In the world of the NHL, franchises have had their share of remarkable players whose contributions set them apart from their teammates. These standout athletes may include prolific scorers, skilled defensemen, or exceptional goaltenders. A select few of these players would be considered the all-time greats, often occupying a revered space reminiscent of a team's Mount Rushmore. For franchises with rich histories, narrowing the field down to just four players presents a significant challenge, while those with shorter histories may find this task simpler. The following analysis focuses on players active over the past 25 years, commencing from the 2000-01 season. This time frame allows for consideration of players more familiar to contemporary fans, taking into account their overall performance, postseason achievements, and the impact they had on their respective teams, as well as their popularity among fans during this period. Some of the players highlighted here may represent multiple franchises, reflecting careers spent with various teams, while others skated for relocated franchises such as the Atlanta Thrashers, now the Winnipeg Jets, and the Arizona Coyotes, now known as the Utah Mammoth.

Beginning with the Anaheim Ducks, the Mount Rushmore features Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf, who served as the longest-tenured captain in franchise history for 12 seasons, holds records with 1,157 games played, 737 assists, and a total of 1,019 points. Perry, a Hart Memorial Trophy and Maurice Richard Trophy recipient in the 2010-11 season, ranks second with 372 goals and third with 404 assists. Selänne, a Hall of Famer who spent 15 of his 21 seasons with the Ducks, is the franchise leader with 457 goals and sits second with 531 assists. Giguère leads the Ducks in wins and shutouts, accumulating 206 wins and 32 shutouts, and captured the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2023. All four played pivotal roles in securing the Stanley Cup for the Ducks in 2007.

Shifting to the Boston Bruins, the prominent figures are Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron is a six-time Frank J. Selke Trophy recipient and ranks third among Bruins in games played, goals, and points, with a tally of 1,294 games, 427 goals, and 1,040 points. Chára, another Hall of Famer, captained the team for 14 seasons and won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09. Pastrňák stands out as only the second player in Bruins history to score 60 goals in a season, winning the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2019-20 and ranking fourth among NHL scorers with 391 points since his debut in the 2014-15 campaign. Marchand, who was part of the 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team, ranks fourth among all Bruins in games played and goals with 1,090 games played and 422 goals, respectively.

For the Buffalo Sabres, the celebrated players include Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek. Miller, a Vezina Trophy winner in 2009-10, is the franchise leader for goaltenders, having played 540 games and recorded 284 wins. Pominville enjoyed a lengthy tenure with the Sabres, ranking eighth among franchise leaders in games played, assists, and points with 733 games played, 304 assists, and 521 points. Dahlin, the second all-time points leader among Sabres defensemen with 360 points, currently stands ninth with 277 assists. Vanek, who played the majority of his career in Buffalo, leads the team in goals since 2000-01, with 254, and ranks second with 497 points.

The Calgary Flames' Mount Rushmore includes Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. Hall of Famer Iginla leads the franchise with 1,219 games played, 525 goals, and 1,095 points, and earned the Maurice Richard Trophy twice in his career while also securing an Art Ross Trophy in 2001-02. Goaltender Kiprusoff, a Vezina Trophy winner in 2005-06, leads the Flames in various goaltending metrics, including 305 wins and 41 shutouts. Giordano, awarded the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2018-19, ranks third all-time in games played for the franchise and currently holds sixth in assists and tenth in points. Gaudreau, who won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2016-17, contributed significantly over his nine seasons with Calgary and ranks fifth all-time with 399 assists and 609 points.

Featuring in the history of the Carolina Hurricanes, the celebrated athletes are Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. A two-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, Brind'Amour ranks fourth among Hurricanes in assists, while Staal, a vital part of the 2006 Stanley Cup run, holds significant standings in goals, assists, and points, placing second on the franchise list. Slavin has made his mark by winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in two separate seasons and ranking fifth in games played. Aho has emerged as a leading scorer, currently sitting third on the franchise points list.

In the Chicago Blackhawks' legacy, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook are pivotal figures. Kane's accolades include the Calder Memorial Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, and multiple accolades for scoring, including the Hart Memorial Trophy. Toews, a Conn Smythe Trophy winner as well, has captained the team to multiple championships. Keith, another Hall of Famer, won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2015 and is a two-time recipient of the James Norris Memorial Trophy. Seabrook, with over 1,100 games played, contributed effectively within his defensive role, helping the Blackhawks secure championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

In Colorado, the Avalanche's icons include Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg. MacKinnon's accolades since joining the league include numerous trophies, highlighting his performance as one of the best in the league. Makar, who won the Calder Memorial Trophy and the Conn Smythe Trophy during his time, also claimed multiple Norris Trophies. Sakic remains a historical figure, recognized for capturing both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Lady Byng Trophy during the early 2000s, while Forsberg is revered for his key role in the franchise's past successes, including two Stanley Cup championships.

The Columbus Blue Jackets' Mount Rushmore includes Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, leads the franchise with significant goaltending records. Nash, notable for winning the Maurice Richard Trophy and holding the franchise record in goals, epitomizes the team's history. Werenski has begun establishing himself as one of the franchise’s top defensemen, while Jenner has made consistent contributions to the team's overall performance.

For the Dallas Stars, Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco represent the franchise's most notable players. Modano, an NHL Hall of Famer, leads the Stars in multiple key statistics, while Benn remains the only player to secure the Art Ross Trophy. Zubov, who also earned Hall of Fame accolades, adds valuable contributions as a prominent defenseman. Turco holds the franchise goaltending records, further solidifying their legacy.

The Detroit Red Wings feature legends such as Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström won the James Norris Memorial Trophy on multiple occasions and captained the team to significant triumphs. Yzerman's long tenure as captain includes leading the franchise to three Stanley Cups. Datsyuk's legacy includes multiple awards for sportsmanship, while Zetterberg’s contributions, including a Conn Smythe Trophy win, are well noted within the organization.

In Edmonton, the Oilers celebrate Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth. Since joining the league, McDavid has captured numerous prestigious awards and remains a vital player. Draisaitl's accolades include significant scoring titles, while Nugent-Hopkins has consistently performed for the team since his rookie season. Smyth, a longtime face of the franchise, made significant contributions during his lengthy career.

The Florida Panthers highlight Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo as cornerstone players. Barkov leads the franchise in key statistics, reflecting his impressive performance. Ekblad has established a strong presence on defense, while Huberdeau's scoring contributions remain evident among franchise leaders. Luongo's legacy as one of the top goaltenders further enhances the team's history.

In Los Angeles, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown represent the franchise's elite. Kopitar has emerged as a prominent player within the organization, Doughty adds to the team's defensive strength, and Quick's records in net solidify his status. Brown's leadership role and contributions to the franchise's successes provide a lasting impact.

The Minnesota Wild celebrate the impact of Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon. Koivu remains a significant figure due to his captaincy and overall contributions, while Gáborík is remembered as a significant goalscorer. Kaprizov has quickly made a name for himself amongst the franchise's best, and Spurgeon's influence continues to emerge, presently as the team's captain.

The Montreal Canadiens' excellence is marked by Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov. Price holds the franchise’s exclusive goaltending records and achieved remarkable accolades. Koivu's long-term tenure with the team established him as a significant asset, while Subban's dynamic presence earned him noteworthy awards. Markov's steadfastness provided important defensive support throughout his career.

In Nashville, Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber highlight the franchise’s achievements. Josi leads in numerous statistical categories, while Rinne's contributions in net remain unparalleled for the franchise. Forsberg's goalscoring milestones have effectively built his legacy, with Weber's status as a record-holder in plus-minus firmly establishing his place in history.

The New Jersey Devils look towards Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš for their Mount Rushmore. Brodeur remains a legendary figure, setting records as a goaltender while leading the Devils to multiple championships. Stevens' lengthy leadership adds to the team’s championship pedigree, as does Niedermayer's defensive prowess. Eliáš complements this legacy with significant scoring records.

The New York Islanders highlight John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal. Tavares stands out as an all-time scorer, while Nelson's contributions over time solidify his status. Lee’s impactful tenure has continued as captain, while Barzal emerged as a fan favorite through significant performances. The contributions of these players wills be vital to the team’s legacy.

In New York, the Rangers’ Mount Rushmore features Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox. Lundqvist, earning the nickname ‘King Henrik’, had a legendary tenure, reflecting his goaltending prowess. Panarin quickly established himself among the franchise's leading scorers, while Kreider and Fox both added athleticism and skill, recently helping the team achieve playoff success.

The Ottawa Senators celebrate the careers of Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden. Alfredsson spent the majority of his era in Ottawa, establishing several franchise records. Karlsson, notable for his Norris Trophy triumphs, found success at the franchise level, and Spezza's consistent scoring solidified his standing. Redden’s presence propelled the team forward during key seasons.

In Philadelphia, Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné represent key figures in the team’s history. Giroux is celebrated for his leadership and playmaking, while Couturier’s contributions as a two-way player remain noteworthy. Voráček’s scoring ability established him as an important facet of the franchise, while Gagné’s tenured presence reinforced the team’s scoring.

The Pittsburgh Penguins highlight Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang. Crosby, widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest players, carries numerous accolades, including multiple Hart and Art Ross trophies. Malkin is renowned for crucial playoff performances, while Fleury stands as the franchise leader in goaltending metrics. Letang’s contributions on both ends of the ice underscore his significance to the team’s recent successes.

The San Jose Sharks acknowledge Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov as franchise greats. Marleau and Thornton are leaders in games played and scoring metrics, while Burns made significant defensive contributions during crucial periods. Nabokov stands out as an early franchise goaltender while possessing remarkable records during his tenure.

The Seattle Kraken celebrate Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson as their top players. McCann's impressive goal total recently established him as the franchise's scoring leader, while Dunn continues to bolster their defensive lines. Eberle adds considerable scoring capabilities, and Larsson’s durability and consistent play anchor the team’s efforts.

Finally, the St. Louis Blues highlight Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko. Pietrangelo’s captaincy and leadership led the team to its first Stanley Cup victory, while O'Reilly's impact during his tenure is strongly noted. Pronger’s defensive abilities earned widespread recognition, while Tarasenko remains a significant goalscorer in franchise history.

In conclusion, the players selected for this condensed Mount Rushmore of NHL franchises embody not only individual success but also the collective memory and legacy built across decades. These athletes contributed to transformative moments in franchise history and connected deeply with fans, creating a lasting impact on the sport itself.