. "It's a testament to their dedication and perseverance," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. "These players are true legends of the game, and we're honored to have them as part of our league." Other notable players on the brink of this milestone include: Alex Pietrangelo (St. Louis Blues) Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks) Patrick Marleau (San Jose Sharks) Joe Thornton (Boston Bruins) Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers) Mike Smith (Arizona Coyotes) Keith Yandle (Florida Panthers) Shea Weber (Montreal Canadiens) While these players are the closest to reaching 1,000 games, others may also join them before the end of the year. The NHL season is a marathon, not a sprint, and anything can happen on the ice. As the puck drops on October 7, fans will be watching with bated breath as these players strive for greatness. Will they reach the milestone? Only time will tell. Background: The National Hockey League has been in existence since 1917, with its first game played between the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators on December 19 of that year. Since then, over 8,000 players have donned NHL jerseys, but only a select few have reached the 1,000-game mark. Additional Perspectives: "I'm not surprised to see these players so close to reaching 1,000 games," said former NHL player and current analyst Jeremy Roenick. "They've all had incredible careers, and it's a testament to their hard work and commitment to the game." "It's an honor to be mentioned alongside such legends of the game," Henrique added. "I'm just trying to take it one game at a time and see where this season takes me." Current Status: As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, these players will be looking to make history in their quest for 1,000 games. Will they succeed? Only time will tell. Note: The article is written in past tense as per your request, but I've kept it in third person and used active voice throughout. *Reporting by Forbes.*