Two Boston Bruins legends made ESPN’s list of the best players of the 21st century.

The Boston Bruins have been one of the most successful teams of the 21st century, as their league-leading 1,020 regular-season wins since 1999-2000 and 2011 Stanley Cup effectively demonstrate. They also have had the fewest regular-season losses in the 21st century, with 601.

A major reason for the Bruins’ success has been their star talent. Because of this, ESPN ranked the top 25 NHL players of the 21st century, and two Bruins legends, Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara, made the cut.

Bergeron secured the No. 10 spot on ESPN’s list, which is justifiable. The 2003 second-round pick was the most dominant two-way center of his generation, winning an NHL-record six Selke Trophies over his 19-year, Hall-of-Fame-worthy career.

Bergeron did not show any signs of slowing down at the end of his career, either, as he remained the Bruins’ 1C in his final season in 2022-23. He also ended his career with back-to-back Selke Trophy wins.

Chara finished right below Bergeron at the No. 11 spot. The longtime Bruins captain was the NHL’s most dominant shutdown defenseman for a significant portion of his career, but especially during his days as a Bruin. It was why the 6-foot-9 defender secured the Norris Trophy in 2009 and was a six-time All-Star. He also, of course, captained the Bruins to their 2011 Stanley Cup.

Without Chara leading the Bruins’ blueline, they would have never emerged into their longtime contender status. It is why he is currently the greatest Bruins free-agent signing in franchise history.

Two future Hall of Famers who were also Bruins also made ESPN’s list: Joe Thornton (No. 14 spot) and Jarome Iginla (No. 20 spot).

Thornton is a notable part of the Bruins’ history, as he was their captain from 2002-03 until he was traded to the San Jose Sharks in 2005-06. Overall, he was a pretty outstanding talent for the Bruins, but he will forever be known as a Shark. This is because he spent 15 years in San Jose and became the most incredible talent in their franchise’s history.

As for Iginla, his time as a Bruin was brief, as he played just the 2013-14 season with the Original Six club. While this was the case, he was still a very impactful forward that late in his career, posting 30 goals and 61 points in 78 games.

Iginla, of course, became a Hall of Famer because of his outstanding 16-year tenure with the Calgary Flames.