Each NHL franchise boasts a combination of players whose individual achievements have distinguished them among their peers. These players can be dynamic forwards, skilled defensemen, or exceptional goaltenders, forming a select group that is often regarded as the most elite in the franchise’s history. For those teams with a rich legacy, the task of narrowing the list to just four standout players can be particularly challenging. In contrast, teams with shorter histories may find this selection process more straightforward. This analysis focuses on players who have made their mark over the past 25 years, beginning with the 2000-01 NHL season. The featured players are recognized for their significant contributions to their respective teams, on-ice achievements, postseason accolades, and the affection they garnered from fans during this time period. It is worth noting that some individuals may appear on multiple teams' Mount Rushmore selections due to their career spans being divided across different franchises. Relocated teams, such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets) and the Arizona Coyotes, are also represented in this list.

Starting with the Anaheim Ducks, notable players include Ryan Getzlaf, a center who spent 12 seasons as the longest-serving captain in team history. Getzlaf also holds franchise records with 1,157 games played, 737 assists, and 1,019 points. Alongside him, Corey Perry, a right wing who captured both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy during the 2010-11 season, ranks second in franchise history with 372 goals and third with 404 assists. Another Ducks icon is Teemu Selänne, a Hall of Famer whose 15 seasons in Anaheim resulted in a franchise-leading 457 goals. Jean-Sébastien Giguère, also an essential piece of the Ducks' 2007 Stanley Cup-winning team, stands as the franchise leader in wins (206) and shutouts (32). Each of these players played pivotal roles on the Ducks' journey to their championship.

In Boston, key figures encompass Patrice Bergeron, a six-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, and Zdeno Chára, the enduring captain who directed the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2011. Bergeron's contributions place him third among all Bruins with 1,294 games played, 427 goals, and 1,040 points, while Chára is recognized as a Hall of Famer and won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09. David Pastrňák, only the second player in Bruins history to reach the 60-goal milestone in a season, further enhances Boston's offensive legacy. Additionally, Brad Marchand, another member of the Bruins’ 2011 championship team, ranks fourth among the franchise's all-time leaders.

Shifting focus to the Buffalo Sabres, Ryan Miller, a Vezina Trophy winner in 2009-10, leads the franchise in wins and games played for goalies. Jason Pominville, spending the bulk of his career in Buffalo, ranks eighth in franchise scoring. Rasmus Dahlin, one of the prominent defensemen, sits second among Buffalo defenders in points, while Thomas Vanek is noted for his goal-scoring prowess, leading the Sabres since 2000-01.

The Calgary Flames’ Mount Rushmore features Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, who holds franchise records with 1,219 games played, 525 goals, and 1,095 points. Miikka Kiprusoff, known for his Vezina Trophy-winning season, established himself as a foundational player for Calgary’s success as well. Defensively, Mark Giordano, recently honored with the James Norris Memorial Trophy, and forward Johnny Gaudreau, a Lady Byng Trophy recipient, round out this distinguished group.

For the Carolina Hurricanes, Rod Brind'Amour and Eric Staal contributed significantly to the team's 2006 Stanley Cup championship. Brind'Amour stands as a two-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy. Jaccob Slavin has quickly ascended in franchise lore, while Sebastian Aho has cemented himself among the top scorers in the team's history.

The Chicago Blackhawks' success during the late 2000s is epitomized by the contributions of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. Kane is a well-decorated player, having won multiple awards including the Conn Smythe Trophy during the team's 2013 championship run, while Keith and Seabrook provided crucial defensive support. Toews also earned his accolades, including the Frank J. Selke Trophy, in a star-studded lineup that secured multiple Stanley Cups.

Colorado Avalanche players Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar represent a new generation of talent, joining the ranks of legendary figures like Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg. Both MacKinnon and Makar have achieved recognition through numerous awards and played key roles in the Avalanche's recent Stanley Cup success.

In Columbus, Sergei Bobrovsky made his mark as a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, leading several goaltending records for the franchise. Rick Nash, historically a top scorer for the Blue Jackets, alongside defenseman Zach Werenski and Boone Jenner form a significant part of Columbus' Mount Rushmore.

The Dallas Stars are represented by Mike Modano, a Hall of Famer known for his scoring ability and leadership, Jamie Benn, who won the Art Ross Trophy, Sergei Zubov, known for his defensive skill set, and Marty Turco, a reliable goaltender. This quartet showcases the strength of Dallas' history.

The Detroit Red Wings' Mount Rushmore includes legends like Nicklas Lidström, who led the team both on and off the ice as a captain. Lidström's seven Norris Trophies mark him as one of the best defensemen in NHL history. Steve Yzerman, a key figure in the franchise’s success, and fellow Hall of Famers Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg solidified the team's dominance in the early 2000s.

Connor McDavid leads the Edmonton Oilers' Mount Rushmore, showcasing his exceptional talent, highlighted by multiple awards. Leon Draisaitl complements the lineup, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Ryan Smyth add depth to the team's storied history.

The Florida Panthers highlight Aleksander Barkov, a multi-time Selke Trophy winner, alongside Aaron Ekblad and Jonathan Huberdeau as they work to establish the franchise's competitive identity. Roberto Luongo, a legendary goaltender, rounds out this group, bringing his wealth of experience.

The Los Angeles Kings are defined by the contributions of Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown, who provided key moments during the franchise's successful runs to the Cup.

In Minnesota, fans honor Mikko Koivu as the longest-serving captain, with Marián Gáborík being one of the team's first stars. Kirill Kaprizov has quickly made an impact, alongside Jared Spurgeon as the current captain.

The Montreal Canadiens feature Carey Price, a franchise icon recognized for his consistent performance, alongside Saku Koivu, a long-serving captain, and standout defensemen P.K. Subban and Andrei Markov.

Nashville Predators’ prominent figures include Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, and Filip Forsberg who contributed to the franchise's growth, with Josi representing leadership on defense and Rinne as an elite goaltender.

Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš form an iconic quartet for the New Jersey Devils, each contributing to the franchise’s multiple Stanley Cup victories.

In New York, the Islanders celebrate John Tavares alongside more recent stars such as Brock Nelson and Mathew Barzal, marking a transition into a new era.

Henrik Lundqvist leads the New York Rangers' roster of stars, with Artemi Panarin emerging as a top scorer, supported by contributors like Chris Kreider and Adam Fox.

The Ottawa Senators honor Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden, creating a lasting legacy in franchise history.

Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné represent the Philadelphia Flyers as influential figures in the franchise's story.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' legacy is heavily tied to Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang, highlighting their significant contributions to championship successes.

From the San Jose Sharks, Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton are recognized for their long and productive careers, while Brent Burns and Evgeni Nabokov also contributed to the team's achievements.

The Seattle Kraken spotlight Jared McCann as a franchise leader in goals and points, with Vince Dunn and Jordan Eberle supporting a promising foundation.

The St. Louis Blues see Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko recognized for their contributions during pivotal moments in the franchise's history.

Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman represent the Tampa Bay Lightning, with their accolades underscoring their role in the team's modern success.

The Toronto Maple Leafs honor Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly, showcasing the blend of historic and contemporary talents.

Lastly, the Arizona Mammoth, formerly the Phoenix Coyotes, recognize Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, and Ilya Bryzgalov, reflecting a legacy of resilience and dedication.

The Vancouver Canucks are exemplified by the Sedin twins—Henrik and Daniel—along with Markus Näslund and Quinn Hughes, who visualize the team’s impactful moments.

The Vegas Golden Knights' short but impressive history celebrates Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel, marking their early achievements in the NHL.

Lastly, the Washington Capitals honor Alex Ovechkin as their all-time scorer, with Nicklas Bäckström and John Carlson as key support players in the team’s successful era.