In the world of the NHL, each team boasts a multitude of players whose achievements have distinguished them from their teammates. These standout figures include dynamic forwards, proficient defensemen, and exceptional goaltenders. Among this elite group, only a select few can be deemed the very best, deserving a place on the franchise's Mount Rushmore of top players. For teams with extensive histories, condensing the list to just four names may pose a challenge, while younger franchises might find this selection somewhat simpler. In this analysis, the focus will be narrowed to the last 25 years of NHL history, beginning with the 2000-01 season. This timeframe allows for a consideration of players who are more recognizable to current fans, based on their overall performance, postseason achievements, contributions to their clubs, and status as fan favorites. Players recognized on multiple teams' Mount Rushmore may have had influential careers spanning different franchises, including those who played for relocated teams like the Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg Jets) and Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Mammoth).

Starting with the Anaheim Ducks, the quartet of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère stands out. Getzlaf, the longest-serving captain in Ducks history with 12 seasons, holds the franchise records for games played (1,157), assists (737), and points (1,019). Perry, a distinguished player, has won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy during the 2010-11 season while ranking second in franchise history with 372 goals and third with 404 assists. Hall of Famer Teemu Selänne made his mark with the Ducks during 15 of his 21 NHL seasons, becoming the franchise leader in goals (457) and accumulating 988 total points. Jean-Sébastien Giguère, the stalwart goaltender for the franchise, achieved personal milestones that include franchise-best records of 206 wins and 32 shutouts. Collectively, these four players were instrumental in securing the Ducks' Stanley Cup victory in 2007.

Transitioning to the Boston Bruins, their Mount Rushmore features Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron, celebrated for his two-way play, is a six-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy and ranks third in franchise history with 1,294 games played and 1,040 points. Zdeno Chára, a notable defensive force and captain for 14 seasons, received the James Norris Memorial Trophy in the 2008-09 season and contributed to the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup championship. David Pastrňák has established himself as one of the premier scorers in the league, highlighted by becoming only the second Bruin to net at least 60 goals in a season and capturing the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2019-20. Lastly, Marchand also played a key role in the Bruins' 2011 victory, ranking fourth in franchise history with 422 goals.

Further analyzing the Buffalo Sabres, Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek comprise their Mount Rushmore. Miller, a Vezina Trophy winner, leads franchise goaltenders with 284 wins. His legacy includes 540 games played, underscoring his importance to the Sabres. Pominville, an integral player for over a decade with the franchise, ranks eighth in overall games played and total points. Rasmus Dahlin has quickly established himself as a premier defenseman, currently second in points among Sabres defensemen. Vanek's tenure in Buffalo features a franchise-leading 254 goals since 2000-01 and he stands second in total points.

The Calgary Flames' Mount Rushmore includes Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. Iginla not only holds franchise records but is celebrated for winning the Maurice Richard Trophy twice and the Art Ross Trophy. Kiprusoff's accolades include a Vezina Trophy and several franchise records for goaltending. Giordano, winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2019-20, has solidified his place among the franchise's elite defensemen. Gaudreau, a dynamic left winger, won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2016-17.

Examining the Carolina Hurricanes, Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho are highlighted. Brind'Amour, a two-time Selke Trophy winner, remains among the top in franchise assists. Staal's contributions include being a part of the 2006 Stanley Cup-winning team while sitting second all-time in franchise goals. Slavin's impact has grown, winning two Lady Byng Memorial Trophies and consistently ranking among the team's best. Aho continues to rise as his goal and assist totals reflect his offensive prowess.

In Chicago, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook represent the franchise's finest. Kane's impressive list of accolades features multiple Art Ross and Hart Trophies. Toews, also presenting a championship pedigree, lifted the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010. Keith, an essential defensive player and future Hall of Famer, won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2015. Seabrook brought consistency to the blueline, playing a vital role in three championship runs.

Moving on to Colorado, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg have made lasting impacts on the franchise. MacKinnon’s recent accolades include the Hart Trophy, while Makar won the Calder and Conn Smythe Trophies in quick succession. Sakic and Forsberg, both Hall of Famers, led the Avalanche to two Stanley Cup victories during their careers.

In Columbus, Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner form their esteemed group. Bobrovsky's Vezina Trophy-winning seasons highlight his importance as a franchise goaltender. Nash remains a fan favorite, holding records for goals while nurturing a legacy that includes the Maurice Richard Trophy. Werenski is a frontrunner among defensemen, vying for individual honors while contributing significantly to the team’s defensive structure. Jenner's consistent play establishes him as a key contributor on the ice.

The Dallas Stars' Mount Rushmore includes Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco. Modano's storied career culminates in him being regarded as one of the greatest American players in NHL history. Benn’s only Art Ross Trophy showcases his scoring prowess, while Zubov's contributions to the franchise have earned him a place among the team's elite. Turco, leading the way in several goaltending statistics, remains a fixture in Stars lore.

For the Detroit Red Wings, the quartet features Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström won the Norris Trophy seven times and led the team to a Stanley Cup victory while Yzerman's mark as a long-time captain highlights his signature presence on the squad. Datsyuk's skillful play and accolade collection includes multiple Selke and Lady Byng Trophies. Zetterberg, recognized for his excellence, won the Conn Smythe Trophy and remains high on the franchise's career boards.

The Edmonton Oilers celebrate Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth as their top players. McDavid's accolades continue to pile up, with multiple Art Ross and Hart Trophies to his credit, while Draisaitl gained recognition for his offensive capabilities during the 2019-20 season. Nugent-Hopkins remains a staple in the Oilers' forward corps, with Smyth demonstrating immense loyalty throughout his time in the franchise.

Florida Panthers legends would include Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo. Barkov has significantly shaped franchise history with his scoring ability while Ekblad's Calder Trophy win signified his rise. Huberdeau continues to rank among the top producers in franchise history, with Luongo serving as a crucial figure in net during his tenure.

Los Angeles Kings Mount Rushmore includes Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown. The franchise leader in games played and assists, Kopitar solidifies his status among the Kings' elite. Doughty has recorded impressive statistics while also receiving the Norris Trophy, and Quick remains the goaltending foundation with significant playoff victories. Brown's captaincy marked a golden period for the Kings.

The Minnesota Wild have Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon as their top-tier players. Koivu led the franchise for over a decade, while Gáborík was a breakout star. Kaprizov emerged as a key player recently with his Calder Trophy win, and Spurgeon continues to serve as an essential piece of the team's foundation.

The Montreal Canadiens celebrate Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov on their Mount Rushmore. Price's accolades and records stand as a testament to his legacy, while Koivu's influences span over 13 seasons. Subban captured a Norris Trophy and was crucial to Montreal's defensive plans, while Markov remains a vital part of the franchise's historical narrative.

In Nashville, Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber represent the franchise's elite. Josi, as the longtime captain, leads in assists and continues to be a top performer. Rinne's contributions included a Vezina Trophy, while Forsberg is known for his explosive scoring. Weber's Hall of Fame career saw him captain the team during important periods.

The New Jersey Devils highlight Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš. Brodeur's status as an all-time great goaltender is unquestioned with numerous records to his name. Stevens, a legendary captain, along with Niedermayer, contributed significantly during successful eras. Eliáš's comprehensive scoring results underline his place within franchise history.

The New York Islanders have John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal memorialized on their Mount Rushmore. Tavares achieved remarkable scoring feats while Nelson's contributions remain notable. Captain Lee emphasizes leadership, while Barzal recently won the Calder Trophy and represents the future of the franchise.

The New York Rangers highlight Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox. Lundqvist's legacy as a franchise goaltender endears him to fans, while Panarin is on track to cement his status among the Rangers’ greats. Kreider's offensive prowess is noted through ranking among franchise leaders, while Fox, the Norris Trophy winner, contributes to a bright future.

For the Ottawa Senators, Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden take center stage. Alfredsson is the franchise’s all-time leader in goals and points, while Karlsson continues to set the standard for defensemen. Spezza amassed points during his tenure and Redden brings longevity to the narrative of Senators' history.

The Philadelphia Flyers' Mount Rushmore, featuring Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné, showcases their impact in franchise history. Giroux's long-standing presence includes a leadership role, while Couturier's defensive skill has earned him recognition. Voráček commands the scoreboard historically, while Gagné has left his mark as a prominent scorer.

From the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Mount Rushmore of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang is noteworthy. Crosby's status as one of the game's all-time greats is defined by his extensive accolades, as Malkin's achievements reflect his elite scoring. Fleury’s goaltending records are remarkable, and Letang's prowess as a defenseman is recognized.

The San Jose Sharks celebrate Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov. Marleau's records solidified him as a franchise icon, while Thornton earned accolades for superior play. Burns' recognized talent and Nabokov's goaltending prowess represent significant contributions that define the Sharks' history.

The Seattle Kraken's nascent legacy includes Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson. McCann, setting team records early in their establishment, is paired with Dunn, who also reached notable assist milestones. Eberle's veteran presence complements Larsson, who has provided leadership playing every game during key seasons.

The St. Louis Blues highlight Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko. Pietrangelo's leadership in securing a Stanley Cup is paired with O'Reilly's championship contributions. Pronger’s previous accolades underscore his defensive capabilities, while Tarasenko’s scoring places him within franchise lore.

The Tampa Bay Lightning honor Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman. Stamkos’ scoring prowess is evident through various achievements while Kucherov stands out as a points leader with multiple trophies. St. Louis' historical contributions and Hedman's defense solidify this legacy.

In the Toronto Maple Leafs' narrative, Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly feature prominently. Matthews' historic goal tally for a single season establishes him among the elite, while Sundin's franchise leadership is unquestionable. Marner and Rielly continue to drive future success for the franchise.

Shifting focus to the Arizona Coyotes, formerly the Phoenix franchise, Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov have made profound impacts. Doan's dedication and all-time records set him apart, while Keller and Ekman-Larsson continue to be developmental stars for the team. Bryzgalov's goaltending success also remains a pivotal point in their history.

Lastly, the Vancouver Canucks celebrate Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes. The twin legends are etched into the team's history with their exceptional contributions, while Näslund and Hughes’ recent performances maintain their legacy alive for the franchise.