Each NHL team boasts players whose achievements have significantly distinguished them from their teammates. These players may be prolific scorers, talented defensemen, or exceptional goaltenders. Among this group, several individuals are considered the best, earning a spot on their team's Mount Rushmore, which typically includes the top four players in franchise history. For teams with extensive histories, identifying just four players can be a challenging task, while teams with shorter histories may find selection easier. This analysis focuses on players from the past 25 years, beginning with the 2000-01 season. These athletes are more recognizable to contemporary fans, both for their overall contributions, postseason successes, and their status as fan favorites throughout this period. Notably, some players may feature on multiple teams' Mount Rushmores due to careers spent across various clubs, while others represent relocated franchises, such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg Jets) and the Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Mammoth).

The Anaheim Ducks' Mount Rushmore includes Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf, who served as the longest-tenured captain in Ducks history, has established himself as the franchise leader in multiple categories, including games played, assists, and points. His leadership coincided with the Ducks' Stanley Cup victory in 2007. Perry's accolades include winning the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy during the 2010-11 season, marking him as one of the franchise's best. Selänne, a Hall of Famer who spent much of his 21-season career with the Ducks, is the franchise's all-time leader in goals. Giguère, another key contributor to the Ducks' Cup run, stands as the franchise leader in both wins and shutouts.

For the Boston Bruins, Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand comprise the team’s Mount Rushmore. Bergeron, a six-time recipient of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, ranks high in Bruins history for games played, goals, and points. Chára, who captained the team for 14 seasons and won the Norris Trophy in 2008-09, was pivotal in Boston's 2011 Stanley Cup win. Pastrňák made history as one of the few Bruins to score over 60 goals in a season and claimed the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2019-20. Marchand also contributed to Boston’s Cup run in 2011 and remains a significant scorer in franchise history.

The Buffalo Sabres' Mount Rushmore features Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek. Miller, a Vezina Trophy winner, leads franchise goaltenders in games played and wins. Pominville ranks among the top scorers in franchise history, while Dahlin has made a name for himself among Sabres defensemen. Vanek, the most prolific goal-scorer for the Sabres since the 2000-01 season, remains an integral part of the team's legacy.

The Calgary Flames include Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, along with Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau on their Mount Rushmore. Iginla leads the franchise in numerous scoring categories and is a two-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner. Kiprusoff is celebrated for his goaltending excellence, while Giordano, a Norris Trophy recipient, has made his mark with solid defensive stats. Gaudreau, known for his skill and scoring, further solidified his status during his time with the Flames.

For the Carolina Hurricanes, their Mount Rushmore includes Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. Brind'Amour, a two-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, captained the Hurricanes during their 2005-06 Cup victory. Staal was instrumental during that championship run. Slavin has risen quickly in the franchise's rankings, while Aho continues to add to his impressive career totals.

The Chicago Blackhawks’ roster of greats features Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. Kane, a multi-time award winner, has led the franchise in scoring categories, demonstrating his pivotal role in their championship runs. Toews, alongside, provides a similar impact, contributing to three Stanley Cup victories. Keith and Seabrook reinforced their legendary status with their defense and playmaking skills.

The Colorado Avalanche have Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg among their elite. MacKinnon has earned multiple awards, showcasing his offensive skills. Makar, a young star in his own right, has garnered accolades quickly, including the Calder and Conn Smythe Trophies. Sakic and Forsberg are both renowned Hall of Famers and were key figures in the Avalanche's successes in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Representing the Columbus Blue Jackets are Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky has cemented his legacy as one of the best goaltenders in franchise history. Nash, known for his goal-scoring prowess, shares franchise records with numerous accolades. Werenski has established himself as a top defenseman, while Jenner’s contributions have been consistent.

The Dallas Stars' Mount Rushmore includes Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco. Modano remains the all-time leader in numerous categories and is a Hall of Fame inductee. Benn has made his mark as the only Star to win the Art Ross Trophy. Zubov's defensive talents have also been recognized with a spot in the Hall, alongside another goaltending great, Turco.

For the Detroit Red Wings, the legendary Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg comprise their esteemed list. Lidström’s dominance during his tenure included multiple Norris Trophies and a Stanley Cup captaincy. Yzerman is celebrated for his leadership, with substantial records in assists and points. Datsyuk's skill set earned him multiple awards, while Zetterberg's contributions were key to the franchise's success.

The Edmonton Oilers celebrate Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth. McDavid’s prolific scoring and numerous awards since 2016-17 underscore his impact on the franchise. Draisaitl’s skills complement McDavid, leading to formidable offensive stats. Nugent-Hopkins has built an impressive profile, while Smyth’s long tenure with the team enhances his legacy.

Key players for the Florida Panthers include Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo. Barkov has consistently led in franchise stats, having won several Selke Trophies. Ekblad, a strong performer since his debut, complemented Barkov’s scoring. Huberdeau remains a key figure, while Luongo stands out as a franchise leader with an impressive goaltending record.

The Los Angeles Kings feature Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown on their Mount Rushmore. Kopitar's all-time franchise ranks highlight his influence, aided by Doughty’s strong defensive play. Quick has established a solid footprint in goal, while Brown's contributions as captain are noted.

For the Minnesota Wild, Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon represent the franchise's finest. Koivu’s legacy as a captain stands strong. Gáborík was an early star, while Kaprizov’s swift rise has been remarkable, and Spurgeon’s continued impact solidifies his spot.

The Montreal Canadiens’ key players include Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov. Price's many franchise records speak to his remarkable career. Koivu, a longtime captain, also ranks high in assists and points. Subban's brief but impactful tenure received recognition, as did Markov's contributions.

The Nashville Predators celebrate Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Josi's leadership and defensive skills have earned him accolades, while Rinne remains an all-time great in goal. Forsberg and Weber have both established substantial legacies.

For the New Jersey Devils, Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš define their top players. Brodeur's unprecedented records in wins and shutouts highlight his dominance as a goaltender. Stevens and Niedermayer provide a formidable defensive duo. Eliáš' scoring prowess has secured his status in franchise history.

The New York Islanders represent John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal as notable players. Tavares ranks among the top scorers, with Nelson and Lee making significant contributions over their tenures, while Barzal is recognized for his impressive rookie season.

For the New York Rangers, the legendary Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox lead the team’s elite. Lundqvist's records in goal underscore his value, while Panarin’s scoring prowess has established him as a central figure. Kreider also stands out for his goal-scoring skills, while Fox is recognized for his exceptional defensive capabilities.

The Ottawa Senators celebrate Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden among their best. Alfredsson’s years with the franchise solidify his leadership status. Karlsson has garnered several awards for his defensive play. Spezza and Redden also contribute significantly to franchise history.

The Philadelphia Flyers' key members include Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné. Giroux's lengthy tenure and contributions to the team's success are notable. Couturier has emerged as a Selke Trophy winner, while Voráček and Gagné have also made impactful contributions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Mount Rushmore includes Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang, all of whom are recognized for their substantial roles in the franchise's success. Crosby is noted for his extensive accolades and leadership, with Malkin following suit as a dominant force. Fleury’s goaltending ranks him high, while Letang's offensive contributions stand out.

For the San Jose Sharks, Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov represent their top players. Marleau boasts a wealth of franchise records, while Thornton led several scoring categories. Burns’ defensive skill is recognized with his Norris trophy, and Nabokov stands as a notable goaltender for the organization.

The Seattle Kraken's emerging stars include Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson. McCann has broken records early, while Dunn has established himself as a key playmaker. Eberle and Larsson round out the contributions, securing the franchise's legacy in its infancy.

The St. Louis Blues highlight Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko on their Mount Rushmore. Pietrangelo’s leading role in their Cup success is notable, alongside O'Reilly's impact. Pronger’s accolades speak to his greatness, especially as the franchise leader in plus-minus. Tarasenko’s goal scoring adds to the Blues' tradition.

The Tampa Bay Lightning celebrate Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman among their best. Stamkos has led the franchise in goals, while Kucherov accompanies him with his assist records and multiple awards. St. Louis’ historic impact remains, as does Hedman’s recent recognition for his defensive efforts.

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ elites include Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly, with Matthews highlighting his scoring accomplishments. Sundin remains a franchise staple, while Marner's contributions grow. Rielly continues elevating his status with impressive performances.

The Utah Mammoth's key players consist of Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov. Doan’s legacy is solidified with franchise records. Keller’s early contributions are noted, while Ekman-Larsson made significant strides. Bryzgalov’s role as a goaltender remains crucial.

For the Vancouver Canucks, Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes represent the franchise’s best. The Sedins have left a profound legacy with multiple awards, while Näslund contributes to the scoring. Hughes stands out as a recent Norris Trophy winner.

Lastly, the Vegas Golden Knights celebrate Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel as their key players, with Fleury’s memorable contributions to their early playoff success recognized. Marchessault is the franchise leader in goals, showcasing his attacking prowess.