Each NHL team features players whose achievements stand out among their peers, ranging from scoring forwards to skilled defensemen and exceptional goaltenders. Among these athletes, a select few can be considered the very best, similarly to having their faces sculpted on a Mount Rushmore of their respective teams. For organizations with extensive histories, narrowing down the top four can prove challenging, while those with shorter legacies may find it somewhat simpler. This analysis focuses on the past 25 years since the 2000-01 NHL season, as players from this era tend to resonate more with today's fans due to their overall performance, postseason success, and impact on their franchises, enhancing their popularity during this timeframe. Some players may feature on multiple teams' Mount Rushmores, given their careers spanned several clubs, while others played for relocated franchises like the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets) and Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Mammoth).

In the Anaheim Ducks' category, Ryan Getzlaf, Center, stands out as the franchise's longest-serving captain over 12 seasons, holding records for 1,157 games played, 737 assists, and 1,019 points. Corey Perry, Right Wing, enjoyed a successful tenure, winning the Hart Memorial Trophy and Maurice Richard Trophy in the 2010-11 season, ranking second with 372 career goals and third with 404 assists and 776 points. Teemu Selänne, a Hall of Famer, spent 15 of his 21 NHL seasons with the Ducks, leading the franchise with 457 goals, while Jean-Sébastien Giguère holds the franchise's goaltending records with 206 wins and 32 shutouts, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2023. All four players played crucial roles in the Ducks' Stanley Cup victory in 2007.

When discussing the Boston Bruins, Patrice Bergeron emerges as a six-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, recording third-most games played (1,294) and accumulating 427 goals and 1,040 points in his career. Zdeno Chára, a Hall of Famer and former long-time captain, secured the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09 and contributed to the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup win. David Pastrňák made history as the second Bruin to score over 60 goals in a season, winning the Maurice Richard Trophy in the 2019-20 season and ranking fourth among active NHL scorers since his debut in 2014-15. Brad Marchand, a fellow Stanley Cup champion from the 2011 season, holds fourth place in Bruins' history with 1,090 games played and 422 goals.

Looking at the Buffalo Sabres, Ryan Miller, a successful goaltender, secured the Vezina Trophy in 2009-10 while becoming the franchise leader with 540 games played and 284 wins. Jason Pominville dedicated 11 of his 15 NHL seasons to the Sabres, figuring prominently in franchise history with 733 games played, 304 assists, and 521 points. Rasmus Dahlin holds the second-highest point total among Sabres defensemen with 360 and ranks ninth in franchise history with 277 assists, while Thomas Vanek led the team in scoring since 2000-01 with 254 goals across nine seasons in Buffalo, contributing to a total of 497 points.

For the Calgary Flames, Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla ranks first in games played (1,219), goals (525), and points (1,095) during his tenure. Miikka Kiprusoff, a notable goaltender, won the Vezina Trophy in 2005-06 and serves as the franchise leader in wins (305) and shutouts (41). Mark Giordano claimed the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2018-19 and sits third all-time in games played (949), while Johnny Gaudreau has contributed significantly over nine seasons, winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in the 2016-17 season.

The Carolina Hurricanes showcase Rod Brind'Amour, who has won the Frank J. Selke Trophy twice and ranks fourth with 299 assists and fifth with 473 points, helping lead the team to a Stanley Cup win in 2005-06. Eric Staal also played a key role during that Cup run, securing a place among the franchise leaders with 322 goals, 453 assists, and 775 points. Jaccob Slavin stands fifth among all Hurricanes skaters with 745 games played and has earned recognition with the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2020-21 and 2023-24. Additionally, Sebastian Aho ranks third in franchise history with 283 goals and 348 assists for a total of 631 points.

In the Chicago Blackhawks' history, Patrick Kane has garnered the Calder Memorial Trophy (2007-08), Conn Smythe Trophy (2012-13), and numerous accolades, solidifying his status as a premier player. Jonathan Toews holds a similar prestige, securing the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2009-10 and the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2012-13. Renowned defenseman Duncan Keith, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2014-15, is a two-time James Norris Memorial Trophy winner. Brent Seabrook, regarded for his durability, registered 1,114 games played and ranks fifth among Blackhawks defensemen with 103 career goals, contributing to the franchise's Stanley Cup championships in 2009-10, 2012-13, and 2014-15.

The Colorado Avalanche can look to Nathan MacKinnon, who won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2013-14, Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2019-20, and Hart Trophy alongside the Ted Lindsay Award in 2023-24. Cale Makar made a splash in the NHL, winning the Calder Trophy in 2019-20 and Conn Smythe Trophy in 2022, along with becoming a two-time James Norris Memorial Trophy winner. Joe Sakic, the franchise's all-time offensive leader, secured the Hart Memorial Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, and Lady Byng Trophy in 2000-01, while Peter Forsberg took home the Hart and Art Ross Trophies in 2002-03 and ranks fourth all-time with 538 assists, both being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, with their contributions carrying over to the Avalanche's multiple Stanley Cup victories.

Analyzing the Columbus Blue Jackets, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy recipient, leads the franchise with 374 games played, 213 wins, and 33 shutouts. Rick Nash, the franchise's all-time leader in goals (289) and points (547), won the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2003-04. Zach Werenski is recognized as the franchise assist leader with 271 and was a runner-up for the James Norris Memorial Trophy. Boone Jenner leads with 741 games played and ranks third with 199 goals.

The Dallas Stars' history highlights Mike Modano, a Hall of Famer and long-time contributor with franchise records in games played (1,459), goals (557), assists (802), and points (1,359). Jamie Benn remains a pivotal player, winning the Art Ross Trophy in 2014-15 while ranking second in games played (1,192), goals (399), and points (956). Sergei Zubov, a Hall of Famer, stands fourth in assists (438) and is ranked fifth in games played (839). Goaltender Marty Turco leads all Stars goalies with 509 games played, 262 wins, and 40 shutouts.

For the Detroit Red Wings, players such as Nicklas Lidström, honored with the James Norris Memorial Trophy seven times, captained their 2008 Stanley Cup-winning team. Steve Yzerman, another Hall of Famer, is recognized as the franchise's all-time assist leader, leading them to three Stanley Cups. Pavel Datsyuk, also a Hall of Famer, won multiple Lady Byng and Selke Trophies throughout his career. Finally, Henrik Zetterberg, a key contributor with the Conn Smythe Trophy, is fifth in franchise history with 337 goals and notable contributions across points.

Examining the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid leads a remarkable generation, winning the Art Ross Trophy five times since 2016-17 and accumulating various accolades including the Hart Memorial Trophy. Leon Draisaitl follows closely in achievements, also winning the Art Ross, Lindsay, and Hart trophies. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ranks third among franchise leaders and has accrued significant totals in games played, assists, and points. Ryan Smyth, a long-time member, holds a crucial place in the franchise's history.

The Florida Panthers exhibit success with players like Aleksander Barkov, who leads the franchise in games played, goals, assists, and points. Aaron Ekblad, a Calder Memorial Trophy winner, ranks second in games played, while Jonathan Huberdeau recognizes ownership of franchise historical excellence in goals, assists, and games played. Roberto Luongo, with a historic 572 games played for the franchise, serves as goaltending record holder with significant contributions in wins and shutouts.

Key contributors to the Los Angeles Kings include Anze Kopitar, who leads in games played and assists while capturing numerous accolades. Drew Doughty, through substantial games played, has also enjoyed recognized achievement in defense. Jonathan Quick is established as the franchise leader among goalies, and Dustin Brown left a legacy as captain and significant contributor across key playoff appearances.

The Minnesota Wild's lineup is highlighted by Mikko Koivu, who served as captain and earned significant records for games played, assists, and points. Marián Gáborík stands out as a major scorer, while Kirill Kaprizov has made an immediate impact since his 2020-21 Calder Trophy-winning season. Jared Spurgeon, a current captain, contributes significantly to their historical record.

Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens is noted for holding team records in games played, wins, and prestigious awards. Alongside Price, Saku Koivu recognized as a long-serving member of the team and P.K. Subban gaining accolades through his tenure demonstrate the depth of talent the franchise offers. Andrei Markov, with an impressive career spent fully with the Canadiens, secures spots high on their franchise list.

Roman Josi leads the Nashville Predators in games played, assists, and points while earning the James Norris Memorial Trophy. Pekka Rinne, a substantial goaltending figure, held the franchise record in games played, wins, and shutouts, while Filip Forsberg marked historic figures in goals and assists during his time. Shea Weber, a Hall of Famer, is remembered for leadership and impact on overall team success.

In New Jersey Devils' history, Martin Brodeur stands as the all-time leader with numerous records among wins, games played, and shutouts, recognized as a multiple Vezina Trophy winner. Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer underline their defense with impressive careers, while Patrik Eliáš has become a benchmark scorer within the franchise, each earning multiple championships during their tenures.

As for the New York Islanders, John Tavares is recognized as one of the top scorers historically, while Brock Nelson makes notable contributions on the ice. Anders Lee offers leadership as captain joined by Mathew Barzal, a former Calder Trophy winner showcasing the depth of quality in their ranks.

The New York Rangers can lean on Henrik Lundqvist as a historic goaltending figure, while Artemi Panarin has dominated scoring since 2019-20. Chris Kreider contributes significantly to their statistics with Adam Fox rising through ranks as an emerging standout. Lundqvist’s recognition carries through as a franchise leader in numerous accolades and game statistics.

The Ottawa Senators highlight the careers of Daniel Alfredsson, who contributed significantly to franchise records across multiple categories. Erik Karlsson stands out for his outstanding defensive play, while Jason Spezza plays an important role among leading scorers. Wade Redden's contributions cemented him as a critical player for the Senators' success.

In Philadelphia Flyers' legacy, Claude Giroux's skills on the ice provide franchise records, and Sean Couturier adds to significant two-way impact. Jakub Voráček remained impactful during his time, while Simon Gagné's contributions remain integral to the Flyers' competitive history.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, showcased by Sidney Crosby's prolific achievements along with Evgeni Malkin, continue to define championship expectations. Marc-André Fleury and Kris Letang support noteworthy achievements, each contributing prominently on both ends. Notably, they remain indefatigable figures in the franchise's vibrant history.

Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton exemplify the legacy of the San Jose Sharks with records in games played, and scoring during their tenures. Brent Burns joins this legacy through recognized awards, while Evgeni Nabokov stands as a key goaltender throughout the franchise's early competitive rankings.

As the Seattle Kraken continue to develop their identity, Jared McCann's historic single-season goals record is noteworthy, while Vince Dunn leads assists. Jordan Eberle and Adam Larsson contribute relatably, establishing early marks for the franchise's narrative while capturing moments in their early league engagement.

Through examination of the St. Louis Blues' narrative, players like Alex Pietrangelo and Ryan O'Reilly exemplify their recent accomplishments linked to the team's first Cup win. Chris Pronger’s past defensive impact remains part of their franchise story, while Vladimir Tarasenko has left an imprint with goal contributions during historic runs.

Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman collectively shape the narrative for the Tampa Bay Lightning, each with their own championship moments and integral contributions to the team's legacy, especially during recent successes in securing back-to-back Stanley Cup victories.

Auston Matthews has made his mark, becoming the Leafs' single-season goal leader and securing multiple prestigious awards. Mats Sundin and Mitch Marner remain key figures within the franchise's storied history, while Morgan Rielly's contributions on defense mark him as one of the top players from recent seasons.

Shane Doan is celebrated as the franchise leader of the Arizona Coyotes (formerly the Phoenix Coyotes), playing his entire career with the team while leading the franchise in various statistical categories. Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov represent significant contributions across multiple seasons, each immovable figures from the team’s era.

In Vancouver Canucks' history, the Sedin twins dominate, both of whom are Hall of Famers, contributing significantly to points and assists. Markus Näslund adds to this legacy, while Quinn Hughes breaks through as a young defensive star, exemplified by his Norris Trophy win during recent seasons.

Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights have seen early successes including players such as Marc-André Fleury and Jonathan Marchessault. With Shea Theodore providing foundational contributions, and Jack Eichel making his mark in the franchise’s narrative, their early accomplishments point towards a bright future ahead.