In the National Hockey League (NHL), players often achieve remarkable feats that distinguish them from their teammates, contributing to their team's legacy. These accomplishments may encompass explosive scoring, defensive prowess, or stellar goaltending. Among the myriad talents, a select few are often recognized as the pinnacle of their respective franchises, earning spots on the team’s Mount Rushmore of all-time greats. For franchises with extensive histories, identifying just four key players can prove challenging, whereas newer organizations may find the selection process simpler.

This exploration seeks to spotlight players from the last 25 years of NHL history, commencing with the 2000-01 season. These athletes are likely to resonate with contemporary fans due to their extraordinary performances, postseason achievements, and significant contributions to their teams. Notably, some players may be featured on Mount Rushmore candidates for multiple franchises as their careers unfolded across several teams. Furthermore, players from relocated franchises, such as the Atlanta Thrashers—currently the Winnipeg Jets—and Arizona Coyotes—now the Utah Mammoth—are also part of this consideration.

Beginning with the Anaheim Ducks, the franchise Mount Rushmore includes the following elite players. Ryan Getzlaf, a center and the longest-serving captain in Ducks history with 12 seasons, leads the franchise in games played, assists, and points. Corey Perry, a right wing, achieved significant accolades, including the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy during the 2010-11 season, placing second in goals and third in points in Ducks history. Teemu Selänne, a celebrated Hall of Famer who spent 15 of his 21 NHL seasons in Anaheim, is the franchise leader in goals. Jean-Sébastien Giguère, the franchise's all-time leader in wins and shutouts among goaltenders, played a crucial role in the Ducks' 2007 Stanley Cup victory.

Shifting focus to the Boston Bruins, the Mount Rushmore comprises Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron, a six-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, stands third in franchise history in games played and points. Chára, a Hall of Famer and former captain for 14 seasons, claimed the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09. Pastrňák, who has netted at least 60 goals in a season, and Marchand, notable for his integral role in the 2011 Stanley Cup win, solidify the Bruins' storied contributions from recent years.

When considering the Buffalo Sabres, Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek emerge as the franchise's all-time greats. Miller won the Vezina Trophy in 2009-10 and holds records for games played and wins among Buffalo goaltenders. Pominville, who spent a significant portion of his career with the Sabres, ranks high in franchise history for games played and points. Dahlin and Vanek represent modern-era impact players with remarkable scoring records and contributions to the franchise's success.

In Calgary, the Flames' Mount Rushmore features Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. Iginla, a Hall of Famer, remains the franchise leader in games played and points, while Kiprusoff, a Vezina Trophy winner, excels in multiple goaltending statistical categories. Giordano, a Norris Trophy winner, and Gaudreau, who achieved significant individual accolades, round out the exceptional roster of Flames talent.

For the Carolina Hurricanes, the selection includes Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. Brind'Amour's contributions, including a Selke Trophy, along with Staal’s critical role in the 2006 Cup win, highlight the franchise's strong leadership. Slavin and Aho showcase the Hurricanes' more recent successes and overall scoring ability.

The Chicago Blackhawks’ Mount Rushmore features Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. Kane and Toews have both received numerous accolades, including the Hart Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy, and played essential roles in multiple Stanley Cup victories. Keith's defensive excellence and Seabrook's leadership add to the Blackhawks' rich history of talented players.

For the Colorado Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg represent the team's storied legacy. MacKinnon's recent accolades highlight his scoring prowess, while Makar has emerged as a standout defenseman. Sakic and Forsberg, both members of the Hockey Hall of Fame, contribute to the franchise's glory days and Stanley Cup championships.

The Columbus Blue Jackets' Mount Rushmore is anchored by Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky’s goaltending has set franchise records, while Nash's scoring prowess and leadership are well documented. Werenski's assist record and Jenner's consistency underscore the Blue Jackets' growth in recent years.

The Dallas Stars' iconic figures include Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco. Modano boasts comprehensive franchise records, while Benn’s scoring and leadership have made him a critical player for the Stars. Zubov’s contributions from the blue line and Turco's goaltending excellence cement these four players' legacies.

In Detroit, the Red Wings' Mount Rushmore features Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström, a seven-time Norris Trophy winner, and Yzerman, the franchise leader in assists, have both significantly influenced the success of the organization. Datsyuk and Zetterberg also garnered numerous individual accolades while contributing to Detroit’s storied successes.

The Edmonton Oilers’ selected figures are Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth. McDavid has made headlines as a multi-award winner, while Draisaitl has complemented him with numerous accolades of his own. Nugent-Hopkins and Smyth further enrich the legacy of the franchise’s talent and achievements.

Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo comprise the Florida Panthers' Mount Rushmore. Barkov's leadership and scoring have established him as a franchise cornerstone. Ekblad and Huberdeau are instrumental in recent successes, alongside Luongo's goaltending prowess from his tenure.

In Los Angeles, the Kings' Mount Rushmore is represented by Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown. Each player has left a significant mark on the franchise's history, with multiple Stanley Cup victories paving their pathways.

Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon represent the Minnesota Wild. Koivu's longevity, alongside Gáborík and the emerging talents of Kaprizov and Spurgeon, have all contributed to the franchise's identity.

Montreal's Mount Rushmore features Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov. Price’s goaltending has set the standard for the franchise, while Koivu's contributions have been vital. Subban and Markov each left an indelible mark on the team during their respective tenures, showcasing both skill and leadership.

In Nashville, Alex Pietrangelo, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber highlight the franchise's identity. Pietrangelo’s leadership and contributions are matched by Rinne's goaltending history, and Forsberg's scoring prowess alongside Weber’s time as captain.

The New Jersey Devils' prominent figures include Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš. Brodeur’s unmatched goaltending records and the leadership of Stevens and Niedermayer have forged a formidable presence in NHL history, while Eliáš stands as a vital scoring figure.

In New York, the Islanders are represented by John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal. Each player has contributed significantly to the franchise's history, finding success in scoring and overall performance.

The Rangers' Mount Rushmore features Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox. Lundqvist’s goaltending has established him as a franchise icon, while Panarin’s scoring ability has rapidly made him a fan favorite and offensive leader.

Ottawa's Senators' Mount Rushmore includes Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden, underscoring the franchise's competitive history. Each player's contributions have shaped memorable moments for the team.

Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné form the Philadelphia Flyers' iconic roster. Giroux's leadership alongside dynamic contributions from Couturier and Voráček provides the franchise with a strong core.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' notable figures include Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang. Crosby and Malkin are recognized as two of the most influential players in the league's history, while Fleury and Letang each have left their mark in their respective roles on the team.

The San Jose Sharks have been defined by Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov. Marleau and Thornton represent longevity and success, while Burns secured a legacy with his defensive contributions and scoring ability.

The Seattle Kraken's growing identity is represented by Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson. As a newer franchise, their records highlight potential and immediate contributions.

In St. Louis, the legacy is upheld by Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko. Each player's impact is woven into the fabric of the franchise, highlighted by leadership and scoring prowess.

Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman form the Tampa Bay Lightning's distinguished group. All four players played pivotal roles in the franchise's success, leading the way to recent Stanley Cup championships.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' Mount Rushmore consists of Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly, with each player making significant contributions to the team's storied history.

Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov represent the Utah Mammoth, highlighting their respective successes and records attained during their time in what was previously known as the Coyotes.

The Vancouver Canucks' selections are Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes. The Sedins, both Hall of Famers, left an indelible mark on the franchise alongside the contributions from Näslund and Hughes.

Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel embody the Golden Knights' excellence in their formative years. Each player marks a chapter in the franchise's narrative, culminating with their deep playoff runs.

The Washington Capitals’ noteworthy figures are Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Bäckström, Olaf Kolzig, and John Carlson. Ovechkin stands as the all-time goals leader, showcasing a career filled with accolades, supported by the impressive contributions of his teammates.

Lastly, the Winnipeg Jets' acclaimed athletes include Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Blake Wheeler, underscoring both historical and contemporary figures, each of whom has shaped the franchise's direction.