In the realm of the National Hockey League (NHL), each franchise boasts a cadre of players whose achievements have transcended those of their teammates. These athletes can be prolific scorers, adept defensemen, or remarkable goaltenders. Nonetheless, a select few rise above the rest, warranting their inclusion on their team's Mount Rushmore, which symbolizes the pinnacle of player legacy among the franchise's top four athletes of all time. For teams with extensive histories, narrowing such a list to four representatives can prove challenging, while for franchises with relatively shorter histories, the task may be less arduous.

Focusing on the past 25 years of NHL history, commencing from the 2000-01 season, allows for the identification of players who are more recognizable to today's hockey enthusiasts. This contemporary selection highlights their overall performance, postseason success, and their intrinsic value to their respective clubs, along with their potential status as fan favorites during this period. Some players may find themselves represented on the Mount Rushmore of multiple franchises, a testament to careers that spanned several teams. Additionally, players from relocated franchises, such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg Jets) and Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Mammoth), are included in this analysis.

Examining the Anaheim Ducks, key figures such as Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère are noteworthy. Getzlaf, the longest-serving captain in Ducks history, set franchise records in games played, assists, and points. Perry earned accolades including the Hart Memorial Trophy and Maurice Richard Trophy, contributing significantly to the team's success. Selänne remains a Hall of Fame inductee, leading the franchise in goals, while Giguère's achievements included a Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, cementing their roles in the Ducks' 2007 Stanley Cup triumph.

The Boston Bruins' Mount Rushmore features Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron has garnered attention for his six Frank J. Selke Trophy wins and significant overall contributions. Chára, a Hall of Famer, captained the Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup and won the Norris Trophy. Pastrňák, known for his scoring prowess, recently joined the elite 60-goal club, while Marchand played an integral role in their cup victory and ranks highly among team leaders.

For the Buffalo Sabres, Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek represent the franchise's excellence. Miller, a Vezina Trophy winner, holds multiple goaltending records, whereas Pominville's longevity and productivity place him among the organization's top contributors. Dahlin continues to rise as a formidable defenseman, and Vanek led the Sabres in goals scored since 2000-01, showcasing his offensive talent.

The Calgary Flames have Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau symbolizing their legacy. Iginla is a two-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner and the franchise leader in several categories. Kiprusoff’s honors include a Vezina Trophy and significant contributions as the franchise's goaltending leader. Giordano, a recent Norris Trophy winner, ranks highly among Flames defensemen, with Gaudreau's accolades including the Lady Byng Trophy.

As for the Carolina Hurricanes, their representation includes Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. Brind'Amour's leadership qualities and accolades as a Selke Trophy winner highlight his importance, while Staal ranks second in franchise history in goals and points. Slavin’s achievements include winning the Lady Byng, and Aho's scoring ability places him among the top contributors.

The Chicago Blackhawks' legends include Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. Kane's extensive trophy cabinet includes the Calder, Conn Smythe, and Art Ross awards. Toews, a key player in the Blackhawks' success, has also received accolades such as the Selke Trophy. Keith's Hall of Fame career includes back-to-back Norris Trophy wins, while Seabrook has compiled impressive franchise totals in games played.

Highlighting the Colorado Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg stand tall. MacKinnon's accolades include multiple awards since his debut, while Makar has captured both the Calder and Conn Smythe Trophy. Sakic and Forsberg, both Hockey Hall of Famers, were instrumental in the franchise's Stanley Cup victories, with MacKinnon and Makar recently adding to their legacy by winning in 2022.

The Columbus Blue Jackets' Mount Rushmore features Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky has won the Vezina Trophy twice and holds franchise records in numerous goaltending categories. Nash remains the franchise's leader in goals, while Werenski has earned acclaim as a top defenseman, contributing significantly to the team's successes. Jenner, a durable player, ranks highly in career games played and overall contributions.

The Dallas Stars see Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco represent their legacy. Modano is not only a Hall of Famer but also the franchise leader in numerous offensive categories. Benn remains a significant player in franchise history with multiple accolades, while Zubov's credentials place him among the franchise's greats. Turco tops the Stars' goaltending records.

The Detroit Red Wings' Mount Rushmore includes Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström is celebrated for his seven Norris Trophies and role in winning the 2008 Stanley Cup. Yzerman is known for his leadership and offensive contributions, while Datsyuk's excellence earned him several awards. Zetterberg's contributions were also pivotal in their championship efforts.

The Edmonton Oilers' key players consist of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth. McDavid continues to rewrite the record books with multiple awards since 2016-17, while Draisaitl’s impressive seasons have also garnered accolades. Nugent-Hopkins ranks highly in franchise contributions, and Smyth is remembered for his impactful tenure.

For the Florida Panthers, Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo represent the team's history. Barkov's high-scoring ability and awards as a Selke Trophy winner stand out, while Ekblad's youth and impact have made him a vital player. Huberdeau, with notable achievements, has significantly impacted the team's offensive stats, as has Luongo, the franchise leader in goaltending metrics.

In Los Angeles, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown mark their legacy. Kopitar's records in games played and assists are complemented by Doughty's Norris Trophy-winning tenure. Quick remains the franchise's goaltending leader, while Brown's captaincy is notable in the context of the Kings' successes.

The Minnesota Wild's selections include Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon. Koivu's longevity and service highlight his importance, while Gáborík was an early standout for the franchise. The rising star Kaprizov has rewritten records, with Spurgeon’s contributions as the current captain enhancing the franchise's status.

In Montreal, Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov represent the team. Price holds numerous goaltending records, including a unique combination of awards in one season. Koivu's service and statistical contributions place him among the franchise greats. Subban’s tenure included a Norris Trophy, while Markov was a stalwart defenseman recognized for his accomplishments.

The Nashville Predators honor Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Josi, a recent Norris Trophy winner, is a key player in franchise history, while Rinne remains in the record books as a Vezina Trophy winner. Forsberg's goal-scoring records and Weber's leadership are also pivotal to the franchise's accomplishments.

For the New Jersey Devils, Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš symbolize excellence. Brodeur is renowned for his astonishing goaltending records, while Stevens and Niedermayer played critical roles in championship successes. Eliáš stands as the franchise's all-time leader in goal-scoring.

The New York Islanders’ legacy is represented by John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal. Tavares made a significant impact before leaving the team, while Nelson remains high on franchise scoring lists. Lee’s captaincy is noteworthy, and Barzal’s accolades help shape the team’s future.

The New York Rangers honor Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox. Lundqvist's position as the franchise's leading goaltender is monumental, while Panarin's impact in recent years has been significant. Kreider's contributions dazzle, and Fox continues to shine as a top defenseman.

The Ottawa Senators’ representatives include Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden. Alfredsson’s lengthy service as captain is pivotal, while Karlsson’s Norris Trophies speak to his quality. Spezza and Redden round out the team with significant contributions over their respective tenures.

Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné symbolize the Philadelphia Flyers. Giroux's leadership and scoring records are outstanding, while Couturier's Selke Trophy win places him among the team’s elite. Voráček remains high on assists charts, and Gagné's impacts are significant as well.

For the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang anchor the legacy. Crosby's numerous trophies stand out, while Malkin's contributions are equally impressive. Fleury is the franchise leader in goaltending, and Letang’s accolades as a defenseman bolster the Penguins' status.

In San Jose, Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov stand out. Marleau's long tenure and statistics lead the franchise, while Thornton remains a cornerstone in scoring. Burns' recognition as a Norris winner enhances the team's pedigree, along with Nabokov’s goaltending excellence.

The Seattle Kraken feature Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson. McCann's breakout performances and records stand out, while Dunn's contributions include leadership in assists. Eberle and Larsson, who stood out for their durability and productivity, help define the franchise’s future.

Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko represent the St. Louis Blues. Pietrangelo’s leadership culminated in a championship, while O'Reilly brought home individual accolades during his tenure. Pronger’s notable achievements include multiple awards, and Tarasenko, a key player in the team’s successes, contributes with offensive prowess.

For the Tampa Bay Lightning, Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman are franchise cornerstones. Stamkos’ scoring records and leadership are unmatched, while Kucherov’s accolades for scoring make him a key figure. St. Louis’ Hall of Fame career and Hedman’s Norris Trophy complement the team’s success over recent years.

The Toronto Maple Leafs see Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly featured as their Mount Rushmore. Matthews’ scoring records and accolades are notable, while Sundin’s legacy as a Hall of Famer resonates deeply. Marner and Rielly’s impact on the franchise aligns with their goals for the future.

Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov represent the Arizona Coyotes. Doan’s historical significance to the franchise is paramount, while Keller’s youthful energy promises a bright future. Ekman-Larsson’s contributions and Bryzgalov’s impactful tenures in goal signify a rich history.

The Vancouver Canucks feature Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes. Both Sedins are lauded for their remarkable contributions and Hall of Fame careers. Näslund’s leadership stands out among Canucks greats, while Hughes continues to garner recognition as a top-tier defenseman.

The Vegas Golden Knights’ lineup showcases Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel. Fleury's significant role led to a Stanley Cup appearance, while Marchessault's accolades showcase his scoring prowess. Theodore has become a foundational player for the franchise, with Eichel adding to the team’s aspirations for future successes.

The Washington Capitals’ Mount Rushmore honors Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Bäckström, Olaf Kolzig, and John Carlson. Ovechkin's record-breaking scoring and accolades are pivotal, while Bäckström is revered for his contributions. Kolzig's goaltending leadership and Carlson's defensemanship reinforce their franchise's renowned status.

Lastly, the Winnipeg Jets see Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Blake Wheeler included. Hellebuyck's multiple Vezina Trophy wins highlight his presence in the goaltending ranks, while Scheifele remains the franchise's top scorer. Kovalchuk’s historical impact and Wheeler’s statistical contributions help frame the history of the Jets.