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Where are they now? Legends of the 90s NHL

Catching up with the icons who defined 90s hockey

By The hockey girlPublished 10 months ago 3 min read

The 1990s were a golden era for hockey—packed with legendary rivalries, unforgettable goals, and the kind of grit that made fans fall in love with the game. But what happened to those icons once the lights dimmed and the skates were hung up?

Let’s take a look at where some of the most iconic NHL legends of the ‘90s are today:

1. Wayne Gretzky – “The Great One”

Though Gretzky’s prime was mostly in the '80s, he played well into the mid-90s and retired in 1999.

Where is he now?

Gretzky has remained close to the game—he's worked as a coach, executive, and even an NHL analyst for TNT. He also launched his own successful wine and whiskey label and continues to be the face of hockey greatness worldwide.

2. Mario Lemieux – The Comeback King

After battling cancer and injuries, Lemieux made a legendary return in 2000 and even played into the mid-2000s.

Where is he now?

He was co-owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins until 2021, helping lead the franchise to multiple Stanley Cups off the ice. Today, he keeps a low profile but remains an iconic figure in Pittsburgh and hockey culture.

3. Patrick Roy – The Fiery Goalie

Known for his clutch saves and intensity, Roy dominated the ‘90s with the Canadiens and Avalanche.

Where is he now?

After a stint as the head coach and VP of hockey ops for the Colorado Avalanche, he returned to junior hockey. As of 2023–24, he became head coach of the New York Islanders, bringing his passion behind the bench.

4. Jaromir Jagr – Still Playing?!

Yes, he’s still lacing up the skates. Jagr played in the NHL from 1990 to 2018 and then returned to his Czech team, Rytíři Kladno, which he owns.

Where is he now?

At over 50 years old, he's still playing pro hockey and keeping his hometown team alive financially and competitively. He’s become a living legend of longevity.

5. Eric Lindros – The “Next One”

Lindros was a powerhouse in the '90s, known for his skill and physical dominance—but also plagued by concussions.

Where is he now?

Now an advocate for concussion awareness, Lindros works with brain injury foundations and has appeared at alumni events. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016.

6. Pavel Bure – The Russian Rocket

Bure thrilled fans in Vancouver and Florida with blazing speed and highlight-reel goals.

Where is he now?

He’s stayed out of the spotlight since retiring in 2003, spending most of his time in Russia. He’s served in ambassador roles and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.

7. Mark Messier – The Leader

Messier brought the Rangers their first Cup in 54 years in 1994 and was the ultimate captain.

Where is he now?

He’s now a studio analyst for ESPN and stays active in hockey media. He’s also launched health and wellness products and remains involved in leadership development efforts.

8. Dominik Hasek – The Dominator

A brick wall in net, Hasek redefined goaltending in the ‘90s.

Where is he now?

Post-retirement, Hasek has stayed in the Czech Republic, occasionally voicing opinions on Czech hockey and international competition. He’s considered one of the greatest European players ever.

9. Teemu Selänne – The Finnish Flash

Selänne lit up the scoreboard with his rookie record 76-goal season and kept rolling for decades.

Where is he now?

Living in California, he runs a restaurant (Selanne Steak Tavern), plays golf, and frequently posts about hockey on social media. He remains a beloved figure in Anaheim and Finland.

10. Chris Chelios – The Ageless Wonder

Chelios played until age 48, spanning four decades in the NHL.

Where is he now?

He’s involved in player development, has worked as an ESPN analyst, and was honored with a statue outside the United Center in Chicago. He also owns a few restaurants and is big in the business scene.

Final Thoughts

From the rink to the real world, these 90s legends continue to make their mark. Whether they’re coaching, advocating for health, running businesses, or even still playing, they’ve proven that greatness doesn’t end at retirement—it just evolves.

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