The second group of players selected for the NHL`s Quarter-Century Team has been announced, featuring several prominent stars.
Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, Patrice Bergeron, Evgeni Malkin, Pavel Datsyuk, Patrick Kane, and Steven Stamkos are the newest additions to this prestigious team. All these players began their NHL careers between 2000 and 2010.
Sidney Crosby is widely considered one of the most defining figures in hockey over the past 25 years. The 37-year-old boasts an impressive collection of accolades, including three Stanley Cups, two Hart Trophies (MVP), two Art Ross Trophies (scoring leader), three Ted Lindsay Awards (most outstanding player as voted by peers), two `Rocket` Richard Trophies (goal-scoring leader), and two Conn Smythe Trophies (playoff MVP).
The forward from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, also holds the record for most points in the NHL over the last quarter-century, accumulating 1,687 points (625 goals, 1,062 assists) in 1,352 games throughout his illustrious 20-year career.
Any discussion of the 2000s era of hockey is incomplete without mentioning Alexander Ovechkin. He recently surpassed Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL`s all-time leading goal scorer, netting his 895th career goal on April 9th. Since being drafted first overall in 2004, `The Great 8` has amassed 897 goals and 726 assists for a total of 1,623 points, placing him second only to Crosby in scoring since the year 2000.
Beyond his scoring prowess, Ovechkin`s achievements include a Stanley Cup championship in 2018, three Hart Trophies, three Ted Lindsay Awards, a Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year), a Conn Smythe Trophy, and a record nine `Rocket` Richard Trophies.
Also representing the Penguins on this team is Evgeni Malkin, a key contributor to Pittsburgh`s three Stanley Cup victories within the last quarter-century. The dynamic Russian center has recorded 1,346 points (514 goals, 832 assists) during his 19-year career. His individual honours include a Calder Trophy, two Art Ross Trophies, a Conn Smythe Trophy, a Hart Trophy, and a Ted Lindsay Award.
Pavel Datsyuk, the sole current Hockey Hall of Famer in this selection, was a captivating player for the Red Wings during the 2000s and is celebrated as one of the most exceptionally skilled talents the league has ever seen. `The Magic Man` amassed 918 points (314 goals, 604 assists) in 953 games for Detroit. His accolades include two Stanley Cups, four Lady Byng Trophies (sportsmanship), and three Selke Trophies (best defensive forward). He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024.
Patrice Bergeron solidified his legacy as arguably the best two-way forward of the past 25 years, earning a record six Selke Trophies. He played a vital role in guiding the Bruins to a Stanley Cup championship in 2011, ending the franchise`s 39-year title drought. Over his 19-year career exclusively with Boston, he accumulated 1,040 points.
Patrick Kane is often considered the top American player of the 2000s and ranks among the greatest U.S.-born players ever. Hailing from Buffalo, New York, he led the Chicago Blackhawks to a dominant dynasty in the 2010s, securing three Stanley Cups and winning a Hart Trophy. His career total of 1,343 points (492 goals, 851 assists) ranks third all-time among American players, just 48 points shy of Brett Hull`s record.
Steven Stamkos, the youngest player named in this group, entered the league as the first overall pick for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2008-09 season. As captain, he led the team to consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021 and also won two `Rocket` Richard Trophies (2010, 2012).
The NHL Quarter-Century Team recognizes the top 25 players who played between 2000 and 2025, as voted by hockey fans. Further selections for the team will be announced on Saturday.
