"Get rid of Dion the Pylon", "Get Kessel off there": NHL fans vexed by Toronto Maple Leafs Quarter-Century team selections

As the world welcomed the new year 2025, the NHL marked a significant milestone – a quarter century of action on the ice in the 21st century. To commemorate this achievement, the league introduced Quarter-Century Teams for each of its 32 franchises. On Saturday, the NHL unveiled the Toronto Maple Leafs Quarter-Century team.

As one of the oldest and most prestigious NHL franchises, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been an integral part of the league since the inaugural 1917-18 season. With a record 13 Stanley Cup championships, they trail only the Montreal Canadiens. Although the team has endured the longest Stanley Cup drought in NHL history, spanning 57 seasons, they remain a formidable force with the most dedicated fan base.

The unveiled team is a mix of outstanding former players and current stars who have left an indelible mark on the team in this century. The Toronto Maple Leafs' first team features legendary Mats Sundin alongside current captain Auston Matthews and 27-year-old right-wing Mitch Marner.

In the defensemen category, former Czech player Tomas Kaberle (1998-2011) is paired with current player Morgan Rielly, who has been with the team since his debut in the 2012-13 season. Ed Belfour is selected as the goaltender.

The second team includes three-time Stanley Cup champion Phil Kessel, who played for Toronto from 2009-2015, alongside current stars John Tavares and Swedish right-wing William Nylander. In the defensemen category, former players Bryan McCabe (2000-2008) and three-time NHL All-Star Dion Phaneuf (2009-2016) are featured.

Curtis Joseph is chosen as the goaltender for his impressive stint with the team from 1998-2002, during which he achieved a 133-88-27 record and a .912 save percentage.

The NHL's announcement of the Toronto Maple Leafs' Quarter-Century Team sparked widespread nostalgia and excitement among fans on social media.

"Very happy to see @Cujo and McCabe", wrote one fan.

"Solid choices overall", noted one fan.

"F*** YEAH PHIL KESSEL MADE IT", wrote another fan.

The NHL's Quarter-Century Team was selected by a panel of esteemed experts, comprising broadcasters, former players, and local, national, and NHL writers who have extensively covered the franchise.

The team features two six-player lineups: a First Team and a Second Team, each consisting of three forwards, two defensemen and a goaltender. To be eligible for selection, players must have played for their respective franchise after January 1, 2000.

However, the inclusion of certain players and the omission of some popular names have sparked discussion among Toronto Maple Leafs fans. Many have expressed their disappointment with the selected team, fueling debate and discussion among the devoted fan base.

"Get Kessel off there", wrote on fan.

"Remove Rielly and insert McCabe. Rielly is a bum", wrote another fan.

"The fact Tanev isn’t on this list is not okay with me," one fan wrote.

"Muzzin should be over Phaneuf," another fan added.

"Get rid of Dion the Pylon", exclaimed one fan.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews named to Quarter-Century team, set to return against the Boston Bruins

Toronto Maple Leafs v Dallas Stars - Source: Getty

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is poised to return to the lineup ahead of Saturday's rivalry game against the Boston Bruins. Matthews had missed the previous six games due to a re-aggravated upper-body injury.

The news comes on the heels of the announcement of the Toronto Maple Leafs' Quarter-Century Team, which features Matthews alongside legendary Maple Leafs Mats Sundin, Tomas Kaberle and Ed Belfour on the First Team.

Despite missing 15 games this season, Matthews has had a remarkable campaign, producing 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in just 24 games. The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, boast an impressive overall record of 24-13-2, solidifying their position atop the Atlantic Division.