NHL Teams Mount Rushmore: Icons of the Last 25 Years

In the NHL, each team boasts players whose achievements have set them apart from their teammates. These individuals may be prolific goal scorers, adept defensemen, or exceptional goaltenders. Within this group, a select few rise to the top, deserving a place on their franchise's Mount Rushmore, which includes their four greatest players of all time. For teams with rich histories, selecting just four players becomes a challenging task, while teams with more recent backgrounds have a more straightforward decision. This analysis narrows the focus to players from the last 25 years of NHL history, beginning with the 2000-01 season, as these players are more recognizable to contemporary fans based on their performance, playoff successes, contributions to their teams, and popularity during this timeframe. Some athletes may appear on more than one team's Mount Rushmore if their careers spanned multiple franchises. Special attention is also given to players who represented relocated teams, such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets) and the Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Mammoth).
Focusing on the Anaheim Ducks, four key figures stand out: Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf served as the longest-serving captain in Ducks history for 12 seasons and holds the franchise records for games played (1,157), assists (737), and points (1,019). Corey Perry claimed the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy during the 2010-11 season, ranking second in franchise history with 372 goals, third with 404 assists, and third overall with 776 points. Teemu Selänne, a Hall of Famer, played 15 out of his 21 NHL seasons with the Ducks, establishing franchise records for goals (457), assists (531), and points (988). Furthermore, Jean-Sébastien Giguère leads the Ducks in wins (206) and shutouts (32), earning a Conn Smythe Trophy in 2023 as playoff MVP. All four players played pivotal roles in securing the Stanley Cup for the Ducks in 2007.
Turning to the Boston Bruins, the franchise's Mount Rushmore features Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron, a six-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, ranks third among Bruins players with 1,294 games played, 427 goals, and 1,040 points. Zdeno Chára, also a Hall of Famer, won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in the 2008-09 season and was captain for 14 seasons, helping lead the team to their 2011 Stanley Cup victory. David Pastrňák is among the select few Bruins to score 60 or more goals in a single season and collected the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2019-20. He currently ranks fourth among NHL scorers with 391 points since his 2014-15 debut. Marchand adds to the Bruins' legacy with a Stanley Cup win in 2011 and holds fourth place in franchise history with 1,090 games played and 422 goals.
The Buffalo Sabres also feature notable players in their history such as Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek. Ryan Miller won the Vezina Trophy in 2009-10, establishing himself as the franchise's goaltending leader with 540 games played and 284 wins. Jason Pominville spent 11 of his 15 NHL seasons with the Sabres and ranks eighth among franchise leaders with 733 games, 304 assists, and 521 points. Dahlin sits second among Sabres defensemen in points (360) and ninth overall with 277 assists. Notably, Vanek leads Sabres scorers since 2000-01, contributing 254 goals and ranking second with 497 points.
In Calgary, the Mount Rushmore includes Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. Iginla is recognized as one of the franchise's all-time legends, leading with 1,219 games played, 525 goals, and 1,095 points. His accolades include two Maurice Richard Trophies and an Art Ross Trophy during the 2001-02 season. Kiprusoff is celebrated for his achievement in winning the Vezina Trophy in 2005-06 and standing as the franchise's goaltending leader in wins (305) and shutouts (41). Mark Giordano, triumphant winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2018-19, ranks third all-time in games played (949) and tenth in points (509). Gaudreau made his mark winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2016-17, amassing 399 assists and 609 points to rank among the franchise's highest scorers.
The Carolina Hurricanes' Mount Rushmore consists of Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. Brind'Amour, a two-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, ranks fourth in assists (299) and fifth in points (473) in franchise history while serving as captain during their 2005-06 Stanley Cup run. Eric Staal shares in that success and ranks second in franchise history with 322 goals, 453 assists, and 775 points. Jaccob Slavin, boasting 745 games played, has captured the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in the 2020-21 and 2023-24 seasons. Sebastian Aho rounds out the group by ranking third all-time in goals (283) and assists (348).
For the Chicago Blackhawks, key players include Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. Kane's accolades encompass the Calder Memorial Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Hart Trophy, and Ted Lindsay Award, solidifying him as one of the franchise's best. Toews, a standout leader, garnered the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2009-10 and the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2012-13. In addition, Duncan Keith's contributions include two James Norris Memorial Trophies and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2014-15, while Seabrook ranks fourth among franchise leaders in games played and fifth among defensemen in goals. Together, these four played vital roles in the Blackhawks' successive Stanley Cup championships from 2009-10 through 2014-15.
The Colorado Avalanche's Mount Rushmore comprises Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg. MacKinnon, awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2013-14, captured the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2019-20 and the Hart Trophy in 2023-24. Cale Makar, another exciting talent, won the Calder in 2019-20 and claimed the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2022, along with two James Norris Memorial Trophies. Joe Sakic, as the Avalanche's all-time offensive leader, won the Hart and Ted Lindsay trophies in the 2000-01 season. His teammate, Forsberg, won the Hart and Art Ross Trophies in 2002-03 and is recognized among the franchise greats along with Sakic as both are inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame. MacKinnon and Makar added to their team’s legacy by winning the Stanley Cup in 2022.
From the Columbus Blue Jackets, the franchise's Mount Rushmore consists of Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, leads the club in goaltending statistics, including games played (374), wins (213), and shutouts (33). Nash, a key figure for 10 seasons, is not only the team's all-time goal leader (289) but also co-holds the single-season record of goals with Cam Atkinson. Meanwhile, Werenski holds the franchise assist record with 271 and earned recognition as a Norris Trophy finalist in 2024-25. Finally, Boone Jenner has made his mark by registering the most games played in franchise history, emphasizing his importance to the team's identity.
The Dallas Stars Mount Rushmore includes Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco. A Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Modano is the franchise leader in games played (1,459) and points (1,359). Benn made his name as the only member of the Stars to claim the Art Ross Trophy during the 2014-15 season and ranks second in goals and points. Zubov, another Hall of Famer, ranks fourth in franchise assists, while Turco leads all Stars goalies in significant save and shutout statistics having played a remarkable 509 games. Together, they represent the essence of the Stars' history and success.
In Detroit, the Red Wings’ Mount Rushmore is anchored by Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström is celebrated for securing the James Norris Memorial Trophy seven times and becoming the first European captain to lead an NHL team to the Stanley Cup in 2008. Yzerman holds the franchise record for assists and captained the team to three Stanley Cup victories. Datsyuk, known for his two-way brilliance, earned accolades including four Lady Byng and three Selke trophies while Zetterberg’s contributions earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy during the Red Wings’ championship run in 2008. Collectively, their legacies are cemented as integral parts of the Red Wings’ storied history.
For the Edmonton Oilers, the Mount Rushmore features Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth. McDavid has dominated since entering the league, accumulating numerous awards and leading the franchise in scoring since 2016-17, capturing the Art Ross Trophy five times and securing the Hart Trophy three times. Draisaitl's accomplishments include multiple accolades, while Nugent-Hopkins ranks third in franchise history for games played. On the other hand, Ryan Smyth has a long-lasting connection with the Oilers, having spent a portion of his career earning respect and creating memorable moments and sitting second all-time in many franchise categories.
From the Florida Panthers, Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo stand out. Barkov leads the Panthers in games played and points and has notably won the Selke Trophy three times since 2020-21. Ekblad, who took home the Calder Trophy in 2014-15, joins him as an integral player in the Panthers’ recent Stanley Cup success in 2024 and 2025. Huberdeau is another prominent scorer with his contributions placing him second on the team’s all-time point list. Roberto Luongo’s goaltending excellence made him the franchise leader in wins, showcasing his elite status in the organization’s history.
In Los Angeles, the Kings’ Mount Rushmore includes Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown. Kopitar is notable as the longest-serving captain with impressive records for games played and assists, while Doughty, as a Norris Trophy winner and one of the top defensemen, holds critical franchise records. Quick's goaltending statistics highlight his importance, and Brown, who captained the Kings for several seasons, is key in answering the requests for leadership within the franchise especially during their Stanley Cup victories.
Over in Minnesota, the Wild recognize Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon. Koivu, the longest-serving captain in Wild history, is the franchise leader in several categories, including games played and assists. Gáborík, the franchise's first star player, leads in goals scored, while Kaprizov enjoyed an immediate impact, winning the Calder Trophy and setting single-season records. Jared Spurgeon currently leads as captain while also ranking high in franchise games played statistics.
In Montreal, Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov represent the Mount Rushmore. Price is recognized as the leader in various goaltending categories, while Koivu stands tall among the top scorers in franchise history. Subban earned himself considerable accolades during his time with the Canadiens, and Markov's tenure provided stability on the blue line ranking high in games played and assists.
In Nashville, the representation includes Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Josi has excelled to new heights as captain and James Norris Trophy victor, while Rinne’s accomplishments as a Vezina winner and franchise leader pave the way for Nashville's goaltending line. Forsberg leads in several single-season records and impactful contributions, while Weber's success stretches back to his time as team captain, leaving a lasting legacy on the franchise.
From the New Jersey Devils, the franchise Mount Rushmore includes Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš. Brodeur reigns supreme in numerous goaltending records, a four-time Vezina Trophy winner, and one of the key contributors to their Stanley Cup victories. Stevens, another Hall of Famer, played a significant leadership role for the Devils, while Niedermayer collected Norris honors and Eliáš leads the franchise in goals and points, all contributing to the foundation of New Jersey's legacy in the NHL.
In New York, the Islanders feature John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal on their Mount Rushmore. Tavares’ scoring accomplishments keep him at the forefront of the franchise’s records, while Nelson’s impact lasted through his consistent scoring and games played. Lee, the current captain since 2018-19, and Barzal, a Calder Trophy winner, both contribute significantly to the Islanders’ rich history.
The New York Rangers’ Mount Rushmore is defined by the contributions of Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox. Lundqvist, affectionately known as ‘King Henrik’, dominates franchise goaltending records, while Panarin leads team scoring in recent seasons and is recognized as a First Team All-Star. Kreider, as an impactful goal scorer, ranks high among the franchise leaders, while Fox won the James Norris Memorial Trophy — a recognition of his significant contributions in just a few seasons.
In Ottawa, the Senators’ Mount Rushmore features Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden. Alfredsson stands firm as the franchise leader in several key offensive categories and has made an enduring impact. Karlsson, acknowledged for his skill, leads points among defensemen, while Spezza follows closely in the point race among Senators’ all-time leaders. Redden also played a crucial role in stabilizing Ottawa's defense for years.
For the Philadelphia Flyers, Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné represent the Mount Rushmore. Giroux's long-lasting leadership and point production place him high among franchise leaders, while Couturier earned recognition with a Frank J. Selke Trophy. Voráček and Gagné both hold prominent places among the Flyers’ scoring totals with significant contributions throughout their careers.
The Pittsburgh Penguins' Mount Rushmore showcases Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang. Crosby’s prolific scoring and numerous Trophy wins place him at the forefront of the franchise, while Malkin stands as an elite scorer in his own right with multiple accolades. Fleury remains among the elite goaltenders, with significant contributions throughout his lasting career in Pittsburgh. Letang also contributes prominent statistics among Penguins’ defensemen, creating a legacy as impactful as the forwards.
The San Jose Sharks' Mount Rushmore features Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov. Marleau, with record-setting games played and goals, embodies the franchise's spirit, while Thornton’s records speak to his remarkable playmaking ability. Burns, being a past Norris Trophy winner, rounds out the star-studded lineup with Nabokov establishing himself as a franchise icon.
The Seattle Kraken celebrates their young history with Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson on their Mount Rushmore. McCann holds key franchise records for goals and points, Dunn leads in assists, while Eberle boasts impressive contributions since joining the Kraken. Larsson's durability has made him an invaluable asset, contributing to the team's identity.
In St. Louis, the achievement of Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko forms their Mount Rushmore. Pietrangelo’s captaincy brought the franchise its first Stanley Cup, while O'Reilly made an immediate impact during his time by winning essential accolades. Pronger remains a celebrated Hall of Famer, and Tarasenko’s scoring prowess secures his place among the greats.
Lastly, the Tampa Bay Lightning recognizes Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman in their Mount Rushmore. Stamkos’ scoring records and captaincy underline his importance, while Kucherov’s accolades reflect his contributions to the team’s success. St. Louis holds a permanent place in franchise history, complemented by Hedman being a Norris Trophy recipient and leading in games played.
The Toronto Maple Leafs' notable figures include Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly. Matthews, as the single-season goal leader and winner of multiple awards, dominated the offensive landscape. Mats Sundin, a Hall of Famer, ranks high in franchise scoring as well. Marner and Rielly have both become cornerstones in recent years, solidifying their presence in the annals of Leafs history.
The Utah Mammoth celebrates a rich history from the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes, with Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov as key representatives. Doan's lengthy tenure made him the franchise's all-time leader in games played and points, Keller’s contributions continue to expand upon that legacy, and Ekman-Larsson’s defensive skills mark him as a vital player while Bryzgalov was known for his remarkable goaltending achievements. Further developments in this franchise's history will add more players worthy of recognition.
The Vancouver Canucks highlight Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes on their Mount Rushmore. The Sedins are historic figures, with Henrik holding substantial records in franchise assists while Daniel made a notable impact as the leading goal-scorer. Näslund's tenure provided pivotal contributions during a key period of the franchise’s overall history, while Hughes has quickly established himself among the top defensemen in the league, earning a Norris Trophy.
Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights recognize Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel. Fleury, known for his success in guiding the team to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final, remains pivotal in the organization’s history. Marchessault, having recently earned a Conn Smythe Trophy, is the leading scorer for the franchise, while Theodore stands as an original member still contributing to team success. Eichel, whose recent period in the NHL is highlighted by strong offensive statistics, shows promise for a bright future as the franchise continues to evolve.








