As the National Hockey league commemorates its finest moments over the past 25 years in 2025, it unveils the ultimate rosters from the last quarter-century. This festivity includes all 32 current NHL teams, along with the Arizona Coyotes.
Every franchise is honored with two teams: a first and a second team,each featuring six players—three forwards,two defensemen,and one goaltender. To qualify, players must have competed for their respective teams after January 1, 2000. The selection process involved input from radio and TV personalities, local and national journalists, and NHL.com writers who have closely followed these teams over the decades.
The six players chosen for the first team will be eligible for the NHL All Quarter-Century Team, which will be resolute through a fan vote launching in February.
Today, we spotlight the washington Capitals and their standout players from the past 25 years.
Players are listed alphabetically:
WASHINGTON CAPITALS QUARTER-CENTURY TEAMS
First Team
Forwards
Nicklas Bäckström
T.J.Oshie
Alex Ovechkin
Defensemen
John Carlson
Mike Green
Goaltender
Braden Holtby
Forwards: Alex Ovechkin stands as the NHL’s top goal scorer of the 2000s, with 870 goals as of December 31, 2024.He is now just 21 goals shy of surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894. ovechkin has led the league in goals nine times, claimed the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 2005-06, and earned the Hart trophy as MVP three times (2007-08, 2008-09, 2012-13). He also secured the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during the Capitals’ historic 2018 Stanley Cup victory.
Nicklas Bäckström, sidelined since last season due to a hip injury, holds the Capitals’ all-time assists record with 762, including 279 assists on Ovechkin’s goals. He ranks second in franchise points (1,033) during the 21st century, trailing only Ovechkin (1,577).
T.J. Oshie joined the Capitals in a 2015 trade from the St.Louis Blues, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the team’s top line alongside Ovechkin and Bäckström.Before a back injury sidelined him this season, Oshie tallied 385 points (192 goals, 193 assists) in 567 games.
Defensemen: John Carlson leads all Capitals defensemen in scoring for the 2000s with 698 points as of December 31, 2024. He also ranks third in franchise games played (1,046), behind Bäckström (1,105) and Ovechkin (1,447).
Mike Green dominated the 2008-09 season, leading all NHL defensemen in goals (31) and points (73). He finished second in Norris Trophy voting that year. Over his ten seasons with Washington (2005-2015), Green amassed 360 points (113 goals, 247 assists) in 575 games.
Goaltender: Braden Holtby’s legendary save against alex Tuch in Game 2 of the 2018 Stanley Cup final alone could have secured his place on this team. However, his 282 wins over ten seasons in the 2000s solidify his legacy. Holtby ranks second in franchise wins (282), behind Olaf Kölzig (301), and won the Vezina Trophy in 2015-16 after tying Martin Brodeur’s single-season wins record (48).
Second Team
Forwards
Peter Bondra
Evgeny Kuznetsov
Tom Wilson
Defensemen
Sergei Gonchar
Dmitry Orlov
Goaltender
Olaf Kölzig
Forwards: Peter Bondra ranks second in Capitals history with 472 goals, including 143 in 324 games between 2000 and 2004 before being traded to the Ottawa senators.
Evgeny Kuznetsov recorded 568 points (171 goals, 397 assists) in 723 games from 2014 to 2024.His standout performance came during the 2018 Stanley Cup run, where he led the playoffs with 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) in 24 games.
Tom Wilson’s blend of physicality (2,382 hits) and skill (363 points) over 797 games has made him a fan favorite for over a decade.
Defensemen: Dmitry Orlov, a key contributor to the 2018 Stanley Cup win, ranks fourth among Capitals defensemen in points (256) during the 2000s. He played 686 games for Washington from 2011 to 2023.
Sergei Gonchar spent ten seasons with the Capitals, five of which were in the 2000s. During that time, he tallied 274 points (85 goals, 189 assists) in 333 games.
Goaltender: olaf Kölzig holds the franchise record for most games played (482) and started (476) by a goaltender in the 2000s. He earned 218 of his 301 career wins with the Capitals between 2000 and 2008, posting a 2.75 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage, and 23 shutouts.
Next Up: Montreal Canadiens Quarter-Century Teams
The Washington Capitals’ Quarter-Century Teams, as unveiled in 2025, celebrate the franchise’s most outstanding players over the past 25 years. This honor reflects the contributions of players who have left an indelible mark on the team and the NHL as a whole. Let’s break down the First Team selections and their significance to the Capitals’ legacy.
First Team: Washington Capitals
forwards
- Alex Ovechkin: A living legend, Ovechkin is the NHL’s top goal scorer of the 2000s, with 870 goals as of December 31, 2024.He is just 21 goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894. Ovechkin’s accolades include leading the league in goals nine times, winning the Calder Trophy (2005-06), earning the Hart Trophy as MVP three times (2007-08, 2008-09, 2012-13), and securing the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup victory. His dominance and leadership have defined the Capitals’ success in the 21st century.
- Nicklas Bäckström: Despite being sidelined due to a hip injury, Bäckström remains a cornerstone of the Capitals’ offense. He holds the franchise record for assists (762), with 279 of those directly contributing to ovechkin’s goals. Bäckström ranks second in franchise points (1,033) during the 21st century, trailing only Ovechkin (1,577). His playmaking ability and consistency have been instrumental in the team’s success.
- T.J. Oshie: Known for his clutch performances and versatility, Oshie has been a key contributor to the Capitals’ offensive and defensive efforts.his energy and leadership have made him a fan favorite and a vital part of the team’s core.
Defensemen
- John Carlson: A stalwart on the blue line, Carlson has been a consistent offensive and defensive force for the Capitals. His ability to quarterback the power play and contribute points while maintaining defensive responsibility has made him one of the league’s top defensemen.
- Mike Green: During his prime, Green was one of the most dynamic offensive defensemen in the NHL. His ability to join the rush and contribute offensively set him apart, and he remains a beloved figure in Capitals history.
Goaltender
- Braden Holtby: Holtby’s heroics in net were pivotal to the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup victory. Known for his calm demeanor and clutch performances, Holtby solidified his place in franchise history with his consistent excellence and ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations.
The Significance of the Quarter-Century Teams
The selection of these players highlights the Capitals’ evolution over the past 25 years, from a competitive team to a Stanley Cup champion.The inclusion of Ovechkin,Bäckström,and Holtby underscores the importance of their contributions to the franchise’s most meaningful achievements,especially the 2018 Stanley Cup win. The defensemen, Carlson and Green, represent the team’s ability to balance offensive firepower with defensive stability.
The NHL All Quarter-Century Team
the six players selected for the First Team are now eligible for the NHL All Quarter-Century Team, which will be resolute through a fan vote launching in February. This honor not only recognizes individual excellence but also celebrates the collective impact these players have had on their teams and the league.
Conclusion
The Washington Capitals’ Quarter-Century Teams serve as a testament to the franchise’s rich history and the players who have shaped it. As the NHL commemorates it’s finest moments over the past 25 years, the Capitals’ selections reflect a legacy of excellence, resilience, and triumph. Fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly debate these choices, but one thing is clear: these players have left an indelible mark on the Capitals and the NHL.
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