NHL Veterans Having the Best Season of Their Career in 2015-16

Hockey is a young man's game, so it's no surprise that players such as Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks, Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin of the Dallas Stars, and Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators are continuing to step up their game.

All of those 20-something superstars are on pace for new career highs, but you won't find their names on this list of NHL veterans having the best season of their career in 2015-16.

This list is reserved for some of the more surprising performances of the first half of the campaign.

There are those who have been given bigger roles for the first time and are exceeding expectations as a result. Others have simply been even better than previous seasons.

Aside from those who gained their hockey experience elsewhere, the names that follow will be in at least their sixth season.

Age doesn't matter, it's all about experience and a track record to follow.

Click ahead to see the list of NHL veterans having the best season of their career this year.

All stats via NHL.com.

Honorable mentions

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Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins: The 27-year-old super pest is on pace to hit 30 goals for the first time in his seven-year career and could top his career-best 55 points as well.

Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks: At a point-per-game pace and with 21 goals in 40 games, Pavelski is going to come close to his 41-goal, 79-point season of 2014.

Carl Soderberg, Colorado Avalanche: With an even bigger role with the Avalanche, the 30-year-old Swede is set to hit 55 points for the first time in his fourth NHL year.

Lee Stempniak, New Jersey Devils: The 32-year-old should have his best points total since his second NHL season in 2007. He's been rejuvenated in Jersey and is on pace to hit 55 points.

Dale Weise, Montreal Canadiens

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Past success: Dale Weise was a fourth-line grinder for most of the first four seasons in the NHL, fighting—often literally—to stay in the league, and contributing little outside of toughness and physical play. But that began to change last year in his first full season with the Montreal Canadiens. He set career highs in games played (79), goals (10), and points (29).

Present numbers: The 27-year-old in his sixth NHL campaign has already bested his goal total from a year ago with 11 on the season so far. He's spending plenty of time with other top-six forwards and the result is a 20-goal, 40-point pace. Unfortunately, his chances of hitting that mark were derailed by an injury in the Winter Classic—but he's still going to shatter his personal bests.

What the future may hold: Weise is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. If he re-signs with the Canadiens and is given similar responsibilities on the top two lines, he should be able to crack double digits in goals annually. But there's a good chance this is as good as it gets for him.

Leo Komarov, Toronto Maple Leafs

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Past success: Leo Komarov can be counted among those who think Mike Babcock is a pretty good coach. The 28-year-old Estonian winger had career highs last season with eight goals and 26 points in 62 games. He'd carved out a niche as a physical presence on one of the lower lines.

Present numbers: Thanks to a spot on the top line under Babcock, Komarov has already eclipsed his career highs with 15 goals and 28 points in 40 games. The pace he's on is for more than 30 goals and nearly 60 points.

What the future may hold: Komarov is on this list despite the fact he's playing in just his third season. But his time in Russia counts for something. It's unlikely he'll remain a top tool for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets

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Past success: Blake Wheeler has been one of the most dependable members of the Winnipeg Jets since the franchise was re-born. The 29-year-old has hit the 20-goal mark the past two seasons and has flirted with the 70-point mark, finishing with 69 two seasons ago.

Present numbers: This year has been Wheeler's best statistical season. He is flirting with a point-per-game pace through 42 games, notching 11 goals and 41 points so far. He was snubbed for the All-Star Game competition despite sitting seventh in the league in scoring and fourth in assists. He plays all situations for the Jets and has a pair of shorthanded goals as well this season.

What the future may hold: Wheeler is locked up through 2018 but may lose linemate Andrew Ladd this offseason. Still, the 6'5" power forward is capable of driving production alongside Bryan Little and will continue to be a reliable 20-goal guy for the stretch of his contract.

Joel Ward, San Jose Sharks

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Past success: Joel Ward has a reputation for being a strong playoff performer, and he actually cracked the 20-goal mark once, in 2014. He's been a gritty third-liner capable of contributing double digit goals and around 35 points consistently.

Present numbers: The 35-year-old has been rewarding the San Jose Sharks for their faith in him as a free-agent addition. He has 11 goals and 26 points through 38 games, putting him on pace for 23 goals and 56 points. Ward has never cracked the 50-point mark in a single season. 

What the future may hold: As long as he remains on a line with Patrick Marleau, Ward should continue to produce like a second-line winger and hit the projected totals.

Ryan O'Reilly, Buffalo Sabres

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Past success: It may be hard to picture Ryan O'Reilly as a veteran, but the 24-year-old is already in his seventh full NHL season. He earned the reputation of one of the league's better two-way players during his time with the Colorado Avalanche. His best campaign previously was two seasons ago when he scored 28 goals and 64 points while helping the Avs to the playoffs.

Present numbers: In his first season with the rebuilding Buffalo Sabres, O'Reilly has been a force with 17 goals and 36 points through 42 games. That pace would take him to the 30-goal mark and 70-point plateau for the first time in his career. He's also averaging the most minutes of any forward in the league, playing against top competition and holding his own considering the team he's on.

What the future may hold: O'Reilly is a veteran who still hasn't hit his peak. He could be a future Selke Trophy winner and help the Sabres become a playoff squad. He'll be a mentor for some top prospects like Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart for years to come.

Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks

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Past success: Brent Burns has had some great seasons. He's a four-time 40-plus point player and the defenseman hit 60 for the first time last season. He is a big-bodied and bushy-bearded wonder on the back end, able to lead a rush or quarterback a power play with ease.

Present numbers: The San Jose Sharks star is the third-leading defenseman in points so far this year with 18 goals and 39 points in just half a season's work. He's on pace for an astounding 37 goals and nearly 80 points this season—totals not reached by a blueliner since Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings in 2005-06. 

What the future may hold: Although his minus-11 rating is a huge knock on the 30-year-old in his 12th NHL season, Burns may finally get some serious consideration for a Norris Trophy from this year's voters.