NHL Teams and Their Mount Rushmore of Players Since 2000

Each NHL team features players whose contributions are notable within their ranks. These contributions can be from scoring forwards, adept defensemen, or exceptional goaltenders. A select few of these athletes stand out to be recognized as the very best, deserving a place among their team’s Mount Rushmore of all-time greats. For franchises with deep histories, narrowing this list to four players can pose a challenge; however, for teams with a shorter existence, the selection process is more straightforward. This analysis focuses on players from the past 25 years of NHL history, beginning with the 2000-01 season. These players are more closely associated with contemporary fans due to their overall performance, postseason success, valued contributions to their teams, and their potential favor among supporters during this period. Some athletes may represent multiple teams, given that their careers were split across franchises. Additionally, this list includes players from relocated teams such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets) and Arizona Coyotes (recently rebranded as the Utah Mammoth).
For the Anaheim Ducks, the Mount Rushmore features Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf, a longtime captain of the Ducks, holds franchise records in several categories, including games played (1,157), assists (737), and points (1,019). Perry is notable for winning both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy during the 2010-11 season, ranking second in goals (372) and third in points (776) in franchise history. Selänne, a Hall of Famer, boasts franchise-leading records with 457 goals and 988 points. Giguère, recognized for his role in the Ducks' 2007 Stanley Cup triumph, holds franchise bests with 206 wins and 32 shutouts.
The Boston Bruins' Mount Rushmore includes Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron, a six-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, ranks third in team history with 1,294 games played and has achieved remarkable overall statistics. Chára, also a Hall of Famer, captained the Bruins for 14 seasons and led them to a 2011 Stanley Cup victory, while winning the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09. Pastrňák, a leading goal-scorer who won the Maurice Richard Trophy, and Marchand, an essential member of the 2011 championship team, both contributed significantly to Boston's accolades.
For the Buffalo Sabres, Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek complete their Mount Rushmore. As a Vezina Trophy winner, Miller leads the franchise in games played as a goaltender and wins. Pominville contributed significantly during his extensive tenure with the team, and Dahlin is becoming a key player in franchise history with high point totals among defensemen. Vanek, a prolific scorer in Buffalo, remains a statistical leader for the franchise since 2000-01.
The Calgary Flames honor Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. Iginla, a Hall of Famer and franchise leader in several categories, was pivotal in winning multiple individual awards. Kiprusoff's tenure as the Flames' goaltending leader is notable, while Giordano and Gaudreau each made significant contributions, with accolades highlighting their skills.
The Carolina Hurricanes Mount Rushmore includes Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. Brind'Amour's contributions include two Frank J. Selke Trophy wins, and he played a vital role in the Hurricanes' 2006 Stanley Cup victory. Staal is second in various scoring categories. Slavin and Aho continue to be significant players in the franchise's success.
The Chicago Blackhawks' representation features Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. Kane, a prolific scorer and trophy winner, alongside Toews, who has also received multiple awards, highlights the team's success during their championship years. Keith's accomplishments as a Hall of Famer add to the rich history of the franchise, with Seabrook rounding out this talented group.
For the Colorado Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg are honored. MacKinnon's achievements since entering the league include multiple trophies, and Makar's recognition expands with awards received including the Calder and Conn Smythe trophies. Both Sakic and Forsberg remain integral to the team's history and success, holding places in the Hall of Fame.
The Columbus Blue Jackets celebrate Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky's accolades as a Vezina Trophy winner solidify his legacy, while Nash remains the franchise’s historical scoring leader. Werenski demonstrates strong play on defense, and Jenner has also established himself as a key contributor historically.
For the Dallas Stars, Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco make the cut. Modano's legendary status includes all-time team records, and Benn's accomplishments as the only Star to win the Art Ross Trophy highlight his contributions. Zubov's contributions as a defenseman and Turco's reign as a leading goaltender place them among the franchise greats.
The Detroit Red Wings' Mount Rushmore comprises Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström’s honors as a defenseman and Yzerman’s role as captain highlight their leadership and success, supported by Datsyuk’s remarkable contributions on both ends of the ice and Zetterberg’s consistent scoring ability.
For the Edmonton Oilers, players such as Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth are highlighted. McDavid's accomplishments include numerous awards since 2016-17, alongside contributions from Draisaitl, who has also claimed several honors. Nugent-Hopkins and Smyth provide historical depth in franchise scoring.
Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo represent the Florida Panthers. Barkov's franchise-leading numbers and Ekblad's accolades underscore their roles in the team's success, while both Huberdeau and Luongo also have impressive standings within franchise history.
The Los Angeles Kings' honored players include Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown. Kopitar’s extensive tenure as captain stems from his consistent high-level play in various categories, complemented by Doughty's recognition as an elite defenseman and Quick's status as an acclaimed goaltender. Brown's impact as a leader furthers the Kings’ legacy.
In Minnesota, Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon stand out. Koivu’s career-length service as captain highlights his commitment, whereas Gáborík was the first significant star for the franchise. Kaprizov’s entirely new scoring era is exciting for fans, with Spurgeon rounding out the list of influential players.
The Montreal Canadiens highlight Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov. Price is noted for his accolades as a goalie and Koivu's historic contributions as a longtime member of the franchise are pivotal. Subban, a clear standout during his tenure, and Markov, who consistently contributed over a prolonged career as a defenseman, are all included.
Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber represent the Nashville Predators. Josi’s leadership in scoring and Rinne’s recognition as a Vezina Trophy winner are instrumental, while Forsberg and Weber have also greatly contributed to the franchise.
The New Jersey Devils boast a Mount Rushmore comprising Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš. Brodeur's comprehensive records as a goaltender put him among the all-time greats, and Stevens' captaincy highlights his importance. Niedermayer’s impressive play as a defenseman and Eliáš's continued success contribute to their historic lore.
For the New York Islanders, John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal are featured. Tavares’ scoring prowess is evident even after his departure, complemented by Nelson’s and Lee’s successful contributions over the years. Barzal adds to the franchise's reputation with impactful performances.
The New York Rangers celebrate Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox. Lundqvist's goaltending records solidify his status in franchise history, while Panarin leads recent offensive productions. Kreider stands out among all-time scoring and Fox sets a benchmark as a young defenseman.
For the Ottawa Senators, Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden compose their Mount Rushmore. Alfredsson’s remarkable contributions are undeniable, and Karlsson's elite status as a defenseman complements Spezza's mark on scoring history. Redden's contributions further solidify their place.
Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné represent the Philadelphia Flyers. Giroux's versatility as captain is essential, while Couturier has also shined in significant scoring categories. Voráček and Gagné's lengthy tenures are pivotal in shaping the franchise's history.
For the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang are acknowledged. Crosby leads records across several categories and Malkin has also achieved considerable recognition as a scorer. Fleury's accolades as the top goaltender spotlight his longstanding contributions alongside Letang’s enduring success.
The San Jose Sharks Mount Rushmore features Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov. Marleau’s historic tenure with the Sharks sets a high bar, while Thornton's play and leadership in multiple categories further the franchise’s narrative. Burns and Nabokov have also each left a lasting impact.
Seattle Kraken's selections include Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson. The intuitive selections reflect early contributions on a young franchise. Each has made a mark in various categories, highlighting their potential in years to come.
For the St. Louis Blues, Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko exemplify the franchise's successful history. Pietrangelo's leadership in winning the Stanley Cup and O'Reilly’s crucial contributions label them as key figures alongside Pronger's historic impact and Tarasenko’s scoring ability.
Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman are highlighted by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Each has contributed to multiple Stanley Cup wins, showcasing their roles in franchise history with St. Louis’s Hall of Fame status representing the team's glorious moments.
Final selections for the Toronto Maple Leafs include Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly. Their achievements encapsulate a tradition of leadership and performance in franchise history, with Matthews’ goal record further emphasizing his status.
The Utah Mammoth honor Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov. Doan’s long career with the team underpins franchise history, while Keller emerges as a new standout. Ekman-Larsson adds experience while Bryzgalov's remarkable achievements in goal gather significant recognition.
The Vancouver Canucks Mount Rushmore features Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes. Both Henrik and Daniel emerged as franchise cornerstones, while Näslund’s contributions establish a baseline. Hughes showcases new heights for defensemen in franchise history.
Lastly, the Vegas Golden Knights celebrate Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel, highlighting a quick rise into competitiveness through unique talents.
This overview provides a snapshot of the impact players throughout NHL history since 2000, illustrating their significance to their franchises and contributions to the sport as a whole.








