Each NHL team boasts players whose accomplishments shine brightly against their teammates. These individuals may include scoring forwards, skilled defensemen, or exceptional goaltenders. Among these athletes, a select few would be regarded as the very best, representing a franchise's storied success. Establishing the top four players for teams with extensive histories is a challenging task, while franchises with shorter lineages may find this process simpler. This analysis narrows its focus to the past 25 years of NHL history, starting from the 2000-01 season, emphasizing individuals whose performances, postseason success, and overall value resonate with contemporary fans. Some players may appear on multiple teams' lists, highlighting the fluidity of NHL careers and their significant contributions to relocated franchises like the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets) and Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Mammoth).

The Anaheim Ducks' Mount Rushmore consists of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf, who served as the Ducks' captain for 12 seasons, holds the franchise records for games played at 1,157, assists at 737, and total points at 1,019. Perry, a recipient of both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy in the 2010-11 season, ranks second in franchise history with 372 goals and third with 404 assists. Selänne, a Hall of Famer and a pillar for the Ducks for 15 of his 21 NFL seasons, leads the franchise with 457 goals and ranks second in assists with 531. Giguère, a legendary goalie for the franchise, holds the record for 206 wins and 32 shutouts. Each of these players played vital roles in securing the Stanley Cup for the Ducks in 2007.

The Boston Bruins celebrated their own Mount Rushmore with Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron, a six-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, ranks third in franchise history with 1,294 games played and 427 goals. Chára, another Hall of Famer, captained the Bruins for 14 seasons and won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09. Pastrňák, the second Bruin in history to score at least 60 goals in a season, received the Maurice Richard Trophy in the 2019-20 season and ranks fourth among NHL scorers with 391 points since his debut in 2014-15. Marchand, who also celebrated a Stanley Cup victory with Boston in 2011, features prominently on the franchise leaderboard with 1,090 games played and 422 goals.

Notably, the Buffalo Sabres' honorary Mount Rushmore features Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek. Miller, the Sabres' Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender in 2009-10, holds the franchise records for games played (540) and wins (284). Pominville, who spent over a decade with the Sabres, ranks eighth in franchise history with 733 games played and 521 points. Dahlin, a rising star, sits sixth among Sabres defensemen with 360 points and ninth in assists with 277. Vanek, leading the franchise's goal tally since the 2000-01 season with 254 goals, showcases his scoring prowess during his nine years in Buffalo.

The Calgary Flames Mount Rushmore is headlined by Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. A Hall of Famer, Iginla is the Flames' all-time leader in games played (1,219), goals (525), and points (1,095). Kiprusoff, a Vezina Trophy recipient, also holds numerous goaltending records for the franchise, including wins (305). Giordano, who won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2018-19, ranks third in franchise games played and has contributed significantly in assists. Gaudreau, the recipient of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2016-17, made a notable impact during his nine seasons with the Flames, ranking fifth in franchise assists.

In the case of the Carolina Hurricanes, Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho represent the pinnacle of success. A two-time Selke Trophy winner, Brind'Amour sandwiches his considerable achievements with a Stanley Cup title during the 2005-06 season. Staal, who also contributed to the 2006 championship run, sits second in franchise history with 322 goals. Slavin stands out as a defenseman, boasting impressive game and award achievements, and Aho continues to rise on the franchise leaderboard in points.

The Chicago Blackhawks recognize Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook as their esteemed Mount Rushmore. Kane is decorated with the Calder Memorial Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, and numerous other accolades, indicating his key role in Chicago's success. Toews, the team's leader for key moments in 2010, 2013, and 2015 Stanley Cup victories, holds a notable place in franchise history. Keith, a Hall of Famer, has won accolades including the Conn Smythe Trophy and multiple Norris trophies. Seabrook rounds out the list as a vital contributor to their championship teams.

For the Colorado Avalanche, the Mount Rushmore features Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg. MacKinnon distinguished himself with significant honors, including the Calder and Hart trophies. Makar, paired with MacKinnon, has quickly established himself among the league's elite defensemen, with accolades such as the Calder and Conn Smythe trophies already to his name. Sakic made history as the franchise's all-time offensive leader, while Forsberg remains an iconic figure of their Stanley Cup titles in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The Columbus Blue Jackets' Mount Rushmore forms around goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, right winger Rick Nash, defenseman Zach Werenski, and center Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, remains the all-time leader of the franchise in several goaltending categories. Nash's legacy as the team's all-time goals leader solidifies his position, while Werenski highlights his growing prowess as an elite defenseman. Jenner, a franchise staple, has contributed steadily to the team's success.

Within the Dallas Stars' Mount Rushmore, Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco stand out. Modano, a Hall of Famer, remains the franchise leader across multiple offensive categories. Benn's extraordinary performance earned him the Art Ross Trophy, while Zubov holds the title of one of the all-time great defensemen. Turco remains the best goaltender in franchise history, emphasizing the Stars' combination of forward and defensive talent.

The Detroit Red Wings’ Mount Rushmore comprises Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström captured the James Norris Memorial Trophy seven times in his career, and Yzerman’s legacy as captain is unmatched as he led the franchise through multiple championship-winning seasons. Datsyuk, known for his incredible two-way play, claimed numerous individual awards. Zetterberg’s contributions also include a Conn Smythe Trophy, cementing their statuses among hockey royalty.

The Edmonton Oilers highlight Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth on their Mount Rushmore. McDavid's impact since joining the league includes multiple prestigious awards, establishing his dominance. Similarly, Draisaitl's play significantly contributed to the Oilers' success, and Nugent-Hopkins has consistently been a reliable contributor. Smyth’s legacy through almost two decades with the Oilers marks another chapter in the team’s lore.

For the Florida Panthers, Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo resonate as legends. Barkov’s extraordinary achievements include multiple Selke Trophy wins, while Ekblad’s arrival and growth illustrate his strong defensive skills. Huberdeau ranks among the franchise's all-time points leaders, matched only by Luongo, whose tenure as goaltender remains remarkably impactful.

On the Los Angeles Kings' Mount Rushmore are Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown. Kopitar leads the franchise in games played and assists; Doughty’s standout performance earned him the Norris Trophy. Quick, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, continues holding franchise goaltending records, while Brown's leadership and significant contributions epitomized the organization’s collaborative spirit.

The Minnesota Wild honor Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon. Koivu's lengthy service as captain symbolized stability, while Gáborík emerged as a franchise pioneer. Kaprizov's rapid ascent symbolizes future success, and Spurgeon's contributions as a steadfast leader round out this impressive quartet.

Montreal Canadiens’ standout players include Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov. Price holds numerous franchise goaltending records while Koivu personifies loyalty and leadership during his lengthy career with Montreal. Subban and Markov also left their mark, achieving personal accolades along the way, contributing significantly to the team's tradition of excellence.

The Nashville Predators' Mount Rushmore features Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Josi represents both offense and leadership, while Rinne's storied career as the franchise goaltender exemplified consistency. Forsberg's contributions in goal-scoring showcase his talent, and Weber’s defensive prowess during his time in Nashville further highlights their elite talent.

For the New Jersey Devils, the franchise honors Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš. Brodeur's goaltending records are legendary while Stevens and Niedermayer, both Hall of Famers, influenced defensive play at the highest levels. Eliáš remains a franchise offensive leader, showcasing consistent high-level play during his tenure with the team.

The New York Islanders highlight John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal. Tavares made a lasting impact before moving on, while Nelson continues to make significant contributions to the lineup, and Lee, who serves as captain, maintains his scoring prowess. Barzal shows immense potential, reflecting the team's hopeful future.

In New York Rangers lore, Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox serve as key figures. Lundqvist’s reign as a legendary goaltender marked an epoch for the franchise. Panarin’s flourishing career has been instrumental since joining the team, while Kreider has regularly contributed to the scoring sheet. Fox's defense has gained recognition with accolades, further solidifying the Rangers’ talented lineup.

For Ottawa Senators fans, the team’s Mount Rushmore includes Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden. Alfredsson, a Hall of Famer, holds multiple franchise records, while Karlsson’s dynamic play redefined offensive defensemen. Spezza and Redden’s key contributions to the franchise over the years reinforce their lasting memories in Ottawa.

The Philadelphia Flyers’ list features Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné. Giroux, the former captain, sustained excellence throughout his career, while Couturier's two-way play earned him a Selke Trophy. Voráček remains an all-time assists leader, and Gagné's tenure underscores a strong era in Philadelphia hockey.

The Pittsburgh Penguins recognize Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang within their franchise history. Both Crosby and Malkin represent unparalleled talent and achievement, with multiple Stanley Cup championships alongside Fleury, known for his goaltending excellence. Letang continues to define offensive defense for the franchise in contemporary times.

For the San Jose Sharks, Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov stand out. Marleau’s records reflect his loyalty and performance, while Thornton’s accolades convey his impact on the team. Burns, with a Norris Trophy, and Nabokov’s goaltending feat lend significant weight to their collective legacy.

The Seattle Kraken’s Mount Rushmore includes Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson. McCann’s breakout season signifies growth for the young franchise, while Dunn holds several franchise assist records. Eberle has contributed steadily, and Larsson’s leadership exemplifies resilience in their early years.

With the St. Louis Blues, Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko highlight their achievements. Pietrangelo captained the team to their first Stanley Cup, O'Reilly made an immediate impact upon arrival, and Pronger’s legacy as an elite defenseman resonates deeply. Tarasenko’s scoring ability continues to make him a fan favorite.

In Tampa Bay Lightning history, Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman hold significant places. Stamkos has captured several awards while being an essential part of back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. Kucherov’s accolades further represent the team's offensive prowess, while St. Louis and Hedman solidify their statuses as among the greatest in franchise history.

Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mount Rushmore includes Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly. Matthews is known for his prolific scoring, while Sundin remains a beloved figure in team history. Marner’s assists highlight his playmaking skill, and Rielly continues to contribute on defense as one of the team's staple players.

The Arizona Mammoth’s Mount Rushmore features Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov. Doan’s entire career reflects loyalty to the franchise, while Keller continues to establish himself among top players. Ekman-Larsson’s defensive contributions and Bryzgalov’s historic performances underscore the Mammoth’s rich legacy.

For the Vancouver Canucks, Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes represent a blend of tradition and modernity. The Sedins are respected alums whose impact is undeniable. Näslund’s accomplishments add to the team's folklore, while Hughes signifies a promising future as an elite defenseman.

Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights honor Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel as cornerstones of their success. Fleury's pivotal role in their inaugural season and Marchessault’s impressive play have secured their significance, while Theodore and Eichel represent a blend of experience and skill moving forward.