Each NHL franchise boasts players whose achievements have distinguished them among their peers. Among these athletes, a select few would be recognized as the franchise's greatest, symbolic of their legacy akin to a Mount Rushmore. For teams with extensive histories, selecting just four players can be a challenging task, while organizations with shorter histories may find it to be a more straightforward endeavor. This analysis will concentrate on the past 25 years of NHL history, commencing from the 2000-01 season. Players active in this period are more familiar to current fans and are evaluated based on their overall performance, playoff success, and impact on their respective teams and fanbases. It is important to note that some players feature on the Mount Rushmore of more than one team due to their careers spanning multiple franchises. This includes athletes from relocated teams like the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets) and the Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Mammoth).

For the Anaheim Ducks, the players honored as the top four are Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf, a long-serving captain for the Ducks, leads the franchise in several categories, including games played, assists, and points. Perry, a former winner of multiple prestigious awards, ranks high in goals and assists for the team. Selänne, a Hall of Famer, remains the Ducks' all-time leader in goals. Giguère, who also enjoyed a successful tenure, is celebrated for his contributions to the team's Stanley Cup victory in 2007.

The Boston Bruins' Mount Rushmore features Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron, known for his two-way play and multiple awards, ranks third among the franchise's all-time leaders in games played and points. Chára, another Hall of Famer, served as captain and was instrumental in the Bruins' success during his tenure. Pastrňák, recognized for his scoring prowess, has made significant contributions in recent years, while Marchand, a vital player in Boston's Stanley Cup-winning team in 2011, rounds out this impressive quartet.

For the Buffalo Sabres, Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek represent the top players. Miller, a former Vezina Trophy winner, holds records for games played and wins for the Sabres. Pominville had a notable career with the team, and Dahlin is quickly rising through the franchise ranks among defensemen. Vanek, the franchise's leading goal scorer since 2000-01, has a strong presence in the Sabres' history.

The Calgary Flames feature Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. Iginla remains the franchise leader in many categories and is celebrated for his scoring titles and leadership. Kiprusoff, a renowned goaltender, is recognized for his impressive wins and shutouts. Giordano, a recent Norris Trophy winner, and Gaudreau, a key player in the Flames' recent successes, complete the list of notable contributions.

In Carolina, Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho form the franchise's Mount Rushmore. Brind'Amour, a pivotal player during the team's championship run, ranks highly in assists and points. Staal's impact during their Cup-winning season remains significant. Slavin and Aho are crucial contributors to the current roster and highlight the team's ongoing legacy.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook have left indelible marks. Kane's individual accolades are impressive; he is known for his scoring and playmaking. Toews, a two-time winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy, leads as a captain. Keith and Seabrook, both crucial in Chicago's three Stanley Cup victories, also solidify their legacies.

The Colorado Avalanche's emblematic players include Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg. MacKinnon is recognized for his scoring achievements, while Makar has quickly established himself as a leading defenseman and winner of multiple awards. Sakic and Forsberg, both Hall of Famers, led the franchise to two Stanley Cups and continue to be associated with team success.

For the Columbus Blue Jackets, Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner stand out. Bobrovsky's two Vezina Trophy wins and records firmly place him among the best goaltenders in franchise history. Nash remains a leading scorer, while Werenski and Jenner have had ongoing impacts on the team.

The Dallas Stars' legacy is represented by Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco. Modano, a Hall of Famer, is the all-time leader in games, points, and goals for the franchise. Benn was a top scorer and unique talent. Zubov and Turco have left their marks in different roles, contributing significantly to team achievements.

In Detroit, Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg form the franchise's Mount Rushmore. Lidström, a seven-time Norris Trophy winner, is celebrated for both his leadership and defensive prowess. Yzerman is known for his exceptional scoring and influence as captain, while Datsyuk and Zetterberg have played substantial roles in the modern success of the Red Wings.

The Edmonton Oilers' top players are Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth. McDavid's prestigious awards and records quickly establish his dominance in the league, and Draisaitl has emerged as a scoring threat. Nugent-Hopkins and Smyth have deep connections to the franchise through their contributions over time.

For the Florida Panthers, Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo take the spotlight. Barkov is regarded as one of the ongoing pillars of the franchise. Ekblad and Huberdeau are figures of the current success, while Luongo's tenure solidifies his legacy in goal.

In Los Angeles, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown represent the top players. Kopitar's scoring and assists are franchise records, complemented nicely by Doughty's defensive accolades. Quick's achievements as a goaltender and Brown's leadership throughout the team's Stanley Cup victories make them invaluable.

Minnesota honors Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon. Koivu's long tenure and contributions reflect his legacy, while Gáborík is remembered as an early star. Kaprizov's quick ascent shows promise for the future, and Spurgeon's impact continues with his leadership.

For the Montreal Canadiens, Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov contribute to the history. Price's impressive accolades and records lead the goaltending legacy. Koivu's long service is honored among the top scorers, while Subban and Markov remain prominent figures.

The Nashville Predators' remembrances feature Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Josi's defensive and leadership qualities shine, and Rinne's career highlights in goal are significant. Forsberg is a leader in scoring, and Weber's contributions as a defenseman will not be forgotten.

In New Jersey, Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš stand out. Brodeur's legendary goalkeeping records firmly place him in the discussion of the best to ever play, while both Stevens and Niedermayer have represented core elements of the franchise's success. Eliáš' scoring prowess adds another dimension to New Jersey's history.

On Long Island, the New York Islanders feature John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal. Tavares' scoring record aligns him with the franchise's all-time leaders, while Lee has recently captained the team. Barzal's accolades illustrate the current identity of the franchise.

The New York Rangers honor Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox. Lundqvist, admired for his goaltending, holds records for wins and games. Panarin has become a central figure in scoring, while Kreider and Fox have critical roles in contemporaneous success.

On Ottawa’s list are Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden. Alfredsson's contributions over nearly two decades are notable, while Karlsson’s achievements as a defenseman cannot be overlooked. Spezza remains high on the team’s scoring charts, and Redden has contributed on both ends of the rink.

The Philadelphia Flyers highlight Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné. Giroux’s tenure with the franchise reflects leadership and scoring, and Couturier’s accolades speak to his two-way game. Voráček and Gagné are remembered for their offensive contributions to the team's history.

In Pittsburgh, the Mount Rushmore showcases Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang. Crosby’s monumental career achievements define the franchise, while Malkin's scoring has been equally remarkable. Fleury remains the franchise leader in various goaltending categories, complemented by Letang, who remains dominant on defense.

For the San Jose Sharks, Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov feature prominently. Marleau's extensive tenure and scoring record are highlighted, while Thornton has made significant contributions both statistically and as a leader. Burns’ impact as a defenseman and Nabokov’s goaltending acumen complete this elite list of players.

Seattle's noteworthy players include Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson. McCann’s record-setting season underscores his role in establishing the franchise's identity. Dunn and Eberle support this emerging team's potential, while Larsson leads in durability and reliability.

The St. Louis Blues recognize Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko. Pietrangelo's captaincy and defensive prowess helped secure a Stanley Cup victory, while O'Reilly’s accolades reflect his impactful presence. Pronger’s accolades and Tarasenko’s scoring remain central to the team’s recent history.

The Tampa Bay Lightning honor Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman. Stamkos's scoring records are significant, Kucherov's consistency as a scorer is notable, and St. Louis’ contributions to the franchise's early years were vital. Hedman remains a cornerstone on defense and is recognized for his leadership.

In Toronto, Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly have made their mark. Matthews’ scoring prowess sets him apart, Sundin’s long-term impact resonates well into the present. Marner and Rielly represent the modern core of the Maple Leafs' aspirations.

The Utah Mammoth, formerly the Arizona Coyotes, recognize Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov. Doan’s lengthy career stands as a testament to loyalty to the franchise. Keller’s rising prominence, Ekman-Larsson’s contributions, and Bryzgalov’s effectiveness in goal define their legacy.

The Vancouver Canucks see Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes recognized for their contributions. The Sedins are revered for their records and influence on the franchise. Näslund played a key role during his era, while Hughes represents the evolving future of the franchise.

Lastly, the Vegas Golden Knights name Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel. Fleury’s foundational role in the team’s early success is significant. Marchessault’s scoring contributions, Theodore’s defensive capabilities, along with Eichel’s recent championship have helped define the team's image.