The NHL has unveiled the third group of players selected for its Quarter-Century Team, showcasing prominent figures from the current era of the sport.
Announced on Saturday by the league, the newest additions to the list of 25 standout players from the past 25 years include Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Nathan MacKinnon, Leon Draisaitl, Cale Makar, and Johnny Gaudreau.
Notably, all players in this latest selection began their NHL careers after the year 2010.
Often considered the leading figure and face of the league, Connor McDavid has accumulated numerous awards and impressive statistics throughout his 10 seasons. The 28-year-old has recorded 1,082 points (361 goals, 721 assists) across 712 regular-season contests.
The forward from Richmond Hill, Ontario, boasts a trophy collection including three Hart Trophies, four Ted Lindsay Awards, five Art Ross Trophies, and a `Rocket` Richard Trophy. He is also notably the sixth player ever in the NHL to receive the Conn Smythe Award while playing for the team that did not win the Stanley Cup Final.
Selected first overall in the 2016 draft, the year following McDavid, Auston Matthews has fulfilled expectations associated with his high draft position. He has accumulated 727 career points (401 goals, 326 assists) in 629 games and has been instrumental in the Maple Leafs reaching the playoffs in each of his seasons with the team.
Beyond his team`s performance, Matthews has also amassed considerable individual hardware, earning the Calder Trophy in 2017, the Hart and Ted Lindsay Awards in 2022, and possessing three `Rocket` Richard Trophies.
Now 29 years old, Nathan MacKinnon appears to be getting better with each season. The player from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, just completed his third consecutive season with over 100 points, registering 32 goals and 84 assists for a total of 116. He has accumulated 1,015 points (367 goals, 648 assists) through 870 career regular-season contests.
MacKinnon played a key role in the Avalanche`s 2022 Stanley Cup victory, contributing 12 goals and 11 assists in 20 playoff games. His individual awards include a Calder Trophy, a Hart Trophy, a Lady Byng Trophy, and a Ted Lindsay Award.
His teammate, Cale Makar, has established himself as arguably the NHL`s top defenseman in recent seasons, having recorded over 60 assists in each of the last two years. Makar`s awards feature a Calder Trophy, a Norris Trophy, and a Conn Smythe Trophy, which he won during Colorado`s championship run.
Leon Draisaitl has served as an exceptional superstar complement to Connor McDavid for a significant portion of their careers. The German forward has amassed 956 points (399 goals, 557 assists) in 790 games, earning a Hart Trophy, an Art Ross Trophy, and a Ted Lindsay Award. He also claimed the `Rocket` Richard Trophy last season by leading the league with 52 goals.
Finally, Johnny Gaudreau was highly respected by his fellow players throughout his 11-year career, frequently being considered for the Lady Byng Trophy, which he won in 2017. The gifted winger registered 743 points across 763 games played for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. He sadly passed away in August 2024, but his impact and legacy endure among his peers, fans, and within the sport of hockey.
The Quarter-Century Team recognizes the top 25 players from the period of 2000 to 2025, based on votes from hockey fans. The announcement of the remaining team members is scheduled to continue on Sunday.
Tristan Blackwood