Ex-Leafs Forward Still Playing at Age 40, and Playing Surprisingly Well
Photo credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Ex-Maple Leafs forward David Booth is lighting up a professional hockey league at the age of 40, showcasing he can still play at a high level.
At 40 years old, former NHL forward David Booth is proving that age is just a number. More than seven years removed from his last NHL game, he's still showing he can play at a high level -- only now he's doing it on the other side of the globe.
Booth is lighting up the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) with the Melbourne Ice, posting an astonishing 25 goals and 50 points in just 11 games. That's a scoring rate rarely seen in professional hockey, regardless of the league.
As B/R Open Ice highlighted on X:
"40-year-old David Booth is still playing in Australia and DOMINATING the AIHL.
25 goals and 50 points in 11 games."
25 goals and 50 points in 11 games."
Former NHLer David Booth Dominates AIHL at 40 Years Old
Booth last appeared in the NHL during the 2017-18 season with the Detroit Red Wings, playing 28 games and recording 5 points.
Before that, he lived out a childhood dream by joining the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2014-15, where he contributed 13 points over 59 games.
Across his 10-year NHL career, Booth suited up for the Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, Maple Leafs, and Red Wings, amassing 236 points in 530 games. He was known for his strong skating, powerful shot, and willingness to play a physical game.
The AIHL may not be as competitive as the NHL, but it has grown steadily in talent and popularity. For Booth to average nearly five points per game at his age is remarkable, offering fans a glimpse of his NHL skill set.
While it's very unlikely his game could still translate to today's NHL pace, Booth's dominance in Australia is a reminder that true passion for the sport doesn't fade -- and he continues to represent North American hockey proudly overseas.
