The NHL has unveiled its All Quarter-Century Team, honoring the top players who began their careers after 2010. This prestigious list features six exceptional athletes who have significantly impacted the league. Among them are three former No. 1 draft picks, Stanley Cup champions, and winners of multiple individual awards. This article delves into the careers and achievements of these remarkable players, highlighting their contributions to the game and solidifying their places in NHL history.
Selected through a fan vote presented by SAP, the All Quarter-Century Team recognizes players named to each of the 32 NHL clubs’ First Teams. This process ensures that the most deserving and celebrated players are acknowledged for their accomplishments. This year’s list includes Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews.
Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
Leon Draisaitl has become one of the most dominant forces in the NHL. His regular-season stats include 374 goals, 532 assists, and 906 points in 756 games. In the postseason, he has recorded 41 goals, 67 assists, and 108 points in 74 games. Draisaitl’s trophy case includes the Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and Ted Lindsay Trophy, all won in 2019-20 when he tallied 110 points (43 goals, 71 assists) in 71 games. He also secured the Richard Trophy this season with 52 goals and was a Hart Trophy finalist.
Drafted third overall by the Oilers in 2014, the German-born forward has created a dynamic partnership with Connor McDavid, forming one of the league’s most potent duos. Since 2018-19, Draisaitl has surpassed 100 points six times and recorded 84 points in the 56-game 2020-21 season. His 956 points since the start of 2014-15 rank third in the NHL, trailing only McDavid (1,082) and Nikita Kucherov (976).
“He’s pretty much irreplaceable, really. And he’s a difference-maker every night that we’ve had him in the lineup, and you’re just seeing that game after game. He always steps it up even to another level in the playoffs.” – Oilers defenseman Brett Kulak
Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets
Johnny Gaudreau, known as “Johnny Hockey,” made a significant impact in his NHL career. His regular-season stats show 243 goals, 500 assists, and 743 points in 763 games, while his postseason record includes 11 goals, 22 assists, and 33 points in 42 games. Gaudreau won the Lady Byng Trophy in 2016-17.
Selected by the Flames in the fourth round (No. 104) of the 2011 NHL Draft, the diminutive left wing quickly became one of the league’s most electrifying players. Gaudreau helped the Flames reach the playoffs five times, highlighted by his overtime goal in Game 7 of the 2022 Western Conference First Round against the Dallas Stars. After eight seasons in Calgary, he joined the Blue Jackets as a free agent on July 13, 2022, to be closer to his family in New Jersey. Tragically, Gaudreau and his brother Matthew passed away on Aug. 29, 2024, in an accident near their home in Salem County, New Jersey.
“I’m grateful I had the chance to play against him, played playoff series against him, played many heated battles in the Battle of Alberta against him, and got to know him a little bit. I’ll miss him a lot. He was a great player and great person and obviously was taken away way too soon.” – Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid
Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon has established himself as one of the NHL’s premier talents. His regular-season stats include 349 goals, 611 assists, and 960 points in 829 games. In the postseason, he has tallied 48 goals, 66 assists, and 114 points in 88 games. MacKinnon’s accolades include the Calder Trophy (2013-14), Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award (2023-24), Lady Byng Trophy (2019-20), and a Stanley Cup championship in 2022.
Drafted first overall by the Avalanche in 2013, MacKinnon has become a dominant two-way center. He has recorded at least 111 points in each of the past three seasons and has reached the 30-goal mark seven times, with a career-high of 51 goals last season. During the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup run, MacKinnon scored 13 goals and 24 points. Since entering the league, he ranks third in points behind McDavid (1,082) and Sidney Crosby (1,022).
“He’s a fantastic player. His drive and his competitiveness, you can see it. He never takes shifts off, and he plays 25 minutes, and you wonder how he does it. He’s a special player. You watch McDavid in the playoffs and all the records he’s breaking, and then also you’ve got a guy like MacKinnon in the League too, so the League’s in a good spot.” – Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes
Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
Cale Makar has quickly become one of the NHL’s top defensemen. His regular-season stats include 97 goals, 285 assists, and 382 points in 353 games. In the postseason, he has contributed 21 goals, 59 assists, and 80 points in 72 games. Makar’s awards include the Calder Trophy (2019-20), Norris Trophy (2021-22), Conn Smythe Trophy (2022), and a Stanley Cup championship in 2022.
Makar made an immediate impact upon joining the Avalanche, scoring in his NHL debut during the 2019 Western Conference First Round against the Calgary Flames. Drafted fourth overall in 2017, Makar has consistently elevated his game, earning recognition as a Norris Trophy finalist for the fifth consecutive season.
“He’s the closest to Bobby Orr I’ve seen, and I never put anybody there. I used to watch a lot of Bobby Orr because I loved him as an 8-year-old, 7-year-old. He changed the game, revolutionized the game, Bobby Orr did. Nobody greater. And Cale Makar is the closest thing to that.” – Retired New Jersey Devils defenseman Ken Daneyko
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews has become one of the NHL’s premier goal-scorers. His regular-season stats include 379 goals, 293 assists, and 672 points in 586 games. In the postseason, he has recorded 23 goals, 25 assists, and 48 points in 55 games. Matthews’ accolades include the Calder Trophy (2016-17), Hart and Ted Lindsay Trophy (2021-22), and the Richard Trophy in 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2023-24.
Drafted first overall by the Maple Leafs in 2016, Matthews made a memorable debut with four goals in his first NHL game. He leads all players with 401 goals since the start of the 2016-17 season. Matthews has scored at least 40 goals in six of his nine seasons and became the first U.S.-born player to score 60 goals in a season in 2021-22. As the current Maple Leafs captain, he is approaching Mats Sundin’s franchise record for most goals.
“I mean, Toronto Maple Leafs is the biggest hockey franchise in the world, and so many great players have been captains, and it is a huge honor. Comes with the responsibility, but Auston is the top guy on the team.” – Sundin, a former Maple Leafs captain
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional players in NHL history. His regular-season stats include 350 goals, 686 assists, and 1,036 points in 679 games. In the postseason, he has recorded 37 goals, 80 assists, and 118 points in 74 games. McDavid’s extensive list of awards includes the Hart Trophy and Lindsay Award (2016-17, 2020-21, 2022-23), Lindsay Award (2017-18), Art Ross Trophy (2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23), Richard Trophy (2022-23), and Conn Smythe Trophy (2024).
Since entering the league in 2015, McDavid leads the NHL with 1,082 points and 721 assists in 712 games. He has recorded at least 100 points in eight of his ten seasons. His remarkable 153 points in 2022-23 were the most since Mario Lemieux’s 161 in 1995-96. McDavid’s extraordinary speed, vision, and skill have transformed the Oilers into perennial contenders.
“I think the most impressive thing is the work off the ice. You see the work on the ice, it’s second to none and I think for him, there is no stone unturned to find a bit of an edge. The longer I’ve played the more impressive it’s become to me how the superstars do it every single year. Their down years are amazing years, still.” – Oilers forward Adam Henrique
Conclusion
The NHL All Quarter-Century Team highlights the incredible talent and impact of players who debuted after 2010. Each player on this list has achieved remarkable success, contributing to their teams and captivating fans with their skill and dedication. From Connor McDavid’s unparalleled offensive abilities to Cale Makar’s defensive prowess, these athletes represent the best of the NHL. They have not only earned numerous awards and accolades but have also inspired the next generation of hockey players.
As the NHL continues to evolve, these players will undoubtedly remain central figures in the league’s narrative. Their contributions will be remembered for years to come, solidifying their status as legends of the game. Fans eagerly await the unveiling of the remaining members of the All Quarter-Century Team, including the highly anticipated selection of six goalies. The legacy of these athletes extends beyond statistics and awards, encompassing the passion, sportsmanship, and commitment that define the spirit of hockey.
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