Each NHL team has its share of players whose accomplishments have stood out among their teammates. This includes scoring forwards, skilled defensemen, and outstanding goaltenders. Among these players, a select few are considered the very best, earning their place on their team's Mount Rushmore of top players of all time. For teams with long histories, it can be challenging to narrow the field to just four players, while teams with shorter histories may find the selection process easier. This analysis focuses on players from the last 25 years of NHL history, beginning with the 2000-01 season. These players are more recognizable to current fans due to their overall performance, postseason success, significance to their clubs, and their potential status as fan favorites. Some players may appear on more than one team's Mount Rushmore, as their careers spanned multiple clubs. The examination also includes athletes from relocated teams, such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets) and the Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Mammoth).

For the Anaheim Ducks, key figures include Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf holds the title of the longest-serving captain in Ducks history, leading for 12 seasons and is the franchise leader in games played, assists, and points. Perry won both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy in the 2010-11 season. Selänne, a Hall of Famer, contributed significantly during his 15 seasons with the Ducks, holding franchise records in goals and points. Giguère, also a franchise leader, earned the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2023 for being the playoff MVP, and was instrumental in leading the Ducks to a Stanley Cup victory in 2007.

The Boston Bruins' Mount Rushmore features Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron is a six-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy and significant among the franchise leaders in games played and points. Chára served as captain for 14 seasons and was a core player during Boston's 2011 Stanley Cup win. Pastrňák is noted for scoring at least 60 goals in a season and is recognized as one of the top scorers since his debut in the 2014-15 season. Marchand, who also won a Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011, is ranked among the top players in franchise history.

In Buffalo, Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek have made considerable impacts. Miller, recognized with the Vezina Trophy, remains the franchise's top-goaltender leader. Pominville, who spent the majority of his NHL career in Buffalo, ranks among the team's scoring leaders. Dahlin has made his mark as a top defenseman, and Vanek leads the Sabres in goals scored since 2000-01.

For the Calgary Flames, Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau are highlighted. Iginla is a Hall of Famer and holds several franchise records including games played and goals. Kiprusoff, a Vezina Trophy winner, is the goaltending franchise leader, while Giordano has excelled as a top defenseman. Gaudreau, known for his scoring ability, has also earned individual accolades.

The Carolina Hurricanes boast a Mount Rushmore of Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. Brind'Amour is a two-time Selke Trophy winner and was pivotal in the team's 2005-06 Stanley Cup win. Staal was significant in that championship run, and Slavin has recently emerged as a leading defenseman. Aho ranks third in all-time scoring for the franchise.

The Chicago Blackhawks feature Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. Kane is a decorated player with multiple awards including the Calder and Conn Smythe Trophies. Toews has been recognized as a leader and consistent performer, contributing to the team's recent championships. Keith, a Hall of Famer, has won multiple trophies for his defense, while Seabrook ranks among the franchise leaders in games played.

For the Colorado Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg represent an elite lineup. MacKinnon has solidified his status with numerous awards, while Makar has similarly garnered accolades as a defenseman. Sakic and Forsberg, both Hall of Famers, played pivotal roles in the team’s historical successes.

The Columbus Blue Jackets feature Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, leads in goaltending records. Nash remains the franchise's scoring leader, while Werenski is recognized for his defensive expertise.

In Dallas, Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco are highlighted. Modano, a Hall of Famer, is the franchise leader in numerous offensive categories, while Benn has won the Art Ross Trophy, representing the team's prowess in scoring.

The Detroit Red Wings' lineup includes Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström is celebrated as one of the best defensemen in history, while Yzerman led the team as captain through its Stanley Cup successes. Datsyuk and Zetterberg have made significant contributions to the team’s history.

In Edmonton, the best players include Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth. McDavid’s multiple awards highlight his exceptional scoring ability, while Draisaitl has similarly excelled.

The Florida Panthers showcase Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo. Barkov has solidified his position as a franchise leader, leading in multiple categories, while Ekblad has been recognized for individual achievements.

For the Los Angeles Kings, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown are essential names. Kopitar and Doughty embody leadership and excellence, with Quick holding impressive franchise records.

In Minnesota, Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon round out the team’s history. Koivu and Gáborík lead in significant scoring records, while Kaprizov has quickly established himself.

The Montreal Canadiens’ best include Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov. Price’s accomplishments as a goaltender place him among the franchise greats, while Koivu’s longevity and contributions helped shape the team’s legacy.

In Nashville, the franchise is represented by Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Josi became a standout leader on the ice and is recognized for his defensive skills.

The New Jersey Devils are represented by Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš. Brodeur remains the all-time leader in numerous goaltending categories, while Niedermayer and Stevens contributed to the franchise's success.

For the New York Islanders, John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal have made significant impacts. Tavares and Barzal are among the franchise’s top scorers.

The New York Rangers include Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox. Lundqvist is a storied figure in the franchise’s history, and both Panarin and Kreider have been vital contributors in recent seasons.

In Ottawa, Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden rank among the best in franchise history. Alfredsson is the top scorer in team history, contributing significantly throughout his career.

Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné are the stars of the Philadelphia Flyers. Giroux stands out as one of the team's all-time best players.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are highlighted by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang. Crosby and Malkin represent formidable offensive power.

In San Jose, Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov are key figures. Marleau leads in goals and games played, while Thornton is recognized for his playmaking ability.

As for the Seattle Kraken, Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson highlight the franchise's early successes. McCann has quickly established himself as a leader in scoring.

The St. Louis Blues' best include Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko. O'Reilly's performance during the team’s championship run is integral to the franchise history.

In Tampa Bay, Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman illustrate the franchise's excellence. Their combined achievements have helped the Lightning secure significant championships.

The Toronto Maple Leafs feature Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly as defining players. Matthews has made a significant impact in a short period.

Lastly, for the Utah Mammoth, Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov are notable. Doan's lengthy career has made him a cornerstone of franchise history.

The Vancouver Canucks’ lineup includes Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes, illustrating the team’s strong history.

The Vegas Golden Knights highlight Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel, who have all contributed to the franchise's successes.

Finally, for the Washington Capitals, Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Bäckström, Olaf Kolzig, and John Carlson represent the heights of franchise achievement. Ovechkin’s scoring records have cemented his legacy.

The Winnipeg Jets highlight Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Blake Wheeler as franchise icons. Hellebuyck's achievements have placed him among the NHL's elite.