Each NHL team has a collection of players whose achievements have distinguished them among their peers. These players, whether they be scoring forwards, skilled defensemen, or exceptional goaltenders, often find themselves representing the very best of their respective franchises. In the context of teams with extensive histories, narrowing down to just four players presents a considerable challenge. Conversely, teams with shorter histories may have an easier time drafting their lists. This analysis focuses on players from the last 25 years of NHL history, starting from the 2000-01 season, ensuring that selections reflect the familiarity and impact these individuals have had on contemporary fans. Criteria for inclusion include overall performance, postseason achievements, and their standing as fan favorites within that time frame. Notably, some players may appear on multiple teams' lists due to career transitions and others have played for relocated franchises, such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets) and the Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Mammoth).

For the Anaheim Ducks, the Mount Rushmore comprises Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf, the franchise's longest-serving captain with 12 seasons, leads the Ducks with 1,157 games played, 737 assists, and 1,019 points. Perry, a notable player from the 2010-11 season, is a former recipient of both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy, ranking second with 372 goals and third with 404 assists. Selänne, who spent 15 of his 21 NHL seasons with the Ducks, is the franchise's all-time leader with 457 goals. Giguère adds to this distinguished group as the franchise leader with 206 wins and 32 shutouts, having been awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2023 for his performance in the playoffs. These players played crucial roles in leading the Ducks to their historic Stanley Cup victory in 2007.

The Boston Bruins also boast an impressive Mount Rushmore featuring Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. A six-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, Bergeron ranks third among the Bruins in games played, goals, and points with 1,294 games, 427 goals, and 1,040 points, respectively. Chára, a Hall of Famer, notably led the Bruins as captain for 14 seasons and secured the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09. Both players were pivotal in Boston's 2011 Stanley Cup triumph. Pastrňák made history as only the second Bruin to net at least 60 goals in a season, earning the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2019-20. Marchand, a key component of the 2011 championship team, ranks fourth among Bruins in games played and goals with 1,090 games and 422 goals.

Moving on to the Buffalo Sabres, their Mount Rushmore includes Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek. Miller, awarded the Vezina Trophy in 2009-10, leads all franchise goaltenders with a record 540 games played and 284 wins. Pominville spent a majority of his NHL career with the Sabres, ranking eighth among franchise leaders. Dahlin is noteworthy for being second in total points among Sabres defensemen, while Vanek leads post-2000 scorers with 254 goals and sits second in franchise points.

For the Calgary Flames, the Mount Rushmore showcases Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. Iginla, a Hall of Famer, leads the franchise in games played, goals, and points, winning multiple awards including the Maurice Richard Trophy twice. Kiprusoff stands as the goaltending leader, being the recipient of the Vezina Trophy in 2005-06. Giordano's accolades include the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2019-20, while Gaudreau is celebrated for his significant contributions during his nine seasons with the Flames.

The Carolina Hurricanes' selections include Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. Brind'Amour's accolades include being a two-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner and captaining the team to their Stanley Cup victory in 2005-06. Staal was part of the same Cup-winning team and ranks second in several franchise categories. Slavin, who has won multiple accolades, and Aho, a future star, round out this esteemed group of players.

Representing the Chicago Blackhawks are Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. Kane's accolades include the Calder Memorial Trophy and the Hart Trophy, while Toews has also won prestigious awards including the Conn Smythe Trophy. Keith, a Hall of Famer, played an instrumental role in the team's recent championships. Seabrook, another key player in the Blackhawks' successes, rounds out their Mount Rushmore.

For the Colorado Avalanche, players Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg are focal points. MacKinnon has enjoyed a prestigious career post-2016, earning multiple awards including the Hart Trophy. Makar, the recipient of several accolades, including the James Norris Memorial Trophy, is leading a new wave of talent in Colorado. The legendary Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg, each champions during their time, round out this formidable group.

The Columbus Blue Jackets feature Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky is a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, while Nash leaves a significant legacy as the franchise's goal and point leader. Werenski’s achievements include being a Norris Trophy runner-up and Jenner's notable contributions secure his spot on this list.

The Dallas Stars' Mount Rushmore encapsulates Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco. Modano, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, is considered the franchise leader. Benn and Zubov both add historical significance, while Turco's records in the crease make him a franchise standout.

For the Detroit Red Wings, legends Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg claim their spots. Lidström’s achievements include being a multiple-time Norris Trophy winner, while Yzerman captained the Red Wings through several championships. Both Datsyuk and Zetterberg continue to resonate with fans in terms of skill and leadership.

The Edmonton Oilers highlight Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth as their top players. McDavid's accolades are numerous, including multiple Hart Trophies, sharing the spotlight with Draisaitl, who has also made his mark in the NHL. Nugent-Hopkins and Smyth each established themselves as true contributors to the franchise's legacy.

Florida Panthers representatives include Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo. Barkov is notable for his numerous assists, while Ekblad represents strong defensive talent. Huberdeau continues to add to his franchise point total, while Luongo remains the club's goaltender leader.

In Los Angeles, the Kings feature Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown. Kopitar leads several franchise categories, most notably in assists, while Doughty has produced several noteworthy seasons. Quick holds records in the goaltending department and Brown, known for his leadership, has made significant contributions since joining the team.

For the Minnesota Wild, the spotlight is on Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon. Koivu was the team's longest-serving captain with substantial contributions, while Gáborík remains a standout overall scorer. Kaprizov, a recent Calder Trophy winner, shows promise for the franchise's future alongside current captain Spurgeon.

In Montreal, Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov are the key players for the franchise. Price holds several goaltending records, Koivu ranks high on the assist list, while both Subban and Markov earned their respected titles during their tenures.

The Nashville Predators’ selections include Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Josi's remarkable performances as captain stand out, while Rinne is celebrated for his Vezina-winning achievements. Forsberg and Weber were crucial during their time, with Weber leaving an everlasting impact on the franchise.

The New Jersey Devils acknowledge Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš. Brodeur is recognized as the all-time leader in several goaltending categories throughout his tenure. Stevens and Niedermayer played integral roles during championships and Eliáš solidified his status over the years.

For the New York Islanders, John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal symbolize their Mount Rushmore. Tavares ranks high among the scoring leaders, while Nelson and Lee add strong depth to the squad alongside the promising Barzal.

The New York Rangers’ roster includes Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox. Lundqvist’s remarkable goaltending defines the franchise while Panarin and Kreider support the scoring efforts. Fox, having won the Norris Trophy, exemplifies defensive skill.

The Ottawa Senators select Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden as franchise leaders. Alfredsson excelled as a long-serving captain while Karlsson led in defensive scoring. Spezza and Redden each provided significant contributions over their careers.

For the Philadelphia Flyers, key players include Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné. Giroux served as team captain for years and remains a top figure in franchise scoring, while Couturier and Voráček add depth with remarkable offensive capabilities. Gagné continues to be a fan favorite from his impactful years.

The Pittsburgh Penguins feature Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang. Crosby’s accolades as the franchise leader showcase his dominance in the sport, while Malkin matches his talent with significant awards. Fleury is remembered for his goaltending legacy, and Letang remains a key player on the blueline.

The San Jose Sharks highlight Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov. Marleau set numerous franchise records, while Thornton’s presence was electric. Burns contributed significantly on both ends of the ice, and Nabokov remains a top goaltending figure.

For the Seattle Kraken, Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson lead the franchise. McCann holds their single-season record for goals, while Dunn’s assist totals are notable. Eberle provides solid offensive depth and Larsson proves to be dependable on defense.

With the St. Louis Blues, Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko fill the Mount Rushmore. Pietrangelo captained the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2018-19, while O'Reilly’s impact is remembered fondly by the fans. Pronger, a recognized Hall of Famer, holds many accolades, and Tarasenko remains a scoring leader.

Lastly, the Tampa Bay Lightning acknowledge Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman. Stamkos leads the franchise in goals and points, while Kucherov secures multiple awards. St. Louis is remembered as a pivotal figure in franchise history, with Hedman solidifying a top-tier defense.

The Toronto Maple Leafs honor Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly on their Mount Rushmore. Matthews holds impressive records, while Sundin remains a legendary figure. Marner’s contributions are significant, and Rielly adds strength on the blue line.

The Utah Mammoth (formerly the Arizona Coyotes) select Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov as key players. Doan, an original franchise member, is their all-time leader in numerous categories. Keller and Ekman-Larsson represent both past and present talents, while Bryzgalov excelled in goal.

The Vancouver Canucks feature Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes. The Sedins are recognized for their induction into the Hall of Fame, while Näslund’s impact is also noted. Hughes received the Norris Trophy, cementing his place in franchise lore.

Lastly, the Vegas Golden Knights highlight Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel. Fleury’s key moments in achieving team milestones are vital, while Marchessault is instrumental in their offensive success. Theodore and Eichel each made notable contributions to their championship run.