10 Productive NHL Players Most Likely to Retire After the 2014-15 Season

NHL teams employ veteran players because they're reliable and can mentor younger players. In many cases, teams will sign veterans long after their career peaks because they still flourish in specific roles.

Sooner or later, even the greatest players in history leave the game. There are clues—one-year deals, less playing time, fewer points—and this coming season may see the greatest players of this era exit the NHL.

Here are 10 players who are still productive in today's game, but they may retire after the 2014-15 season.

10. Shawn Horcoff, C, Dallas Stars

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Is He Still Productive? Shawn Horcoff played a reduced role in the regular season for the Dallas Stars, but he scored a point per game during the playoffs. 

How Long Is His Contract? His six-year deal signed as a member of the Edmonton Oilers expires after the 2014-15 season. 

Is There Anything Left? Horcoff can still play a complementary role, but his offense is eroding, and the next contract he signs will involve a major reduction in salary. If Horcoff has a desire to remain in the NHL, he'll likely get that opportunity.

9. Daniel Briere, C, Colorado Avalanche

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Is He Still Productive? Daniel Briere struggled during the regular season with the Montreal Canadiens, but he helped out during their playoff run. He was especially effective in postseason overtime, scoring two assists in five overtime games. 

How Long Is His Contract? His two-year contract expires at the end of this season, and Briere was traded from Montreal to Colorado over the summer. 

Is There Anything Left? The Colorado Avalanche dealt for Briere and may have something specific in mind in terms of use. He was bought out of his last contract and turns 38 in October, suggesting the end may be near.

8. Brenden Morrow, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning

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Is He Still Productive? Brenden Morrow had an effective season for the St. Louis Blues providing offense and two-way play for about 12 minutes a night.

How Long Is His Contract? His one-year deal with the Lightning expires after the 2014-15 season, and Morrow turns 36 in January. 

Is There Anything Left? Morrow's impact on the game is becoming less obvious with each passing season. His big six-year deal was followed by two consecutive one-year contracts. The one with Tampa Bay doesn't include a no-trade deal, and that indicates NHL teams value him less than in previous seasons. At some point Morrow will be replaced by younger, less expensive options, and it could be next season.

7. Erik Cole, RW, Dallas Stars

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Is He Still Productive? Erik Cole continued to deliver at his established level for the Dallas Stars in 2013-14. He was effective at home, scoring 11 goals and 19 points in 38 games. 

How Long Is His Contract? His four-year contract expires at the end of the season, and Cole turns 36 in November. 

Is There Anything Left? Cole is no longer the player he was in his prime, and he slowed during the 2013-14 season. He recorded 10 goals and 20 points in 39 contests from October through December. After that, Cole scored only nine points in 36 games. He'll need to answer those concerns during the final year of his deal.

6. Matt Cullen, C, Nashville Predators

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Is He Still Productive? Matt Cullen delivered a good season for the Nashville Predators. He was productive at even strength, scoring 30 points in 2013-14. 

How Long Is His Contract? His two-year deal expires at the end of the 2014-15 season, and at 37 this could be Cullen's final year.

Is There Anything Left? Cullen's playing time has been declining over the last few seasons, despite his consistent production. He was never an impact player and is nearing the end of the line.

5. Olli Jokinen, C, Nashville Predators

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Is He Still Productive? Olli Jokinen enjoyed another healthy and productive season in 2013-14 and was one of the Winnipeg Jets' best offensive players. 

How Long Is His Contract? His current deal with the Nashville Predators is for one year, and he took a large pay cut—$2 million. 

Is There Anything Left? Jokinen can still impact the offense, and if comfortable in his new income bracket, he should be able to play for a couple of more seasons. He turns 36 in December and could decide he's had enough after 2014-15.

4. Lubomir Visnovsky, D, New York Islanders

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Is He Still Productive? Lubomir Visnovsky was an asset when healthy during the 2013-14 season. He suffered a concussion in October and didn't get back until January, but he was a quality player when in the lineup.

How Long Is His Contract? His two-year contract will expire at the end of the season, and he'll turn 39 in August 2015.

Is There Anything Left? Visnovsky is a mobile NHL defenseman who can expertly move the puck out of harm's way. If he's healthy, the Islanders will benefit from having him on the ice. As with many defensemen, injuries will impact the length of his career.

3. Marek Zidlicky, D, New Jersey Devils

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Is He Still Productive? Marek Zidlicky delivered another impressive season for the New Jersey Devils in 2013-14. He finished in a tie for No. 20 among defensemen for points last season.

How Long Is His Contract? His one-year contract expires at the end of 2014-15. 

Is There Anything Left? Zidlicky's offensive numbers and value to the Devils suggests a longer contract might have been available. This is two one-year contracts in a row for him. There's a chance he's playing year to year at age 37 because he's close to the end.

2. Pavel Datsyuk, C, Detroit Red Wings

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Is He Still Productive? Pavel Datsyuk is one of the NHL's best centers and an effective two-way player. His 2013-14 season was interrupted by injury, but when healthy Datsyuk delivered quality play. 

How Long Is His Contract? His three-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings kicks in this season and expires in the summer of 2017. 

Is There Anything Left? Datsyuk is a fine player and highly productive at age 36. The question for him comes in regard to injury.

Detroit's most famous current player missed 37 games a year ago with a knee injury and a concussion. He's already hurt again this season, as indicated in this NHL.com article from The Associated Press. GM Ken Holland says Datyuk's separated shoulder will keep him out of action for four or five weeks. Detroit clearly wants Datsyuk for the next three years, but his injuries may dictate the timeline.

1. Jaromir Jagr, RW, New Jersey Devils

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Is He Still Productive? Jaromir Jagr posted a fine 2013-14 season for the New Jersey Devils. He finished No. 27 in total points and turned 42 in February.

How Long Is His Contract? He is signed to a one-year deal that could pay him as much as $5.5 million in the coming season.

Is There Anything Left? Jagr is clearly getting close to the end of his career. The numbers suggest he's a good bet to be productive in 2014-15, and if he chooses to play, there should be NHL teams ready to sign him. Jagr's slow decline from his peak performance shows he is one of the all-time best players after age 35.