Each NHL team has its roster of players whose contributions have distinguished them among their peers. This includes scoring forwards, skilled defensemen, and outstanding goaltenders. Among these standouts, only a select few can be considered the very best, earning a place on their team’s Mount Rushmore of top-four all-time players. For franchises with a rich history, identifying just four players can be challenging, while for clubs with shorter histories, the list may be more straightforward. This analysis narrows its focus to the past 25 years of NHL history, beginning with the 2000-01 season, which aligns with the familiarity of players to today's fans, highlighted by overall performance, postseason achievements, and their significance to their teams, including affinity as fan favorites during this time frame. Some players may appear on multiple franchises' Mount Rushmore due to the nature of their careers spanning various teams, which also includes players from relocated teams such as the Atlanta Thrashers, now the Winnipeg Jets, and the Arizona Coyotes, now the Utah Mammoth.

For the Anaheim Ducks, the notable players include Ryan Getzlaf, who holds franchise records for games played (1,157), assists (737), and points (1,019). Serving as the Ducks' captain for 12 seasons, Getzlaf's leadership was pivotal in the franchise's history. Corey Perry, another standout, won both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy during the 2010-11 season, ranking second in goals (372) and third in assists (404). Hall of Famer Teemu Selänne, who spent 15 of his 21 NHL seasons with the Ducks, leads the franchise in goals (457) and ranks second in assists (531). Jean-Sébastien Giguère rounded out this legendary quartet, known for his leadership in net, holding franchise records for wins (206) and shutouts (32). Each of these players played significant roles in leading the Ducks to their Stanley Cup victory in 2007.

The Boston Bruins' iconic players include Patrice Bergeron, recognized as a six-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy and ranking third in franchise history with 1,294 games played and 1,040 points. Zdeno Chára, the team’s captain for 14 seasons, is a Hall of Famer who won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09 and helped the Bruins secure the Stanley Cup in 2011. Brad Marchand and David Pastrňák also left a lasting legacy; Marchand contributed significantly during the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup win, while Pastrňák made history as one of only two players to score at least 60 goals in a season, claiming the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2019-20. Each of these athletes has solidified their status as franchise legends.

For the Buffalo Sabres, the team’s success in recent history is epitomized by figures like Ryan Miller, a Vezina Trophy winner and the franchise leader in goals against average, and Jason Pominville who contributed over 500 points during his tenure. Rasmus Dahlin emerged as a top defenseman, second all-time for Sabres defensemen points, while Thomas Vanek led the scoring with 254 goals since the 2000-01 season. Each of these players played crucial roles in shaping the identity of the Sabres over the last quarter-century.

With the Calgary Flames, legends like Jarome Iginla, a Hall of Famer and the franchise leader in goals (525) and points (1,095), have left a lasting mark. Miikka Kiprusoff's accolades include a Vezina Trophy, coupled with significant contributions to the team's defensive strength. Mark Giordano, another franchise mainstay, won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2018-19, showcasing his prowess on the blue line. Johnny Gaudreau, an impactful scorer for nine seasons, perfectly complements this collection of players whose impacts resonate in Flames history.

The Carolina Hurricanes boast Rod Brind'Amour, a franchise icon and two-time Selke Trophy winner who captained the team to a Stanley Cup in 2005-06. Eric Staal, another significant piece of the 2006 Cup championship team, ranks among the franchise's all-time scoring leaders. Jaccob Slavin's defensive consistency and Sebastian Aho's budding reputation as an elite scorer further enrich the legacy of these Hurricanes players.

The Chicago Blackhawks' recent legacy includes luminaries like Patrick Kane, a multi-time winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Calder Memorial Trophy, and Jonathan Toews, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and fan-favorite. Duncan Keith, noted for his defensive skill and leadership, also earned the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2015. Brent Seabrook, meanwhile, is among the franchise’s all-time leaders in games played. Together, they were instrumental in Chicago's Stanley Cup successes in 2009-10, 2012-13, and 2014-15.

In Colorado, the Avalanche have witnessed the rise of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar to heights rarely seen in the sport. MacKinnon, who won the Hart Trophy in 2023-24, and Makar, noted for his exceptional two-way play and winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2022, symbolize the franchise's competitive spirit. Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg, both Hockey Hall of Famers and architects of the championship teams in 1996 and 2001, add to this rich tradition of success in Avalanche history.

The Columbus Blue Jackets feature Sergei Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner and the franchise’s all-time goaltending leader. The legacy of Rick Nash, another notable figure, includes winning the Maurice Richard Trophy and establishing franchise records in goals. Zach Werenski’s emerging status as a top-tier defender and Boone Jenner’s leadership define the resilience and competitiveness of the franchise.

The Dallas Stars celebrate the contributions of Mike Modano, an iconic player and Hall of Famer. Modano's franchise records speak volumes about his influence, including goals (557) and points (1,359). Jamie Benn, the sole Stars player to win the Art Ross Trophy, continues to add to this legacy alongside Sergei Zubov, another Hall of Famer whose impact is still felt. Marty Turco, setting the standard for goaltending records, rounds out the Stars' formidable history.

In Detroit, the Red Wings' influence is chronicled through legends like Nicklas Lidström, a seven-time Norris Trophy winner, and Steve Yzerman, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and franchise assists leader. Pavel Datsyuk, another potent offensive player, made his mark with multiple awards including the Lady Byng Trophy winning four times, while Henrik Zetterberg's all-around skill defined the franchise’s modern era of glory. Each of these players contributed to the storied legacy of the Red Wings.

The Edmonton Oilers' Mount Rushmore showcases elite talents such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who have each claimed multiple awards in recent years. McDavid’s five Art Ross Trophies since 2016-17 have marked him as one of the sport's modern greats. On the other hand, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Ryan Smyth further add depth to the Oilers' legacy, with Smyth being a long-serving cornerstone of the 2000s Oilers teams.

The Florida Panthers have found their elite players in Aleksander Barkov, the franchise leader in multiple offensive categories including points, and Aaron Ekblad, who won the Calder Trophy in 2014-15. Jonathan Huberdeau also ranks prominently in franchise history, showcasing his significance in the team’s recent accomplishments. These players were essential in leading the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2024 and 2025.

In Los Angeles, the Kings are represented by Anze Kopitar, their all-time leader in assists and games played. Drew Doughty's defensive prowess alongside his Norris Trophy victory further solidified his status within the franchise. Jonathan Quick, the Kings' goaltending leader, helped clinch two Stanley Cups and Dustin Brown’s leadership and advocacy are pivotal in shaping the franchise’s culture.

The Minnesota Wild celebrate a core trio led by Mikko Koivu, the longest-serving captain in team history. Koivu's franchise leader in assists and games played makes him a defining player in Wild history. Marián Gáborík’s early contributions remain visible through his scoring records, while Kirill Kaprizov's explosive debut solidifies a promising future. Jared Spurgeon stands out as a consistent defensive presence for the Wild.

With the Montreal Canadiens, Carey Price stands as a defining figure in the franchise’s legacy as a goaltender, holding records for games played and wins while achieving monumental individual awards. Saku Koivu’s long tenure highlighted by assists speaks to his importance to the franchise, as do P.K. Subban’s Norris Trophy-winning seasons. Andrei Markov, another key figure, contributed significantly through a long and successful career.

For the Nashville Predators, Roman Josi serves as a cornerstone and captain leading the franchise with numerous records in assists, while Pekka Rinne embodies the franchise’s legacy in goal, being a Vezina Trophy winner. Filip Forsberg also ranks as a top scorer and Shea Weber's all-time contributions make him an essential part of Predators history.

In New Jersey, Martin Brodeur is celebrated not only as a franchise leader in wins but as the all-time great in NHL history for his goaltending achievements. His contributions, along with Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer’s legacies shaped a generation of Devils hockey. Patrik Eliáš, topping the franchise scoring charts underlines the sustained success the team experienced during their prime years.

The New York Islanders detail their past through players like John Tavares, who ranks among the best in franchise scoring. Brock Nelson and Anders Lee have continued to foster the team’s competitive nature, while Mathew Barzal's youthful contributions indicate a bright future for the team.

For the New York Rangers, Henrik Lundqvist’s legendary status as a goaltender is underscored by his numerous accolades and franchise records. Artemi Panarin’s scoring exploits since joining the Rangers have defined a new era, while Chris Kreider's consistent performance adds to their historic presence. Adam Fox's emergence as a Norris Trophy-winning defenseman elevates this franchise’s stature.

The Ottawa Senators honor Daniel Alfredsson, a Hall of Famer with a storied franchise legacy, complemented by Erik Karlsson's elite two-way play. Jason Spezza’s scoring capabilities and Wade Redden’s steadiness reflect the essence of what made the Senators competitive. Each of these players contributed significantly to Ottawa’s character and competitiveness.

Claude Giroux represents the Philadelphia Flyers with his all-around skill as one of the longest-serving captains, complemented by Sean Couturier's defensive expertise. Jakub Voráček and Simon Gagné, both dynamic scorers, provide the Flyers with memorable offensive performances throughout their history.

In Pittsburgh, the Penguins' legacy is profoundly shaped by Sidney Crosby, who leads in games played and assists with numerous accolades. Evgeni Malkin complements his greatness with awards and playoff excellence, while Marc-André Fleury's goaltending helps define the team’s success. Kris Letang remains an impactful contributor defensively in a franchise rich with playoff history.

The San Jose Sharks' history features Patrick Marleau, a franchise icon leading in games played and goals scored. Joe Thornton’s skillful playmaking is complemented by Brent Burns, who has left his mark through consistent scoring as a defenseman. Evgeni Nabokov's achievements in goal signify the excellence of the Sharks during his tenure.

As for the Seattle Kraken, Jared McCann has already made a lasting impression in their short history. Vince Dunn and Jordan Eberle's contributions highlight their competitive spirit in the league. Moreover, Adam Larsson’s reliability solidifies his role in helping establish the franchise's foundation.

For the St. Louis Blues, Alex Pietrangelo, the last captain to lead them to a Stanley Cup championship, remains a franchise cornerstone. Ryan O'Reilly's impactful play, combined with Chris Pronger’s Hall of Fame contributions and Vladimir Tarasenko’s scoring bonafides, showcases the depth of talent the Blues have had.

Lastly, the Tampa Bay Lightning highlight Steven Stamkos, their long-serving captain and goal-scoring leader, alongside Nikita Kucherov’s offensive prowess and Martin St. Louis’ historical importance. Victor Hedman's defensive skill and leadership have solidified a strong core that contributed to consecutive Stanley Cup victories.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are symbolized by Auston Matthews, who set a franchise single-season goals record. Mats Sundin, a Hall of Famer and a legendary forward, has also left a rich legacy. Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly represent both the past and future of this storied franchise.

In closing, the Arizona Mammoth, having transitioned from the Coyotes, commemorate Shane Doan's remarkable career that spanned over two decades, signifying dedication to the franchise. Alongside talents like Clayton Keller and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, the Mammoth strive to build a new legacy while remembering their roots.