Each NHL team boasts a selection of players whose achievements stand tall among their teammates, whether as potent scoring forwards, skilled defensemen, or exceptional goaltenders. A select few of these individuals might be regarded as the team’s very best, deserving a place on their franchise's figurative Mount Rushmore, representing the top four players in their history. For teams with deep and lengthy histories, refining the list to four stars presents a challenge, while for those with shorter legacies, the task may prove to be simpler. This analysis focuses on the last 25 years of NHL history, beginning with the 2000-01 season, to highlight players more familiar to today's fans due to their overall performance, postseason achievements, franchise value, and appeal among supporters during this time frame.

Taking into account various players who have left their mark on multiple franchises, as well as those who played for relocated teams such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg Jets) and Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Mammoth), this assessment provides a focused look at significant players. The selections reflect not just individual accomplishments but also contributions to their teams' success, particularly during the playoff seasons.

For the Anaheim Ducks, the Mount Rushmore features Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf served as the longest-tenured captain in franchise history, leading the Ducks for 12 seasons and becoming the franchise leader in games played, assists, and points. Perry earned notable accolades, including the Hart Memorial Trophy, and is recognized for his impressive goal-scoring record. Both Perry and Getzlaf played pivotal roles in securing the Ducks' Stanley Cup victory in 2007. Meanwhile, Selänne, a two-time Hall of Famer, and Giguère, the franchise goaltending leader in wins and shutouts, further solidified their impact on the organization.

The Boston Bruins acknowledge Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron, a six-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, ranks high in Bruins history for games played and points. Chára's leadership and defensive prowess helped guide the Bruins to a Stanley Cup title in 2011, while Pastrňák and Marchand have both made significant contributions to the franchise in terms of scoring and assists.

In Buffalo, Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek claim their spots. Miller, a Vezina Trophy winner, remains a franchise leader in goaltending statistics. Pominville and Vanek stand among the top scorers in franchise history, with Dahlin proving his worth as a rising star in defense.

The Calgary Flames feature Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. Iginla, a Hall of Famer, leads the franchise in several statistical categories, while Kiprusoff is celebrated for his goaltending achievements. Giordano’s recent accolades, including a Norris Trophy, and Gaudreau’s offensive talent represent the team’s commitment to success.

The Carolina Hurricanes' Mount Rushmore includes Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. Brind'Amour, a captain during a Championship season, ranks high in franchise assists, while Staal’s goal count places him among the best. Slavin and Aho showcase the team's future potential while reflecting their past successes.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook are celebrated. This combination of talent contributed significantly to the team's championship success in multiple seasons. Each player has received personal accolades, including Hart and Conn Smythe trophies.

The Colorado Avalanche's choices encompass Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg. MacKinnon's remarkable achievements since debuting underscore his offensive prowess, while Makar represents both the now and future of defensive play. Sakic and Forsberg reflect the franchise's storied history and logo's legacy celebrating two Stanley Cup victories.

The Columbus Blue Jackets Mount Rushmore comprises Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, remains the top goalie in franchise history, while Nash is the all-time scoring leader. Werenski is a dynamic defenseman, and Jenner showcases strong leadership qualities.

Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco represent the Dallas Stars. Modano's legacy surpasses numbers, having shaped the franchise’s reputation. Benn remains a top talent, while Zubov and Turco's contributions rank them among the Stars' all-time greats.

The Detroit Red Wings highlight Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström’s dominance in defense, Yzerman’s leadership, Datsyuk’s finesse, and Zetterberg’s perseverance reflect the franchise's enduring success.

Additionally, the Edmonton Oilers put forth Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth. McDavid has rapidly built a resume of accolades while Draisaitl also walks his path of recognition. Nugent-Hopkins and Smyth round off their franchise hallmarks.

The Florida Panthers acknowledge Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo. Their contributions have led to a recent surge in success, including Stanley Cup victories in consecutive years.

The Los Angeles Kings Mount Rushmore includes Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown. Each of these players has earned accolades and made significant contributions to the Kings' championship successes in the 2010s.

For the Minnesota Wild, the standout players are Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon. Koivu's leadership and contributions are magnified by Kaprizov's rising star power.

The Montreal Canadiens feature Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov. Price holds numerous franchise records as a goaltender, while Koivu remains a fan favorite for his long service and contributions.

The Nashville Predators name Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Each player exemplifies the spirit of the franchise through their contributions both on and off the ice.

The New Jersey Devils' Mount Rushmore showcases Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš. All four members have led the team to success in numerous ways, both in excellence and leadership.

One of the most significant franchises, the New York Islanders, includes John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal. These players have each made their mark within the organization's history.

The New York Rangers highlight Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox. Lundqvist’s goaltending legacy is extended through the achievements of Fox and Panarin.

The Ottawa Senators acknowledge Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden in their Hall of Fame. Particularly notable is Alfredsson, who dedicated his entire career to the franchise.

Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné represent the Philadelphia Flyers. Their contributions throughout their careers resonate strongly with the team’s identity.

Lastly, the Pittsburgh Penguins spotlight Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang, each of whom has significantly impacted their franchise's identity. Their legacies are closely tied to multiple championship successes.

This analysis offers a snapshot of the rich tapestry of talent that has defined NHL franchises over the past quarter of a century. As teams continue to evolve, these players stand as testaments to excellence, competitiveness, and triumph in the world of professional hockey.