Who are the top 25 NHL players of the quarter century?
9. Evgeni Malkin
Malkin does not get the respect he deserves because of playing alongside Sidney Crosby, but he played at as high of a level as anyone in the league for a period of time. The Russian center won the Calder Trophy in 2006-07 and then finished as the runner-up for the Hart Trophy the next two seasons. Malkin later won the league鈥檚 MVP award in 2011-12 after putting up 109 points.
8. Nathan MacKinnon
MacKinnon might be higher than expected, but his resume speaks for itself. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft took home the Hart Trophy in 2023-24 after being a finalist three times previously. MacKinnon also has a Stanley Cup and an average of 1.16 points over 12 seasons.
7. Zdeno Chara
Chara, the tallest player in NHL history (6-foot-9), was typically under consideration for the Norris Trophy, winning the award in 2008-09. He was the most popular player on the Boston Bruins in his 14 seasons with the franchise, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2011. Chara has the most games played by a defenseman (1,680) in league history after 24 seasons.
6. Joe Thornton
Thornton is the only player to ever win the Hart Trophy after being traded mid-season. 鈥淛umbo Joe鈥� is an icon for both the Bruins and Sharks and is appreciated by most fans across the NHL. He had a unique blend of size and playmaking ability and used it to rack up 1,109 assists and 1,539 points.