Who are the top 25 NHL players of the quarter century?
13. Erik Karlsson
Karlsson is one of the most polarizing players of the century. The Swedish defenseman has three Norris Trophies to his name but has been often criticized throughout his career for his defensive ability. Karlsson always racked up the points in his prime, typically giving him the edge for the top defenseman award. Three Norris Trophies is still three Norris Trophies and he deserves to be one of the top blueliners on this list.
12. Henrik Lundqvist
Lundqvist only won one Vezina Trophy, but he was consistently one of the top goalies in the league. He was a finalist for the award four other times and is the second-best goalie on the list because of it. The Swedish netminder was a mainstay for the New York Rangers and gave them a chance to win every night.
11. Chris Pronger
Pronger won the Hart and Norris Trophies in 1999-2000 so they count towards his resume for his quarter-century status. He was dominant throughout the rest of his career leading the Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks and Philadelphia Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final. Pronger is best known for his nine seasons with the St. Louis Blues.
10. Victor Hedman
Hedman is another Stanley Cup champion with the Lightning on the list and is one of the best defensemen in recent memory. The 6-foot-7 Swede only has one Norris Trophy, but he was a finalist for the award from 2016-17 to 2021-22. Hedman is still playing at an elite level and will be a Hall of Famer.
