The NHL has launched its Quarter-Century Teams, recognizing top players from the past 25 years. This celebration honors franchise stars who shaped their teams since 2000.

Key Details of the Initiative

The NHL is announcing these teams from December 30, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Players are selected by media members, retired players, and team executives. Each franchise features a first and second team showcasing its standout talent.

Fan Involvement

Following the team announcements, fans can vote for the top 25 players in NHL history. The voting period runs from February 12 to February 26. Only first-team selections are eligible for this league-wide recognition.

Highlighted Teams and Players

St. Louis Blues

• First Team: Alexander Steen, Vladimir Tarasenko, Keith Tkachuk, Alex Pietrangelo, Chris Pronger, Jordan Binnington.
• Second Team: David Backes, Ryan O’Reilly, David Perron, Al MacInnis, Colton Parayko, Brian Elliott.
• Best Season: Stanley Cup win in 2018-19.

Chicago Blackhawks

• First Team: Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Corey Crawford.
• Second Team: Alex DeBrincat, Marian Hossa, Brandon Saad, Brian Campbell, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Jocelyn Thibault.
• Best Seasons: Stanley Cup wins in 2009-10, 2012-13, and 2014-15.

Arizona Coyotes

• First Team: Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Radim Vrbata, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Keith Yandle, Mike Smith.
• Second Team: Martin Hanzal, Jeremy Roenick, Nick Schmaltz, Zbynek Michalek, Teppo Numminen, Ilya Bryzgalov.
• Best Season: Western Conference final in 2011-12.

Columbus Blue Jackets

• First Team: Rick Nash, Cam Atkinson, Artemi Panarin, Seth Jones, Zach Werenski, Sergei Bobrovsky.
• Second Team: Nick Foligno, Johnny Gaudreau, Boone Jenner, David Savard, Fedor Tyutin, Steve Mason.
• Best Season: Second round in 2018-19.

Florida Panthers

• First Team: Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, Matthew Tkachuk, Aaron Ekblad, Gustav Forsling, Roberto Luongo.
• Second Team: Pavel Bure, Olli Jokinen, Sam Reinhart, Jay Bouwmeester, Robert Svehla, Sergei Bobrovsky.
• Best Season: Stanley Cup win in 2023-24.

Toronto Maple Leafs

• First Team: Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Tomas Kaberle, Morgan Rielly, Ed Belfour.
• Second Team: Phil Kessel, William Nylander, John Tavares, Bryan McCabe, Dion Phaneuf, Curtis Joseph.
• Best Season: Eastern Conference final in 2001-02.

Anaheim Ducks

• First Team: Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selanne, Cam Fowler, Scott Niedermayer, Jean-Sebastien Giguere.
• Second Team: Paul Kariya, Bobby Ryan, Jakob Silfverberg, Francois Beauchemin, Chris Pronger, John Gibson.
• Best Season: Stanley Cup win in 2006-07.

Fast Facts by Franchise

• St. Louis Blues: Nine coaches and two GMs since 2000.
• Chicago Blackhawks: Ten coaches and five GMs since 2000.
• Arizona Coyotes: Six coaches and seven GMs since 2000.
• Columbus Blue Jackets: Twelve coaches and six GMs since 2000.
• Florida Panthers: Fifteen coaches and eleven GMs since 2000.
• Toronto Maple Leafs: Eight coaches and eight GMs since 2000.
• Anaheim Ducks: Nine coaches and seven GMs since 2000.

Schedule of Remaining Announcements

• January 10: Winnipeg Jets/Atlanta Thrashers
• January 11: Calgary Flames
• January 12: Vegas Golden Knights
• January 13: Philadelphia Flyers
• January 14: Boston Bruins
• January 15: Buffalo Sabres

Conclusion

This initiative highlights the best NHL players since 2000, celebrating their achievements and contributions. Fans eagerly await the fan vote to crown the top 25 players in modern NHL history.

SOURCE: The Hockey News