The National Hockey League (NHL) is rich in history, with each franchise boasting a unique legacy shaped by its standout players. While identifying the greatest players for each team poses a challenge, especially for those with extensive histories, the recent 25 years of play provide a clearer perspective. This article highlights players from the 2000-01 season forward, focusing on their performance, postseason success, and their value as fan favorites.

For the Anaheim Ducks, the Mount Rushmore includes Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf, the longest-serving captain in franchise history, has made a significant impact with his 1,157 games played and ranks first in assists and points. Perry, a dual trophy winner in the 2010-11 season, holds crucial scoring ranks within the franchise. Selänne, who spent 15 of his 21 NHL seasons with the Ducks, stands tall with all-time records in goals and points. Giguère, recognized for his contributions to the Ducks' Stanley Cup victory in 2007, remains the team’s goaltending leader.

Similarly, the Boston Bruins' Mount Rushmore features Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron, a six-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, ranks prominently among franchise leaders in games played and points. Chára, a Hall of Famer and Norris Trophy winner, was a cornerstone of the Bruins' defensive line for years and exemplified leadership with 14 seasons as captain. Pastrňák and Marchand both succeeded in their scoring roles, contributing to Boston's success during their recent championship run in 2011.

The Buffalo Sabres showcase Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek on their respective Mount Rushmore. Miller’s impressive goaltending stats have solidified his legacy within the franchise, while Pominville ranks notably among the franchise leaders in games played and total points. Dahlin is emerging as a key player, representing the next generation, while Vanek remains an all-time scoring leader since the start of the 21st century.

The Calgary Flames proudly feature Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. Iginla’s tenure with the team is remarkable, holding multiple franchise records in games played, goals, and points. Kiprusoff’s accolades include a Vezina Trophy, and Giordano’s recent Norris Trophy win highlights his integral role in the team's defense. Gaudreau, a Lady Byng winner, continues to impress with his scoring skills.

The Carolina Hurricanes' Mount Rushmore comprises Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. Brind'Amour, a two-time Selke Trophy winner, captained the team to their Stanley Cup victory, while Staal remains a prominent scorer in the franchise's history. Slavin’s achievements during his tenure and Aho’s rising stardom shape the current and future legacy of the Hurricanes.

In Chicago, the Blackhawks have enshrined Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. These four played pivotal roles in multiple Stanley Cup victories for the franchise, with Kane and Toews both earning key individual honors alongside their championships.

The Colorado Avalanche feature Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg on their Mount Rushmore. The players contributed to the franchise’s success in varied roles, with MacKinnon and Makar recently adding impressive personal accolades.

The Columbus Blue Jackets' top players include Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky's goaltending prowess and Nash's scoring milestones have positively shaped the franchise's identity, along with Werenski’s rising star power and Jenner’s contributions during his career.

For the Dallas Stars, Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco rectangularly define the team’s history. Modano's distinguished records, Benn’s accolades, and Zubov’s defensive skills combined with Turco's solid goaltending bring depth to the franchise's narrative.

The Detroit Red Wings' illustrious history features Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg among its all-time greats. Each was instrumental in leading the franchise to multiple championships and earning individual honors in the process.

In Edmonton, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth represent the franchise’s modern success. Their contributions have made a significant impact on the team's competitive stature.

The Florida Panthers highlight Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo on their Mount Rushmore. Their achievements have propelled the franchise forward, culminating in recent Stanley Cup wins.

The Los Angeles Kings honor Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown as critical figures in their lore. Contributions from these players have solidified the Kings' recent identity in the NHL.

In Minnesota, Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon are memorialized. Each player’s accomplishments have resonated within the franchise, showcasing remarkable talent and leadership.

The Montreal Canadiens spotlight Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov. Price's goaltending legacy, coupled with the formidable presence of Koivu, Subban, and Markov, contributes to the storied franchise.

On the Nashville Predators' Mount Rushmore are Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. The accomplishments of these players, particularly in the strong defensive core led by Josi and Weber, showcase depth and skill.

The New Jersey Devils' legacy features Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš. Their contributions to multiple Stanley Cup victories have solidified their place in team history.

The New York Islanders' enshrined players include John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal. Each player has made notable contributions to the franchise's successes and continues to shape its present trajectory.

The New York Rangers highlight Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox among their greatest. Lundqvist remains legendary as a goaltender, while Panarin has rapidly established himself as a premier scoring asset.

For the Ottawa Senators, Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden form their Mount Rushmore. Each served as a prominently skilled player during their respective tenures.

The Philadelphia Flyers honor Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné as essential figures in their rich history. Each player has demonstrated skill and leadership throughout their careers.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' fan-favorite quartet includes Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang. Their combined accolades and contributions span an era of Penguins’ success.

The San Jose Sharks' Mount Rushmore features Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov. Each player has left an indelible mark on the franchise's journey throughout its growth.

In Seattle, Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson represent the young franchise's core players. Each has contributed significantly since their inception into the league.

For the St. Louis Blues, Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko encapsulate franchise valor, with key impacts during crucial moments, including their Stanley Cup victory.

The Tampa Bay Lightning's top figures are Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman. Each of these players played integral roles in the Lightning's recent accolades and championship wins.

Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs' Mount Rushmore consists of Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly. Their impact is palpable, with Matthews leading in single-season scoring records.

The conclusion lists the Arizona Coyotes' remarkable players, including Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov, alongside the Vancouver Canucks’ Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes. Their memberships in each franchise’s elite circle emphasize not just their contribution to the game but also their legacy within their respective teams.