"What an awful collection of players for 25 years of puck": NHL fans react to Arizona Coyotes Quarter-Century teams 

As the new year 2025 dawns, the NHL marked a quarter century of action on the ice. To commemorate this milestone, the league introduced Quarter-Century Teams for each of its current and former franchises, including the now-defunct Arizona Coyotes.

The Coyotes, originally established as the Winnipeg Jets in 1971, joined the World Hockey Association (WHA) before being absorbed into the NHL in 1979. The team played under the Jets name until 1996 when it relocated to the Phoenix metropolitan area and was rebranded as the Phoenix Coyotes. The team underwent another name change on June 27, 2014, becoming the Arizona Coyotes.

Despite a dedicated fan base, the franchise faced years of ownership turmoil, arena disputes, and relocation rumors, ultimately leading to the suspension of hockey operations following the 2023-24 season. This decision left fans who had supported the team for nearly five decades feeling disappointed and disillusioned.

However, on Wednesday, the NHL's surprise announcement of the Arizona Coyotes' Quarter-Century Team sparked an outpouring of nostalgia from fans on X/Twitter:

"We haven't forgotten. Bring back our team. #yotes", wrote one fan.

"Ok, the league hasn’t entirely forgotten the Yotes, they acknowledged us, that’s… fine? Please tho, can you just bring the Coyotes back?", questioned one fan.

"Looking at all those Hall of Famers it's amazing that things didn't work out...", wrote another fan.

The NHL's Quarter Century Team was selected by a panel of experts, including 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 comprising three forwards, two defensemen and a goalie. To be eligible, players must have suited up for the franchise after Jan. 1, 2000.

However, the omission of several popular players from the list has sparked controversy among Coyotes fans, with many expressing their disappointment and discontent with the selected team.

"Hmmm...where's Tkachuk, Zhamnov, Khabibulin? Whoever made this list isn't a serious person!", wrote one fan.

"What an awful collection of players for 25 years of puck", reacted one fan.

"Whoever picked these clearly never paid attention. Roenick and Numminen on the second team? No Derek Morris? Turnover Yandle ?", another fan wrote.

Quarter-Century Team: Who made the cut for Arizona Coyotes?

NHL: Arizona Coyotes at Florida Panthers - Source: Imagn

On Wednesday, the NHL surprised Arizona Coyotes fans with the announcement of the team's Quarter-Century Team. While the news sparked an immediate outpouring of nostalgia, many fans also expressed disappointment upon discovering their favorite players had been left off the list. Here's a look at some notable names who made the cut:

The First Team forwards include Shane Doan, the former captain and all-time franchise leader in games (1,254), goals (369), assists (521) and points (890). Clayton Keller, a left-winger who played for the Coyotes from 2017 to 2024 and currently captains the Utah Hockey Club, also made the cut. Rounding out the forwards is Radim Vrbata, who played three seasons with the Coyotes.

The defensive unit features Oliver Ekrikman-Larsson, now with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Mike Smith earned the nod as goalie.

The Second Team boasts an impressive lineup, including Hall of Famer Jeremy Roenick, Nick Schmaltz, and Martin Hanzal, who ranks second in games played with the Arizona Coyotes in the 21st century (608).

Zbynek Michalek, who had three stints with the Coyotes between 2005-2017, also made the team, along with Teppo Numminen and Ilya Bryzgalov, a goalie who played four seasons with the Coyotes.

What did you think of the NHL's Quarter-Century Team for the Arizona Cardinals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.