The NHL has announced the second group of selections for its Quarter-Century Team, including several iconic figures.

Hockey legends Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Patrice Bergeron, Evgeni Malkin, Pavel Datsyuk, Patrick Kane, and Steven Stamkos, all of whom debuted between 2000 and 2010, are among the newest members added to this prestigious team.

Sidney Crosby is often considered the defining player of the past quarter-century in hockey. The 37-year-old boasts an impressive collection of accolades, including three Stanley Cups, two Hart Trophies, two Art Ross Trophies, three Ted Lindsay Awards, two `Rocket` Richard Trophies, and two Conn Smythe Trophies.

Hailing from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, Crosby also leads the NHL in points accumulated over the last 25 years, with 1,687 (625 goals, 1,062 assists) across 1,352 games during his distinguished 20-year career.

Discussing the 2000s era of hockey is impossible without mentioning Alex Ovechkin, who recently surpassed Wayne Gretzky to become the all-time leading goal scorer, netting his 895th career goal on April 9. Since being drafted first overall in 2004, `The Great Eight` has amassed 897 goals and 726 assists for a total of 1,623 points – placing him second only to Crosby in points since 2000.

In addition to his remarkable scoring achievements, Ovechkin led his team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2018. His individual honours include three Hart Trophies, three Ted Lindsay Awards, a Calder Memorial Trophy, a Conn Smythe Trophy, and a record nine `Rocket` Richard Trophies.

Evgeni Malkin, another standout from the Penguins alongside Crosby, was instrumental in Pittsburgh`s three Stanley Cup triumphs over the last quarter-century. The skilled Russian center has accumulated 1,346 points (514 goals and 832 assists) in his 19-year career. His numerous awards include a Calder Trophy, two Art Ross Trophies, a Conn Smythe Trophy, a Hart Trophy, and a Ted Lindsay Award.

Pavel Datsyuk, currently the only Hall of Fame inductee in this newly announced group, was a captivating presence for the Detroit Red Wings during the 2000s and is widely regarded as one of the most exceptionally skilled players ever. Known as the `Magic Man,` he recorded 918 points (314 goals, 604 assists) in 953 games with Detroit, securing two Stanley Cups, four Lady Byng Trophies, and three Selke Trophies. Datsyuk was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024.

Patrice Bergeron solidified his legacy as the premier two-way forward of the past 25 years, earning a record six Selke Trophies. He was a key contributor to the Boston Bruins` 2011 Stanley Cup win, which broke the team`s 39-year championship drought, and finished his 19-year career in Boston with 1,040 points.

Patrick Kane is arguably the top American player of the 2000s era and ranks among the greatest U.S.-born players in history. The Buffalo, New York native was a central figure in the Chicago Blackhawks` dominant stretch in the 2010s, capturing three Stanley Cups and a Hart Trophy. His career total of 1,343 points (492 goals and 851 assists) places him third among American players, just 48 points shy of Brett Hull`s leading total.

Steven Stamkos, the youngest player highlighted in this group, entered the league in the 2008-09 season as the first overall selection by the Tampa Bay Lightning. He captained the Lightning to consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021 and earned two `Rocket` Richard Trophies in 2010 and 2012.

The NHL Quarter-Century Team recognizes the 25 most impactful players from the years 2000 to 2025, as chosen by hockey fans. The announcement of the remaining team members is scheduled to continue on Saturday.