Sizing up the NHL: Analyzing 2026-27 teams by age, height, nationality, more

An analysis of the 2026-27 NHL season examines demographic trends across all 32 teams through October 12, focusing on age, height, weight, nationality, and handedness. The league-wide average age sits at 28.5 years old, with the New York Rangers dropping their average age by 2.4 years through a youth movement. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche saw the largest age increase behind veteran additions like Nazem Kadri and Jaden Schwartz.

Physical and demographic metrics show the league average height at 73.6 inches and weight at 201.3 pounds, with the Toronto Maple Leafs dropping 6.4 pounds on average. Canadian players make up 43 percent of the league, marking an increase after years of decline, while Americans represent 26.2 percent and Europeans 30.8 percent. Additionally, over 63 percent of non-goaltender skaters in the NHL shoot left-handed.