Each NHL team has its notable players whose achievements stand out among their peers, encompassing scoring forwards, skilled defensemen, and exceptional goaltenders. Among these individuals, a select few can be considered the best, worthy of being etched on their team's 'Mount Rushmore' of all-time greats. For franchises with extensive histories, it can be particularly challenging to narrow the list to just four players, whereas newer teams may find it a simpler task. This examination focuses on players from the last 25 years, commencing with the 2000-01 season, as these athletes are more recognizable to modern fans, defined by their overall performance, postseason accomplishments, and their significance to their respective franchises. It is noteworthy that some players featured may appear on multiple teams' lists due to career spans across various clubs, including those from relocated teams such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg Jets) and Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Mammoth).

Beginning with the Anaheim Ducks, the all-time top players in the past 25 years include Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf, a stalwart for 12 seasons, holds the Ducks' franchise records for games played (1,157), assists (737), and points (1,019). Perry, a key contributor during his tenure, earned the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy in the 2010-11 season. Selänne, a Hall of Famer whose career was predominantly with the Ducks, leads the franchise in goals (457) and ranks second in assists (531) and points (988). Giguère stands as the Ducks' all-time goaltending leader with 206 wins and 32 shutouts and received the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2023. Collectively, these four players were instrumental in the Ducks' pursuit of the Stanley Cup in 2007.

Shifting focus to the Boston Bruins, the franchise's elite players over the past 25 years comprise Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron, renowned for his defensive prowess, has claimed the Frank J. Selke Trophy six times and ranks third in franchise history with 1,294 games played, 427 goals, and 1,040 points. Chára, who captained the Bruins for 14 seasons, is a Hall of Famer and received the James Norris Memorial Trophy in the 2008-09 season. Both players were crucial during Boston's successful Stanley Cup campaign in 2011. Pastrňák, who became just the second Bruin to score over 60 goals in a season, won the Maurice Richard Trophy in the 2019-20 season, while Marchand, also a Stanley Cup champion, ranks fourth among Bruins in games played (1,090) and goals (422).

For the Buffalo Sabres, key players from 2000-01 onward include Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek. Miller, the Vezina Trophy winner in the 2009-10 season, leads all goaltenders in franchise history with 540 games played and 284 wins. Pominville spent a significant portion of his career with the Sabres, ranking eighth all-time in games played (733), assists (304), and points (521). Dahlin, emerging as a star defenseman, is now second among Sabres defensemen in points (360) and ninth in assists (277). Vanek, who led Buffalo's scoring since 2000-01 with 254 goals, occupies the second position in points (497).

The Calgary Flames' Mount Rushmore features Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. A Hall of Famer, Iginla leads the franchise with 1,219 games, 525 goals, and 1,095 points and won the Maurice Richard and Art Ross trophies. Kiprusoff, another Flames legend, won the Vezina Trophy in the 2005-06 season and holds several franchise goaltending records. Giordano, a Norris Trophy recipient, ranks third in franchise history with 949 games played and is sixth in assists (366). Gaudreau, recognized for his skill with the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2016-17, achieved notable scoring statistics, including fifth all-time with 399 assists.

In assessing the Carolina Hurricanes, the team's top players include Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. Brind'Amour, a two-time Selke Trophy recipient, captained the Hurricanes to their only Stanley Cup in 2006, contributing significantly to the team's success with 299 assists and 473 points. Staal, integral to the 2006 Cup run, ranks second with 322 goals and 775 points. Slavin, who won the Lady Byng Trophy in 2021 and 2022, is a key defenseman with 745 games played, while Aho has quickly climbed the franchise rankings, sitting third with 283 goals.

The Chicago Blackhawks' grandeur is encapsulated by Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. Kane's accolades, which include the Calder Memorial Trophy and multiple other honors, cements his status as a franchise great. Toews has led the team as captain and received accolades such as the Conn Smythe Trophy. Defenseman Keith's achievements include two Norris Trophies and crucial contributions to the team's three Cup victories. Seabrook, a pivotal presence on defense, has solidified his legacy within the team through extensive play and impactful performances in championships.

In Colorado, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg represent the Avalanche's excellence. MacKinnon, a Calder Trophy winner, has secured multiple prestigious awards in recent seasons. Makar, winning the Calder and Conn Smythe, continues to impress as a defenseman. Sakic, the franchise's top offensive leader, has won the Hart Trophy and is a Hall of Famer, while Forsberg, also a Hall of Famer, left a lasting impact, contributing to Colorado's Stanley Cup victories in the late '90s.

For the Columbus Blue Jackets, the notable players over the years include Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, is the franchise's leading goaltender, while Nash, as a former heart of the team, holds top goal-scoring marks. Werenski's accolades, including a Norris Trophy nomination, and Jenner's consistent play elevate their standings among franchise greats.

The Dallas Stars' historic players feature Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco. Modano, recognized as a Hall of Famer, leads the franchise in games played, goals, assists, and points. Benn is noted for his 2014-15 Art Ross Trophy, while Zubov enhances the team's legacy as a key defenseman, and Turco has set franchise goaltending records during his tenure.

The Detroit Red Wings showcase Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström, a seven-time Norris Trophy winner, pioneered new standards for defensemen in the league. Yzerman, revered as both a player and executive, captures the hearts of fans through his leadership. Datsyuk and Zetterberg both achieved significant success, highlighted by multiple accolades and contributions to championship teams.

In Edmonton, the franchise's legends include Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth. McDavid's generational talent has garnered numerous awards, while Draisaitl received his accolades for a consistent performance. Nugent-Hopkins, contributing significantly to the club, and Smyth, a fan favorite from his lengthy tenure, complete this elite group of Oilers.

The Florida Panthers' top players consist of Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo. Barkov's capability to lead the franchise offensively, Ekblad's impressive early career, Huberdeau's scoring prowess, and Luongo's consistent goaltending reflect the franchise's competitive spirit.

The Los Angeles Kings' elite representatives are Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown. Kopitar's tenacity on the ice and Doughty's defensive skills are exemplary, with Quick recognized as a top goaltender and Brown's leadership encapsulating the team's championship pedigree.

From Minnesota, the Wild's noteworthy players include Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon. Koivu's lengthy tenure as captain has made a significant impact, while Gáborík's skill set established a foundation for the franchise. Kaprizov's early success and Spurgeon's consistent play solidify their positions in team history.

In Montreal, significant names are Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov. Price's accolades and leadership define the current era, while Koivu's historical impact remains influential. Subban's standout seasons and Markov's steady presence support the franchise's storied past.

The Nashville Predators highlight Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Josi's leadership and sustained excellence, Rinne's goaltending success, Forsberg's scoring ability, and Weber's Hall of Fame career create a strong foundation for their legacy.

For the New Jersey Devils, Tan Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš embody the franchise's greatness. Brodeur's statistical records are unprecedented; his multiple cups and honors have created lasting legacies.

The New York Islanders' Mount Rushmore comprises John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal. Tavares, known for scoring and playmaking, Nelson and Lee are key figures in the offense, while Barzal has made headlines with his Calder Trophy win.

In New York Rangers' history, Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox stand out. Lundqvist's goaltending excellence is renowned, while Panarin's scoring leadership, Kreider's contributions, and Fox's notable defensive skills highlight their impact.

The Ottawa Senators identify Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden among their all-time greats. Alfredsson's leadership, Karlsson's standout defenseman skills, Spezza's offensive contributions, and Redden's consistent play provide a holistic view of the franchise's success.

For the Philadelphia Flyers, Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné represent the team's legacy. Giroux's leadership, Couturier's defensive contributions, Voráček's scoring ability, and Gagné's historical impact make this group noteworthy.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' greats include Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang. Crosby's dominance has defined the franchise, Malkin's attributes as an offensive stalwart resonate with fans, while Fleury and Letang contribute both to success and recognition.

The San Jose Sharks' legends feature Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov. Marleau's extensive career as a leading scorer, Thornton's dynamic playmaking, Burns' defensive accolades, and Nabokov's goaltending feats highlight this franchise history.

In Seattle, Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson continue building their young franchise. McCann's scoring achievements, Dunn's assist records, Eberle's contributions to scoring, and Larsson's durability showcase the team's potential.

The St. Louis Blues identify Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko as their top players. Pietrangelo's leadership during their Stanley Cup run, O'Reilly's impactful presence, Pronger's defensive prowess, and Tarasenko's scoring show the franchise's evolution.

For the Tampa Bay Lightning, significant figures include Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman. Stamkos' historic leadership and scoring, Kucherov's multi-trophy success, St. Louis' contributions and Hedman's defensive achievements have propelled the team in recent championships.

The Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly as their ultimate talent. Matthews sets scoring milestones, Sundin is a franchise legend, Marner adds to the offense, while Rielly's contributions are noteworthy in defense.

The Utah Mammoth (formerly the Arizona Coyotes) features Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov as top players. Doan's long-standing impact defined the franchise, while Keller starts showing promise with Ekman-Larsson's defensive steadiness highlighted notable moments.

In Vancouver, the iconic players are Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes. The Sedins' historic tandem, Näslund's leadership, and Hughes' emerging status solidify their roles in the Canucks' narrative.

Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights showcase Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel as principal figures in their brief history. Fleury's goaltending excellence and Marchessault's scoring records, alongside Theodore's contribution to the defense, and Eichel's leadership highlight their successful campaigns.