For many NHL players, winning the Stanley Cup represents the pinnacle of their careers. It's a testament to skill, dedication, and teamwork, etching their names in hockey history. However, the quest for the coveted trophy can be elusive, even for the most talented athletes. Some players, despite long and successful careers, never get to hoist the Cup above their heads.
Currently, Ryan Suter holds the unfortunate distinction of being the active NHL player with the most games played without a Stanley Cup victory. As of June 11, 2025, Suter, a defenseman, has skated in over 1,437 regular-season games without reaching the ultimate goal. Drafted seventh overall in 2003, Suter has played for the Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars, showcasing consistent performance and leadership. Despite his individual success and team contributions, a Stanley Cup championship has remained out of reach, and he has never reached a Stanley Cup Final.
Throughout NHL history, several other notable players have played extensive careers without Stanley Cup glory. The record for the most games played without a Cup belongs to Patrick Marleau, who retired in 2022 after an astounding 1,779 games. Marleau, known for his longevity and consistent scoring, played for the San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite his remarkable career, including holding the NHL record for most games played, the Stanley Cup remained beyond his grasp.
Joe Thornton ranks second on the list of retired players, having played 1,714 games without a Stanley Cup win. Thornton, a dominant center known for his playmaking abilities, played for the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. Like Marleau, Thornton experienced a heartbreaking Stanley Cup Final defeat with the San Jose Sharks in 2016. Jarome Iginla, with 1,554 games, is another impactful player who never won the Stanley Cup, coming within a goal of winning it in 2004 with the Calgary Flames.
Among active players, Brent Burns has played 1,528 games. Burns, now with the Colorado Avalanche, has played for the Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, and Carolina Hurricanes, earning a Norris Trophy in 2018. He reached the Stanley Cup Final with the Sharks in 2016 but ultimately fell short. Joe Pavelski, another active player, has played over 1,324 games and reached the Stanley Cup Final but has yet to secure a victory.
Other active players on the list include Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Zach Parise, Blake Wheeler, Claude Giroux, Nick Foligno, Mark Giordano, and Marc Staal. These players continue to pursue their Stanley Cup dreams, facing the challenges of an increasingly competitive league. Mark Giordano, at 40 years old, is still chasing his first Stanley Cup Final appearance.
The reasons why some players never win the Stanley Cup are varied and complex. Factors such as being on rebuilding teams, unfortunate injuries, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time can all play a role. While individual skill and dedication are essential, the team aspect of hockey means that even the best players need a strong supporting cast and a bit of luck to achieve ultimate success.
For players like Ryan Suter and others on the list, the pursuit of the Stanley Cup continues. Their perseverance and commitment to the game serve as an inspiration, reminding fans that the dream of winning it all can last an entire career.
