Each NHL team has its standout players whose achievements set them apart from their peers. These athletes may be scoring forwards, skilled defensemen, or exceptional goaltenders. Among these players, a select few are recognized as the team’s very best, often referred to as the 'Mount Rushmore' of the franchise's top four players of all time. For teams with extensive histories, narrowing the field to just four players can be quite challenging, while franchises with shorter durations may find this task easier. This analysis focuses on NHL history from the 2000-01 season to the present, spotlighting players familiar to modern fans based on their overall performance, playoff successes, and contributions as fan favorites during this timeframe. Some players may appear on multiple franchises' Mount Rushmores due to their careers spanning different teams, including those associated with relocated franchises, such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets) and the Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Mammoth).

Starting with the Anaheim Ducks, noteworthy players include Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf, who served as the longest-tenured captain in Ducks history, holds franchise records for games played (1,157), assists (737), and points (1,019). Perry, who secured the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2010-11, ranks second in goals (372) and third in assists (404) and points (776) in Ducks history. Selänne, a Hall of Famer, leads the franchise in goals with 457 and gathered 531 assists, marking him second all-time for points with 988 during his tenure. Giguère is notable for his leadership in net, boasting franchise-best totals in wins (206) and shutouts (32), as well as winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2003 while helping the Ducks secure their first Stanley Cup in 2007.

The Boston Bruins feature an impressive roster including Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron is a six-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy and ranks third in Bruins history with 1,294 games played, 427 goals, and 1,040 points. Chára, also a Hall of Famer, won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09 and led the team as captain for 14 seasons, contributing to their 2011 Stanley Cup victory. As for Pastrňák, he notably became the second Bruin to score over 60 goals in a season and was the recipient of the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2019-20, with 391 points registered since his debut in 2014-15. Marchand, who also contributed to the 2011 Cup victory, ranks fourth all-time in Bruins history with 1,090 games played and 422 goals.

In the realm of the Buffalo Sabres, Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek take center stage. Miller, who earned the Vezina Trophy in 2009-10, leads the franchise in games played by a goaltender (540) and wins (284). Pominville spent 11 of his 15 seasons with the Sabres, ranking eighth in franchise history with 733 games played and amassing 304 assists and 521 points. Dahlin, standing out among defensemen, is second in franchise history for points (360) and ninth for assists (277). Vanek, representing Buffalo scoring prowess, leads the team in goals since 2000-01 with 254 and ranks second with 497 points.

For the Calgary Flames, Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau remain the most impactful figures. Iginla, a Hall of Famer, stands as the franchise leader with 1,219 games played, 525 goals, and 1,095 points, winning the Maurice Richard Trophy twice and the Art Ross Trophy in 2001-02. Kiprusoff, the Vezina Trophy winner in 2005-06, leads Flames goaltenders in wins (305) and shutouts (41). Giordano won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2018-19, placing third all-time with 949 games played and contributing 366 assists and 509 points. Gaudreau, a key player for nine seasons, is recognized for winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2016-17 and ranks fifth all-time with 399 assists and 609 points.

Turning now to the Carolina Hurricanes, Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho represent this franchise's elite. A two-time Selke Trophy winner, Brind'Amour is fourth in assists (299) and fifth in points (473) for the franchise, captaining the team to the Stanley Cup in 2005-06. Staal was instrumental in the Cup run and ranks second among franchise leaders with 322 goals, 453 assists, and 775 points. Slavin, who is fifth in games played (745), won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2020-21 and 2023-24. Aho, a prolific scorer, ranks third all-time in goals (283) and has amassed 631 points.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook form a formidable group. Kane, a notable player, has received the Calder Memorial Trophy and the Conn Smythe Trophy, as well as the Hart and Lindsay trophies. Toews has also been recognized with the Conn Smythe and Selke trophies. Keith, an esteemed Hall of Famer, has two Norris Trophy victories and was a Conn Smythe Trophy winner while contributing to three Stanley Cup championships for the franchise. Seabrook ranks fourth in franchise history with 1,114 games played, making significant contributions with 103 career goals.

In Colorado, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg have left a lasting impact. MacKinnon is a multi-award winner, including a Calder Memorial Trophy and a Hart Trophy. Makar is a recent standout, winning the Calder and Conn Smythe trophies and two Norris Trophies over his career. Sakic, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, won multiple prestigious awards, including the Hart and Lindsay trophies, and was crucial in securing back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1996 and 2001. Forsberg, also a Hall of Famer, ranks among the franchise notable players with a Hart Trophy and multiple All-Star selections.

The Columbus Blue Jackets' key players include Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky, with two Vezina Trophies to his name, leads the franchise in games played by a goaltender (374), wins (213), and shutouts (33). Nash, a former Maurice Richard Trophy winner, holds the record for the most goals in Blue Jackets history with 289. Werenski, runner-up for the Norris Trophy, leads in assists. Jenner has made significant contributions over his career, being the franchise leader in games played.

Representing the Dallas Stars are Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco. Modano, a Hall of Famer and franchise icon, holds several records including games played (1,459) and points (1,359). Benn is notable for winning the Art Ross Trophy, and Zubov, also a Hall of Fame member, ranks among the leaders in assists. Turco's performance in net has placed him as the leading goaltender for the franchise.

The Detroit Red Wings present a legacy with Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström's accolades include seven Norris Trophies and the distinction of being the first European captain to lead a team to a Stanley Cup victory. Yzerman, another Hall of Famer, led the Wings to three championships and is the franchise leader in assists. Datsyuk, recognized for his skill both offensively and defensively, has also achieved Hall of Fame status, while Zetterberg contributed significantly to the team's success.

In Florida, Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo stand out. Barkov has set franchise records in several categories and has won the Selke Trophy multiple times. Ekblad, a Calder Trophy winner, has had a major impact, while Huberdeau ranks among the franchise leaders in points. Luongo, celebrated for his goaltending, holds numerous franchise records.

The Los Angeles Kings have their history marked by Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown. Kopitar's leadership and point production have made him a franchise cornerstone, while Doughty has been recognized with a Norris Trophy. Quick's tenure as the leading goaltender has seen him win multiple Cups, and Brown's time as captain solidified his legacy within the organization.

The Minnesota Wild present a strong case through Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon. Koivu's lengthy tenure and leadership have set the standard for the franchise, while Gáborík's offensive output played a formative role. Kaprizov has already established himself with a Calder Trophy and impressive scoring numbers, and Spurgeon continues to contribute as an effective defenseman.

For the Montreal Canadiens, Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov provide a legacy of excellence. Price holds many goaltending records and was the only player to capture several prestigious awards in a single season. Koivu's contributions and leadership have been well-noted, while Subban's skills earned him accolades. Markov's lengthy career made him a notable defensive figure for the franchise.

The Nashville Predators have a strong lineage marked by Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Josi's leadership and skill earned him a Norris Trophy. Rinne, a hallmark goaltender, holds the franchise record for games played and wins. Forsberg's unique scoring ability stands out, and Weber's contributions helped guide the team to a championship.

In New Jersey, Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš represent the franchise's history. Brodeur's accomplishments in net include all-time records in wins and shutouts. Stevens and Niedermayer helped shape the franchise during their respective tenures, while Eliáš's scoring made him a key figure in the team's success.

The New York Islanders' Mount Rushmore features John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal. Tavares, a top scorer, also served as a captain, while Nelson and Lee provide reliable scoring and leadership. Barzal's Calder Trophy-winning performance established him as a significant contributor early on in his career.

For the New York Rangers, Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox are pivotal figures. Lundqvist, affectionately known as 'King Henrik,' led in many goaltending categories, while Panarin has flourished as a skilled forward. Kreider and Fox's contributions further enhance the Rangers' legacy.

The Ottawa Senators regard Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden as key contributors to their franchise. Alfredsson is a franchise leader in multiple categories, while Karlsson secured several Norris Trophies during his time. Spezza and Redden also made indelible marks in franchise scoring and defense.

In Philadelphia, Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné form an influential group. Giroux led the team as captain for several years, while Couturier's defensive prowess earned him accolades. Voráček and Gagné have also made significant contributions in terms of scoring and playmaking.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' legacy is highlighted by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang. Crosby is the franchise leader in multiple offensive categories and has numerous accolades. Malkin has also been a central figure, accompanied by Fleury's impressive goalkeeping. Letang continues to perform at a high level defensively.

The San Jose Sharks celebrate Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov. Marleau holds various franchise records, while Thornton's artistic playmaking has proven valuable. Burns, a Norris Trophy winner, has also made a lasting impact. Nabokov emerged as a franchise goaltender during his time.

The Seattle Kraken recognize Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson as their top representatives. McCann’s record-setting season established him as a key player, while Dunn's contributions on defense and Eberle's scoring prowess have made significant impacts. Larsson proves to be an ever-present force on the roster.

The St. Louis Blues' Mount Rushmore includes Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko. Pietrangelo captained the team to its first Stanley Cup, while O'Reilly's impact is notable for playoff performance. Pronger, a Hall of Famer, and Tarasenko's scoring contributed to the continued success of the franchise.

The Tampa Bay Lightning celebrate Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman. Stamkos's status as the franchise's greatest scorer is well-documented, alongside Kucherov's multiple awards. St. Louis's legacy includes pivotal victories and Hedman's presence in obtaining championships.

Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs highlight Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly. Matthews has already positioned himself as a top goal-scorer, while Sundin's legacy remains. Marner and Rielly make impactful contributions in assists and overall scoring.

Finally, the Arizona Mammoth, which was previously the Phoenix Coyotes, includes Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov. Doan's tenure with the franchise remains unparalleled in games played, while Keller is carving out a name for himself as a scoring threat. Ekman-Larsson's contributions on defense and Bryzgalov's goaltending accomplishments also stand out within the franchise's history. As NHL fans reflect on the rich histories, outstanding players continue to shape their respective franchises, ensuring that the legacy of the sport remains vibrant.