Top NHL Players of Last 25 Years Revealed at 4 Nations Face-Off

MONTREAL, Canada — The 4 Nations Face-Off kicked off this week, showcasing national teams from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States in a thrilling best-on-best tournament featuring NHL players. Running through February 20, the event includes the announcement of Quarter-Century Teams to honor the top players from the past 25 years.

Selected by NHL.com staff writers from Canada, the teams for Canada have been finalized and players were evaluated based on their NHL statistics and international contributions from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2024. Among those featured are notable stars like Sidney Crosby, Drew Doughty, and Martin Brodeur.

The forwards’ list is headlined by Sidney Crosby, who leads the NHL with 1,637 points during this period, including three Stanley Cup victories with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Recognized as one of the greatest players in hockey history, Crosby also won two Olympic gold medals for Canada and multiple personal accolades including the Hart Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award.

Other prominent forwards include Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid, both high-ranking in points-per-game averages and already Stanley Cup champions. MacKinnon, selected first overall in 2013, complements Crosby’s record, achieving 1.16 points-per-game, a notable performance for a Canada-born player. Meanwhile, McDavid, drafted first in 2015 by the Edmonton Oilers, has solidified his status as a dominant force with numerous honours including five Art Ross Trophies.

On defense, Drew Doughty stands out for his championship prowess with the Los Angeles Kings and his recognition as the NHL’s best defenseman. He won the Norris Trophy and has represented Canada in multiple Olympics. Chris Pronger and Duncan Keith bolster the defensive lines with significant accolades from their careers, including Cup victories and Hart Trophy nominations.

In goal, Martin Brodeur is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest goaltenders in history, boasting staggering shutout records and pivotal roles in multiple playoff series. His contribution includes leading the New Jersey Devils to three Stanley Cup victories and anchoring for Team Canada in the 2002 Olympics, which ended a 50-year gold-medal drought.

As the tournament progresses, additional games promise to feature intense matchups, culminating with a high-stakes United States vs. Canada showdown on Saturday night. Both teams aim to remain undefeated, marking a return to level competition last seen during the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. This matchup is expected to rekindle a fierce rivalry steeped in rich tradition, with many star NHL players facing off.

NHL fans eagerly await the culmination of this tournament, alongside the fan vote for the top 25 players of the last 25 years. The hockey community is abuzz with excitement as these legendary athletes compete for national pride on the international stage, reaffirming their legacy within one of the most celebrated sports.