Each NHL team has its collection of players whose contributions and achievements are noteworthy, comprised of scoring forwards, skilled defensemen, and exceptional goaltenders. Among these athletes, a select few emerge as the very best, warranting a place on their respective team's Mount Rushmore, a tribute to the top four players in franchise history. For NHL teams with extensive histories, narrowing the list to four can be particularly challenging, while teams with shorter histories might find the task more manageable. This analysis focuses on the last 25 years of NHL history, beginning with the 2000-01 season, highlighting players familiar to contemporary fans based on their overall performance, postseason achievements, and enduring value to their franchises. Some individuals may appear on multiple teams' Mount Rushmores due to their impactful careers across different clubs, including those who played for relocated teams such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets) and the Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Mammoth).

For the Anaheim Ducks, the choices for their Mount Rushmore include: Ryan Getzlaf, a center and the longest-serving captain in Ducks history with 12 seasons; Corey Perry, a right wing who captured both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy in the 2010-11 season; Teemu Selänne, a Hall of Famer who spent 15 of his 21 NHL seasons with the Ducks; and Jean-Sébastien Giguère, the franchise's all-time leader in wins and shutouts who earned the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2023. Together, these four players played crucial roles in securing the Ducks' Stanley Cup victory in 2007.

The Boston Bruins' Mount Rushmore features Patrice Bergeron, a center known for his six Frank J. Selke Trophy wins; Zdeno Chára, a defenseman and captain for 14 seasons who won the James Norris Memorial Trophy; David Pastrňák, who is only the second Bruin to score at least 60 goals in a season; and Brad Marchand, a left wing who also contributed to Boston’s 2011 Stanley Cup win. Bergeron ranks high in franchise history with over 1,200 games, 400 goals, and over 1,000 points, while Chára's leadership and defensive prowess were instrumental during his tenure with the team.

For the Buffalo Sabres, Ryan Miller stands out as the goaltending leader, complemented by Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek. Miller's Vezina Trophy win in the 2009-10 season and his status as the franchise leader in games and wins have solidified his legacy. Pominville, who spent a significant portion of his career with the Sabres, ranks highly in franchise scoring. Dahlin, still in the early stages of his career, is already placing himself among the franchise's top defensemen, while Vanek leads Sabres scorers since 2000-01.

For the Calgary Flames, notable mentions include Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. Iginla is a Hall of Famer and the franchise leader in games played and goals. Kiprusoff earned the Vezina Trophy and secured his place in Flames history as the winningest goaltender. Giordano, a Norris Trophy winner, and Gaudreau, a Lady Byng Trophy winner, both highlight the more recent contributions that have shaped the organization's legacy.

Among the Carolina Hurricanes, Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho stand out. Brind'Amour, a two-time Selke Trophy winner and captain during their 2006 Stanley Cup run, establishes a key figure in franchise history. Staal's impact during the same Cup run further solidifies his legacy. Slavin’s recent accolades and Aho's growing status in the franchise round out the prominent names within the Hurricanes' history.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, the Mount Rushmore features Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. With multiple accolades, including Stanley Cups and individual awards, these players were integral to Chicago's successful run in the early 2010s, contributing to championships and establishing a winning culture in the franchise.

Turning to the Colorado Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg have earned their places. MacKinnon's accomplishments since his debut bolster his status, while Makar’s tremendous abilities on the ice have already earned him significant acclaim. Sakic and Forsberg, two Hall of Famers, played crucial roles in the franchise’s historical success, securing the Stanley Cup in both 1996 and 2001, while the recent successes in 2022 highlight the ongoing legacy.

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ premier players, including Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner, have left their marks. Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, and Nash, a key goal scorer, reflect the franchise's historical prominence. Werenski and Jenner continue to contribute significantly to the franchise's current trajectory.

For the Dallas Stars, the Mount Rushmore encompasses Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco. Modano, a Hall of Fame forward and the franchise's all-time leader in multiple categories, including games and points, is a cornerstone of the club's history. Benn’s notable achievements along with Zubov’s crucial contributions to both offense and defense demonstrate the franchise's depth.

The Detroit Red Wings' representatives include Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström's multiple Norris Trophies and Yzerman's crucial leadership during several Stanley Cup victories exemplify the team's storied heritage. Datsyuk and Zetterberg, both Hall of Famers, played pivotal roles in pursuing championships, underscoring the talent synonymous with the Red Wings.

From the Edmonton Oilers, names like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth illustrate the breadth of talent the team has seen. McDavid, recognized consistently with multiple individual awards, exemplifies the modern game's offensive prowess. Draisaitl’s accolades further solidify his status as a superstar, while Nugent-Hopkins and Smyth remain crucial parts of the franchise's history.

In Florida, stars such as Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo resonate. Barkov’s recent Selke awards demonstrate his two-way capabilities, while Ekblad’s contributions are significant from the blue line. Huberdeau and Luongo, instrumental in the Panthers' recent successes, highlight a blend of historical and contemporary relevance for the franchise.

For the Los Angeles Kings, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown contributed to the franchise's success. Kopitar's extended impact and leadership are only matched by Doughty's defensive accolades. Quick’s goaltending legacy stands out, while Brown's contributions during the Kings’ championships define his importance to the team.

The Minnesota Wild’s Mount Rushmore includes Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon. Koivu’s leadership and tenure mark a significant era. Gáborík's early impact established him as a star, while Kaprizov's recent accolades project him into the franchise's elite. Spurgeon continues to be a fundamental part of the franchise as it evolves.

In Montreal, the legacy is carried by Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov. Price is recognized for his goaltending prowess and historic awards, while Koivu shaped the club’s recent history. Subban’s electric style on and off the ice resonated with fans, and Markov's longevity and performance highlight the strength of their blue line.

The Nashville Predators boast a Mount Rushmore consisting of Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Josi’s captaincy and performance have placed him among the franchise leaders, while Rinne's goaltending legacy remains unmatched. Forsberg’s consistent contributions and Weber’s historic impact shape the team’s identity.

The New Jersey Devils celebrate Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš. Brodeur’s unparalleled winning records among goalies mark a historic career. Stevens and Niedermayer are both integral to the Cup-winning teams, and Eliáš’s scoring prowess ensures his enduring presence in franchise lore.

The New York Islanders' Mount Rushmore features John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal. Tavares remains a key player in franchise scoring, while Lee's captaincy has cemented his importance. Barzal's electric play captures fans' excitement, contributing to the franchise's recent resurgence.

For the New York Rangers, Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox make up their Mount Rushmore. Lundqvist’s tenure embodies excellence in goal, while Panarin’s scoring abilities have propelled the team forward. Kreider’s contributions and Fox’s emerging defensive impact illustrate the evolution of the Rangers.

The Ottawa Senators honor Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden. Alfredsson’s legacy as a prolific scorer and leader stands the test of time, and Karlsson’s offensive contributions have redefined defenseman roles. Spezza and Redden’s tenures shaped a competitive era for the franchise.

Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné represent the Philadelphia Flyers in their Mount Rushmore. Giroux’s scoring and leadership are matched by Couturier’s defensive prowess. Voráček’s extensive contributions and Gagné’s scoring ability throughout his career add to the Flyers' storied history.

In Pittsburgh, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang reign supreme in their Mount Rushmore. Crosby’s accolades set a standard for excellence, while Malkin’s dynamic play has captured admiration. Fleury's tenure between the pipes, along with Letang’s historic performances, emphasizes the franchise’s recent success.

The San Jose Sharks count Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov among their legends. Marleau's records and leadership symbolize stability, while Thornton’s playmaking has defined a generation. Burns and Nabokov’s contributions further enhance the franchise's legacy.

The Seattle Kraken's emerging history highlights Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson. McCann's record-setting goal contributions showcase his importance, while Dunn and Eberle continue to shape the franchise's identity. Larsson’s durability has made him a cornerstone of the team's defense.

In St. Louis, the Mount Rushmore consists of Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko. Pietrangelo’s leadership during the Cup run and O'Reilly’s individual accolades solidify their roles. Pronger's historic contributions alongside Tarasenko's scoring prowess illustrate the depth of talent in the Blues' history.

Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman represent the Tampa Bay Lightning. Stamkos’ captaincy and excellence on the ice have been instrumental for the franchise, while Kucherov’s scoring abilities have propelled success. St. Louis’s legacy as an all-time great is paralleled by Hedman's defensive contributions.

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ representation includes Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly. Matthews stands out for his scoring ability, while the Hall of Famer Sundin remains a legend. Marner's offensive contributions highlight his significance, and Rielly's emerging role strengthens the team's foundation.

For the former Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes now known as the Utah Mammoth, the Mount Rushmore comprises Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov. Doan's commitment defines the franchise, while Keller’s early contributions indicate a bright future. Ekman-Larsson’s presence on defense alongside Bryzgalov’s goaltending achievements speaks to the team's identity.

The Vancouver Canucks celebrate the legacy of the Sedin twins—Henrik and Daniel—alongside Markus Näslund and Quinn Hughes. The Sedins’ historic roles in franchise scoring, alongside Näslund's contributions, are deepened by Hughes’ emerging talent and recognition. Their collective legacy reflects the evolution of the franchise.

Lastly, the Vegas Golden Knights, with Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel, represent an expansion team that quickly made its mark. Fleury’s goaltending prowess and Marchessault’s scoring during pivotal moments signify essential roles. Theodore’s contributions from defense and Eichel’s recent achievements portray the team's future trajectory.

Each team’s Mount Rushmore is a testament to the players who have significantly impacted the franchises, blending history with recent success while creating legacies that resonate with fans.