Sun May 11 03:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Oilers’ Draisaitl, Maple Leafs’ Matthews Among NHL’s Top 25 Players Unveiled

**EDMONTON, AB** – Six more players have joined the NHL Quarter-Century Team, announced Saturday. This latest group comprises players who debuted after 2010, boasting an impressive collection of individual accolades and team success. The selections, chosen via fan vote, include two team captains: Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

The newly announced players represent a remarkable level of talent. Collectively, the six players boast an astounding array of awards, including six Hart Trophies (MVP), two Conn Smythe Trophies (Playoff MVP), six Art Ross Trophies (scoring leader), and five Maurice Richard Trophies (goal-scoring leader). Three of the players were selected first overall in the NHL Entry Draft.

Among the highlights:

* **Leon Draisaitl (EDM):** The German-born forward, drafted third overall in 2014, consistently ranks among the league’s top scorers, forming a dynamic duo with Connor McDavid. He’s a past winner of the Hart, Art Ross, and Ted Lindsay awards. Draisaitl’s consistently high point totals and playoff performances have made him an integral part of the Oilers’ success.

* **Johnny Gaudreau (deceased):** Sadly, the article notes the passing of Johnny Gaudreau, a highly skilled left-wing who played for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. Gaudreau, known for his electrifying style and ability to defy expectations as a smaller player, tragically died in a bicycle accident in August 2024 at the age of 31.

* **Nathan MacKinnon (COL):** The Avalanche’s center, a first overall pick in 2013, is considered one of the league’s elite two-way players. A Stanley Cup champion, he won the Hart and Ted Lindsay awards in 2023-24.

* **Cale Makar (COL):** The Avalanche defenseman, known for his exceptional offensive skills and Norris Trophy-winning play, made a memorable NHL debut with a playoff goal. He’s a consistent Norris Trophy contender.

* **Auston Matthews (TOR):** The Maple Leafs captain, a first overall pick in 2016, has become a prolific goal scorer, recently breaking numerous franchise and national scoring records. He led the league in goals in 2021-22 and was named team captain before the start of the current season.

* **Connor McDavid (EDM):** The Oilers superstar and Hart Trophy winner continues his dominance as one of the best players in the world. His exceptional speed, vision, and skill have made him a perennial contender for the league’s top awards and a driving force behind the Oilers’ playoff runs.

The six players join the previously announced NHL Quarter-Century Team selections, forming a formidable representation of the league’s talent over the past 25 years. The next announcement will feature the fan-voted goaltenders.

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