In the history of the National Hockey League (NHL), teams have witnessed the rise of numerous players whose achievements have significantly outshined their teammates. These standout individuals may include prolific scoring forwards, formidable defensemen, or exceptional goaltenders. Among these athletes, a select few would earn a place on their franchise's Mount Rushmore, representing the four greatest players in the team's history. For franchises with lengthy histories, pinpointing just four players can pose a challenge, while those with shorter histories may find the selection process more straightforward. This exploration narrows the focus to players from the past 25 NHL seasons, beginning with the 2000-01 campaign, emphasizing those who resonate with contemporary fans due to their performance, postseason success, and impact on their respective clubs. Acknowledged players may feature on the Mount Rushmore of multiple franchises, reflective of their contributions across different teams, including relocated franchises such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg Jets) and Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Mammoth).

First on the list are the Anaheim Ducks, highlighting Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf, a cornerstone for the Ducks, served as captain for 12 seasons and holds the franchise records for games played (1,157), assists (737), and total points (1,019). Perry, a two-time award winner in the 2010-11 season, ranks second all-time with 372 goals and third with 404 assists in franchise history. Selänne, a Hall of Famer, spent 15 of his 21 NHL seasons with the Ducks, leading the team in goals with 457 and placing second with 531 assists. Giguère is celebrated for his goaltending prowess, leading the franchise with 206 wins and 32 shutouts, alongside his Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2003. Each of these players has played an integral role in the Ducks' 2007 Stanley Cup victory.

Transitioning to the Boston Bruins, the ensemble features Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron, a six-time Frank J. Selke Trophy recipient, holds significant standing with his 1,294 games played and 427 goals, ranking third in franchise history. Chára, another Hall of Famer, captained the Bruins for 14 seasons, earning the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09 and contributing to the team's 2011 Stanley Cup win. Pastrňák is noted for his offensive ability, becoming only the second Bruin to score over 60 goals in a season and winning the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2019-20. Marchand matched Pastrňák’s success, also securing a Stanley Cup championship with the team in 2011, placing fourth in franchise history with 1,090 games played and 422 goals.

For the Buffalo Sabres, key players such as Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek define their legacy. Miller, honored with the Vezina Trophy in the 2009-10 season, leads Sabres goaltenders with 540 games played and 284 wins. Pominville, who spent 11 of his 15 NHL seasons with the Sabres, claims eighth place among franchise leaders with 733 games played and 521 points. Dahlin ranks second among Sabres defensemen with 360 points, while Vanek is the franchise's top goal scorer since the 2000-01 season with 254 goals and second with 497 points.

The Calgary Flames' Mount Rushmore features Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. Iginla, a Hall of Famer, leads the franchise with 1,219 games and 525 goals. He is known for his two Maurice Richard Trophy wins and an Art Ross Trophy in 2001-02. Kiprusoff earned the Vezina Trophy in 2005-06 and holds numerous franchise goaltending records, including 305 wins. Giordano, recognized with the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2018-19, excels with third in franchise games played and notable scoring. Gaudreau, who spent nine seasons with the Flames and claimed the Lady Byng Trophy in 2016-17, maintains fifth on the franchise's all-time assists list.

From the Carolina Hurricanes, Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho represent the team's elite. Brind'Amour, a two-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, captained the Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup in 2005-06, ranking him fourth in the franchise's all-time assists. Staal, a key contributor during that Cup run, sits second in franchise goals and points. Slavin, winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, is regarded as a vital defenseman, while Aho ranks third in all-time goals and assists for the franchise.

The Chicago Blackhawks are defined by their championship core of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. Kane has garnered multiple awards, including the Calder Memorial Trophy and the Hart Trophy, leading the franchise with 1,352 games and 1,062 assists. Toews, notable for his leadership and accolades, also found success as captain and playoff MVP. Keith, a two-time James Norris Memorial Trophy winner, holds a significant legacy alongside Seabrook, who is recognized for his contributions with over 1,100 games played.

For the Colorado Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg are iconic figures. MacKinnon captures headlines as a Hart Trophy winner, while Makar, a rising star, won both the Calder Trophy and the Conn Smythe Trophy. Sakic stands as the all-time offensive leader and a two-time Stanley Cup champion, alongside Forsberg, another Hall of Famer. The pair significantly influenced the Avalanche's successes in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner lead the representation for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, is the franchise's all-time goaltending leader in various categories. Nash, renowned for his scoring touch, co-holds the franchise's single-season goal record and leads all-time in goals. Werenski's contributions on defense have earned him recognition while Jenner remains a core part of the franchise's foundation.

The Dallas Stars celebrate Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco in their historical lineup. Modano, inducted into the Hall of Fame, leads the franchise in games played and points, while Benn, the only forward to win the Art Ross Trophy, remains near the top of many statistical categories. Zubov also found a spot in the Hall of Fame due to his defensive excellence, and Turco leads Stars' goaltenders in multiple records.

The Detroit Red Wings' legacy showcases Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström's seven Norris Trophy wins firmly establish him as a franchise great, while Yzerman's leadership and offensive output also merit Hall of Fame induction alongside his three Cup victories. Datsyuk, another Hall of Famer, dazzled with multiple awards, including the Lady Byng Trophies, and Zetterberg contributed as a vital player during the team's recent success.

The Edmonton Oilers are represented by Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth. McDavid stands as one of the most prolific players of his generation, collecting numerous awards since his debut, while Draisaitl complements him with his scoring power. Nugent-Hopkins holds important franchise marks, and Smyth remains a fan favorite after a lengthy tenure in Edmonton, contributing further to the franchise's storied history.

In Florida, Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo are noted figures. Barkov dominates the franchise leaderboard in games played and points, supporting the team's recent successes. Ekblad and Huberdeau have significantly contributed, with their efforts helping the Panthers elevate their prospects in recent seasons, while Luongo is remembered as one of the great goaltenders in franchise history.

From the Los Angeles Kings, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown form a formidable list. Kopitar leads in assists and games played for the franchise, securing a reputation as one of the best two-way centers. Doughty has established himself as a top defenseman, Quick is the franchise's goaltending stalwart, and Brown's leadership contributions in winning two Stanley Cups solidify his legacy.

The Minnesota Wild recognize Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon among their franchise greats. Koivu's record-setting career highlighted by team leadership showcases his importance, while Gáborík's early impact established him as a franchise star. Kaprizov's Calder-winning season in 2020-21 and Spurgeon's ongoing contributions signify their combined legacies within the franchise.

In Montreal, Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov represent a strong lineup. Price's goaltending accolades are part of the franchise's storied history, while Koivu's long-serving captaincy emphasizes his importance. Subban's electrifying play and Markov's consistent defensive presence throughout his career exemplify their significant contributions to the franchise.

The Nashville Predators honor Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Josi's leadership and offensive presence from the blue line have made him pivotal for the franchise. Rinne, a Vezina winner, leads the franchise in numerous goaltending categories, while Forsberg's goal-scoring ability marks his significance alongside Weber, a former captain known for his defensive prowess.

The New Jersey Devils feature Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš on their Mount Rushmore. Brodeur, the all-time wins leader, defines the franchise's goaltending legacy, while Stevens and Niedermayer's contributions to three Stanley Cup championships establish them as foundational figures. Eliáš, the franchise leader in points, rounds out this esteemed roster.

The New York Islanders highlight John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal. Tavares, a top scorer in franchise history, led in multiple categories before his departure. Nelson's consistency and Lee's leadership mark their importance, while Barzal's accolades solidify his role as a vital player for the team's future.

The New York Rangers spotlight Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox. Lundqvist, a Hall of Famer, dominates goaltending records with the franchise, while Panarin's impact as a leading scorer remains crucial. Kreider's scoring touch and Fox's recent accolades exemplify their ongoing contributions to the Rangers' legacy.

The Ottawa Senators showcase Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden. Alfredsson, a Hall of Famer, remains a franchise icon, while Karlsson's accolades solidify him as one of the best defensemen. Spezza's scoring and Redden's durability exemplify their historical significance.

Among the Philadelphia Flyers, Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné represent the team's elite. Giroux, a two-way forward and former captain, ranks highly in assists and points, with Couturier's Selke Trophy win demonstrating significant contributions. Voráček's scoring relatives and Gagné's long tenure with the team highlight their lasting legacies.

The Pittsburgh Penguins erect a Mount Rushmore composed of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang. Crosby and Malkin combine for exceptional scoring and leadership, guiding the team to multiple championships. Fleury's goaltending success is celebrated alongside Letang's impressive contributions on defense.

The San Jose Sharks recognize Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov. Marleau's long tenure, alongside Thornton's impressive assists, highlights their importance to the franchise. Burns' accolades and Nabokov's goaltending leadership further illustrate their rich history.

The Seattle Kraken's early history is marked by players such as Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson. McCann's record-setting performances demonstrate his significance as the franchise's leader in goals and points, while Dunn and Eberle contribute notably in assists and scoring. Larsson's durability in the Kraken's launch underscores his place in the team's history.

Finally, the St. Louis Blues' account features Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko. Pietrangelo captained the team during its first Stanley Cup journey, while O'Reilly's Conn Smythe-winning performance underscores his impact in the post-season. Pronger's defensive framework aided in the Blues' historical success while Tarasenko's scoring ranks him among franchise greats.

The Washington Capitals embrace Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Bäckström, Olaf Kolzig, and John Carlson. Ovechkin's status as the NHL's all-time goal scorer is legendary, earning numerous accolades, while Bäckström is heralded for his assist records. Kolzig's achievements in net become part of the franchise's legacy, matched by Carlson's recent successes, making them key figures in Capitals history.

The Winnipeg Jets celebrate Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Blake Wheeler. Hellebuyck, as a Vezina Trophy winner, is noted for his achievements in goal, while Scheifele leads in scoring. Kovalchuk, during his time with the franchise, made impactful changes, and Wheeler continues to contribute as a longtime player.