The NHL plans to name an All 21st Century Team for each of its 32 franchises, including the Chicago Blackhawks. This initiative coincides with the quarter-century mark since 2000, highlighting the team’s highs and lows over the past 25 years. Under Rocky Wirtz’s leadership, the Blackhawks transformed from one of the league’s worst-run organizations to a championship-winning team, claiming three Stanley Cups. The selection process for the all-century team involves identifying standout players, with notable names already being considered for both forwards and defensemen.
By the Numbers
- Patrick Kane has been a central figure, contributing significantly to the Blackhawks with over 1,000 points in his career.
- Corey Crawford leads as the top goaltender since 2000, with 260 regular-season wins.
State of Play
- The ongoing selection of the all-century team is generating discussions among Blackhawks fans and analysts.
- Key players being debated include Sullivan, DeBrincat, and Kruger for forward positions.
What’s Next
The NHL will finalize and announce the All 21st Century Teams, sparking further debates among fans and possibly influencing future roster decisions. Continued discussions about player legacies and their contributions to the franchise will emerge as the process evolves.
Bottom Line
The selection of the Blackhawks All 21st Century Team marks an opportunity to reflect on the franchise’s resilience and successes. It reinforces the importance of both historical performance and fan sentiment when considering player legacies in professional sports.