Each NHL team has had its share of players whose accomplishments stand out among their teammates, whether they be scoring forwards, skilled defensemen, or exceptional goaltenders. Among these players, a select few can be considered the best in franchise history, earning a place on a hypothetical Mount Rushmore representing their team’s top four players all time. For teams with lengthy histories, narrowing the field to just four players can pose a challenge, while for those with shorter histories, the selection process may be more straightforward. This analysis focuses on the period spanning the last 25 years of NHL history, beginning with the 2000-01 season, to ensure familiarity for today’s fans based on overall performance, postseason success, and the players' overall value to their teams during this era.

Several players on this list may appear on the Mount Rushmore of multiple teams, as their careers may have included time with various clubs. Additionally, players from relocated teams such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets) and the Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Mammoth) are also included. This examination highlights notable players from various franchises, beginning with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks, continuing to institutions like the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, and others.

In Anaheim, players such as Getzlaf, who served as captain for 12 seasons, and Perry, who excelled during his time with the team, played crucial roles in leading the Ducks to a Stanley Cup victory in 2007. The Boston Bruins' Mount Rushmore features six-time Selke Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron and captain Zdeno Chára, both integral to the team’s 2011 Stanley Cup championship. Other franchises are represented, with standout performances noted and accolades acknowledged, rendering a comprehensive list of athletes that have shaped the league over the past quarter-century.