The NHL Network has revealed their quarter century team, and without any surprise whatsoever, two Pittsburgh Penguins have made the cut.
Penguins longtime star centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are among the 12 forwards who made the NHL Network's quarter century team. When noting that they both have had Hall of Fame-worthy careers, it would have been shocking if they were not featured on it.
Introducing the NHL Network's Quarter Century Team! pic.twitter.com/B9Or6GEJVI
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 15, 2025
Even to this day, Crosby is still among the NHL's best players. He just completed his 20th season in the NHL in 2024-25, where he posted 33 goals, 58 assists, and 91 points. With this, he once produced at an over a point-per-game pace, just like he has done in every single NHL season he has played thus far.
In 1,352 career NHL games, Crosby has recorded 625 goals, 1,062 assists, 1,687 points, and a plus-197 rating. The three-time Stanley Cup champion has also recorded 71 goals and 201 points in 180 playoff games. This helped him win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in both 2016 and 2017.
Crosby has also won an array of awards over his career, as he has won the Art Ross Trophy (twice), Hart Memorial Trophy (twice), Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (two times), Mark Messier Leadership Award (twice), and Ted Lindsay Award (three times).
Malkin has also had a truly spectacular career, too. In 1,213 career NHL games, all with Pittsburgh, he has recorded 514 goals, 832 assists, and 1,346 points. Like Crosby, he has had plenty of success during the playoffs, as he has recorded 67 goals and 180 points in 177 post-season games. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2009.
In addition to his Conn Smythe Trophy win, Malkin has won the Calder Memorial Trophy (2007), Hart Memorial Trophy (2012), Ted Lindsay Award (2012), and Art Ross Trophy (twice). With this, Malkin undoubtedly was one of the most dominant players in the NHL during his prime, so his spot on the NHL Network's quarter century team was certainly earned.
Should Penguins Reunite With Top Free Agent Left?Last off-season, the Pittsburgh Penguins signed defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to a one-year, $2.5 million contract in free agency. In the end, it is fair to say that the Penguins got good value in this move, as Grzelcyk fit in nicely with the Metropolitan Division club.