Within the rich history of the National Hockey League (NHL), each team features a selection of players whose contributions have significantly outshone their teammates. These players may include prolific scorers, skilled defensemen, or standout goaltenders. Among these athletes, several stand out as the very best and merit a place on what could be considered each team's 'Mount Rushmore' of top-four players. While teams with extensive histories may find it challenging to select just four players, teams with shorter legacies have a more manageable pool from which to choose.

This discussion focuses on the last 25 years of NHL history, beginning with the 2000-01 season. The players highlighted are likely more recognizable to contemporary fans due to their overall performance, postseason achievements, and their value to their respective clubs during this timeframe. Some notables may feature on the Mount Rushmore of more than one team, reflecting careers that spanned multiple franchises. Additionally, players from relocated teams, such as the Atlanta Thrashers—now the Winnipeg Jets—and Arizona Coyotes, now the Utah Mammoth, are acknowledged within this context.

The Anaheim Ducks' Mount Rushmore features Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf, the longest-serving captain in Ducks history, is the franchise leader in games played, assists, and points. Perry, a former Hart and Maurice Richard Trophy winner, ranks second in goals and third in assists for the team. Selänne, a Hall of Famer, is recognized as the franchise leader in goals scored, while Giguère, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy, leads in wins and shutouts. These four played crucial roles in securing the Stanley Cup for the Ducks in 2007.

For the Boston Bruins, Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand represent their elite players. Bergeron, a six-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, ranks third in games played and points for the Bruins. Chára, a Hall of Famer and captain for 14 seasons, also garnered a James Norris Memorial Trophy. Pastrňák, recognized for his goal-scoring prowess, became only the second Bruin to score 60 goals in a season. Marchand, who shared in Boston's 2011 Stanley Cup triumph, is fourth all-time in games played and goals for the franchise.

The Buffalo Sabres' Mount Rushmore is highlighted by Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek. Miller, a Vezina Trophy winner, is the franchise leader in games played and wins among goaltenders. Pominville, known for his time spent with the Sabres, ranks eighth in franchise assists and points. Dahlin is noted for his scoring ability among defensemen, while Vanek tops the franchise in goals since 2000-01.

The Calgary Flames include Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau on their list. Iginla, a Hall of Famer, leads the Flames in games played and goals. Kiprusoff, a former Vezina Trophy winner, holds several franchise goaltending records. Giordano, who won the Norris Trophy, ranks third in games played and points, while Gaudreau has made a significant offensive impact.

For the Carolina Hurricanes, Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho represent their top talents. Brind'Amour, a two-time Selke Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion, ranks in the franchise’s top assists and points. Staal, who contributed to the 2006 Cup win, is second in goals and total points. Slavin, who has also received accolades, rounds out this elite group alongside Aho, a burgeoning scoring leader.

The Chicago Blackhawks' impactful players include Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. Kane, a multi-time trophy winner, leads the franchise in games played and points. Toews has been instrumental alongside Kane in their successes, and both were pivotal in multiple Stanley Cup victories. Keith, a Hall of Famer, and Seabrook played key parts in the team's achievements.

The Colorado Avalanche's Mount Rushmore features Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg. MacKinnon has been awarded several honors since his debut, with Makar also making his mark as a recent standout in the league. Historic players Sakic and Forsberg, both Hall of Famers, secured multiple championships for the franchise, and their contributions are similarly recognized in this discussion.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are represented by Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky's accolades as a goaltender include Vezina victories, while Nash is a franchise scoring leader. Werenski's achievements highlight his defensive prowess, and Jenner remains a mainstay in the lineup.

The Dallas Stars’ significant figures include Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco. Modano, a Hall of Famer, holds the franchise records in several statistical categories. Benn, notable for achieving goals and points milestones, Zubov, an excellent defenseman, and Turco, a strong goaltender, complete this group.

The Detroit Red Wings’ Mount Rushmore showcases Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström’s reputation extends beyond his Norris Trophies to his historic captaincy and impactful leadership. Yzerman also achieved significant success as captain. Datsyuk and Zetterberg contributed immensely to the franchise's offensive success.

For the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth are key players. McDavid has broken records and achieved numerous accolades. Draisaitl is also recognized for his scoring while Nugent-Hopkins remains central to the franchise, alongside Smyth, a long-standing player for the Oilers.

The Florida Panthers feature Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo. Barkov’s all-around skills shine, while Ekblad is recognized for his impact as a defenseman. Huberdeau has been a strong scoring presence, and Luongo remains a franchise goaltending leader.

The Los Angeles Kings honor Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown. Kopitar's leadership is evident in his games played and assists, while Doughty, a Norris Trophy winner, also contributes greatly on defense. Quick, as a goaltender, and Brown, a long-serving captain, round out this impressive core.

The Minnesota Wild's notable players include Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon. Koivu's long tenure provided stability, while Gáborík is recognized for scoring. Kaprizov’s impactful play in recent seasons along with Spurgeon’s contributions highlight their importance.

The Montreal Canadiens are represented by Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov. Price stands out in net with significant franchise records, while Koivu had a long and impactful career. Subban's dynamic play and Markov's defensive efforts are also recognized.

In Nashville, Alex Pietrangelo, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber represent the franchise’s talent. Pietrangelo was crucial to the franchise's Stanley Cup win, while Rinne is noted as a Hart and Vezina winner among goaltenders. Forsberg and Weber are recognized for their significant contributions on the ice.

The New Jersey Devils highlight Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš. Brodeur’s dominance in goal is unmatched, while Stevens and Niedermayer were elite defenders contributing to Stanley Cup victories. Eliáš stands out as a leading scorer in franchise history.

The New York Islanders have John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal among their elite players. Tavares holds a strong scoring record, with Nelson and Lee contributing significantly to the team's success. Barzal has emerged as a key player since his Calder win.

For the New York Rangers, Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox are key figures. Lundqvist, known for his time in net with franchise-best numbers, leads in several categories, while Panarin has quickly made an impact. Kreider and Fox also contribute to the team's overall success.

In Ottawa, Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden are recognized. Alfredsson’s long career defined franchise history, while Karlsson’s presence on defense helped shape the team’s success during his tenure. Spezza and Redden have also left strong legacies.

Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné represent the Philadelphia Flyers. Giroux's significant contributions throughout his career earned him captains' accolades, while Couturier and Voráček played key roles in sustaining the team’s competitive edge. Gagné’s scoring prowess is also acknowledged.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' notable talents include Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang. Crosby's leadership and accolades mark him as a notable figure in franchise history, while Malkin’s offensive accolades reflect his scoring ability. Fleury and Letang contributed to multiple Stanley Cup wins.

The San Jose Sharks honor Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov. Marleau’s lengthy tenure with the franchise is notable, while Thornton also had a significant impact. Burns and Nabokov formed key pillars of success for the Sharks.

The Seattle Kraken's early talents include Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson. McCann’s and Dunn's recent achievements highlight their early performances in the franchise's history, with Eberle and Larsson also contributing significantly to the team's foundation.

The St. Louis Blues celebrate Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko. Pietrangelo's leadership during their Stanley Cup victory is complemented by O'Reilly’s key contributions. Pronger is noted for his historic defensive contributions while Tarasenko remains a scoring force.

Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman are recognized from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Stamkos’ goalscoring prowess and leadership reflect notable franchise records, while Kucherov’s scoring achievements also stand out. St. Louis and Hedman’s contributions helped shape the team's successes.

The Toronto Maple Leafs honor Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly. Matthews has set single-season records, while Sundin remains a franchise leader. Marner and Rielly have both made substantial contributions to the team's ongoing success.

Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov represent the Utah Mammoth, formerly the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes. Doan’s career with the franchise highlights his leadership, while Keller and Ekman-Larsson continue to build on their legacies.

The Vancouver Canucks feature Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes. The Sedins are recognized for their accolades and scoring, while Näslund’s contributions enhance their legacy. Hughes’ recent achievements spotlight the next generation of Canucks players.

Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights showcase Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel. Fleury’s goaltending helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Final, while Marchessault played a key role in the franchise's early success. Theodore and Eichel’s contributions continue to shape the team's future.

These players not only exemplify the impact of individual talent but also the spirit of teamwork that has defined the NHL over the past 25 years.