In the National Hockey League (NHL), each franchise has its distinguished players whose achievements notably exceed those of their teammates. These players may include goal-scoring forwards, skilled defensemen, and outstanding goaltenders. A select group of these athletes stands out as the finest representatives of their respective teams, akin to the illustrious figures on a Mount Rushmore dedicated to the franchise's top four players of all time. While organizations with rich histories often find it challenging to condense their legends to a mere four individuals, franchises with shorter legacies experience a more straightforward selection process.

This analysis focuses specifically on the past 25 years of NHL history, commencing with the 2000-01 season. Players during this era are more recognizable to contemporary fans, as their performances, playoff achievements, and contributions to team dynamics bolster their reputations. It is worth noting that some players may be featured on multiple teams' Mount Rushmore because their careers spanned various franchises. Additionally, players from relocated teams, such as the former Atlanta Thrashers now known as the Winnipeg Jets and the Arizona Coyotes potentially transitioning into the Utah Mammoth, have also been included in this discourse.

For the Anaheim Ducks, the Mount Rushmore features Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf holds the franchise record with 1,157 games played and is the all-time leader in assists (737) and points (1,019). Perry, who won the Hart Memorial Trophy and Maurice Richard Trophy during the 2010-11 season, ranks second with 372 goals and third with 404 assists. Hall of Famer Selänne played 15 of his 21 NHL seasons with the Ducks, leading the franchise with 457 goals. Giguère, who secured the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2023, is the Ducks' all-time leader in wins (206) and shutouts (32). All four contributed significantly to the Ducks' Stanley Cup victory in 2007.

Next, the Boston Bruins' Mount Rushmore comprises Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron is a six-time recipient of the Frank J. Selke Trophy and ranks third among all Bruins with 1,294 games played. Chára, who captained the Bruins for 14 seasons, won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09 and was a critical part of Boston's 2011 Stanley Cup win. Pastrňák is notable for being only the second Bruin to score at least 60 goals in a season, while Marchand is an integral part of the team’s success, contributing significantly to the 2011 Stanley Cup triumph.

For the Buffalo Sabres, the franchise honors Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek. Miller, a Vezina Trophy winner, leads the Sabres in games played (540) and wins (284). Pominville dedicated 11 of his 15 NHL seasons to the Sabres, ranking eighth in franchise history with 733 games played. Dahlin is a rising star, sitting second in points among Sabres defensemen with 360. Vanek, who netted 254 goals during his nine seasons with Buffalo, remains a vital part of the franchise's scoring history.

The Calgary Flames’ Mount Rushmore features Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. Iginla, who played 1,219 games for the Flames, ranks first in franchise history for goals (525) and points (1,095). Kiprusoff, recognized with the Vezina Trophy in 2005-06, leads the Flames in wins (305) and shutouts (41). Giordano, a James Norris Memorial Trophy winner in 2019-20, ranks third in games played and assists. Gaudreau was also pivotal in the team's success, winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2016-17.

For the Carolina Hurricanes, the selected players are Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. Brind'Amour, a two-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, contributed significantly as a captain, leading the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup in 2005-06. Staal also played a crucial role during that Cup run and ranks second in franchise history in multiple scoring categories. Slavin has been instrumental defensively, winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. Aho continues to be a vital offensive contributor for the Hurricanes.

The Chicago Blackhawks' legends include Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. Kane, a Calder Trophy winner and multiple-time Hart recipient, is among the league's elite forwards. Toews has captured the Conn Smythe Trophy and is noted for his leadership. Keith, a two-time winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy, remains a key figure in Blackhawks history. Seabrook, who ranks fourth in franchise games played, significantly contributed to the team's triumphs.

The Colorado Avalanche's Mount Rushmore recognizes Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg. MacKinnon has won multiple prestigious awards in recent seasons, including the Hart Trophy, while Makar is quickly establishing himself as one of the league's premier defensemen. Sakic and Forsberg, Hall of Famers who led the Avalanche to two Stanley Cup victories, are also integral to the franchise's narrative.

For the Columbus Blue Jackets, the selection includes Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky has made a name for himself as a two-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender. Nash, a franchise scoring leader, was a standout player during his tenure with the Blue Jackets. Werenski continues to prove himself as a top defenseman in the league, while Jenner's consistency remains noteworthy.

The Dallas Stars honor Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco. As a Hockey Hall of Famer, Modano holds several franchise records, including games played and points. Benn won the Art Ross Trophy, making history as the only Stars player to do so. Zubov is also in the Hall of Fame for his influence on the blue line, and Turco remains a significant part of the Stars' goaltending narrative.

The Detroit Red Wings’ esteemed players include Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström’s legacy includes seven James Norris Memorial Trophies, while Yzerman captained the franchise to three Stanley Cups. Datsyuk and Zetterberg, both Hall of Famers, are recognized for their skill and contributions to the team's success.

Five players highlight the Edmonton Oilers’ Mount Rushmore: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth. McDavid’s remarkable accolades cement him as one of the league's leading figures, while Draisaitl has also garnered numerous individual awards. Nugent-Hopkins and Smyth have provided consistent contributions to the franchise, with Smyth’s tenure seeing him leave a lasting impression.

In Florida, Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo represent the franchise. Barkov distinguished himself as the franchise's leader in several scoring categories, and Ekblad won the Calder Trophy. Huberdeau and Luongo, who made substantial contributions over their respective tenures, are recognized as central figures in the franchise's history.

The Los Angeles Kings Mount Rushmore includes Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown. Kopitar, the franchise leader in games played, continues to excel as a key player. Doughty's dominance on defense earned him the Norris Trophy. Quick remains a vital presence between the pipes, while Brown's leadership during the team’s championship seasons is lauded.

For the Minnesota Wild, Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon are honored. Koivu's longstanding captaincy solidified his position as the franchise leader in games played, and Gáborík was the initial standout star. Kaprizov has made an immediate impact, setting single-season scoring records, while Spurgeon has proven pivotal on defense.

The Montreal Canadiens’ selections feature Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov. Price's accolades as a dominant goaltender highlight his contributions. Koivu held a long tenure with the team, while Subban was recognized as one of the league’s top defensemen. Markov’s all-around play further emphasizes his importance to the franchise.

The Nashville Predators include Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Josi is a key playmaker on defense, while Rinne holds several franchise records as a celebrated goaltender. Forsberg’s offensive prowess and Weber's leadership are critical in affirming their positions on the Mount Rushmore.

The New Jersey Devils acknowledge Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš. Brodeur's achievements as the all-time wins leader underscore his impact. Stevens and Niedermayer contributed to the team's legacy with their unmatched defensive play. Eliáš’s scoring prowess solidifies his status as a franchise legend.

The New York Islanders’ selections highlight John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal. Tavares’s considerable scoring during his time places him among the franchise’s greats, while Nelson and Lee exemplify enduring contributions. Barzal’s emergence as a star within this franchise is notable.

Representing the New York Rangers are Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox. Lundqvist's elevated status as a top goaltender is complemented by Panarin's scoring touch. Kreider’s physicality and offensive output, combined with Fox's defensive skill, paints a comprehensive picture of the franchise's key figures.

The Ottawa Senators honor Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden. Alfredsson's legacy as a longtime captain is unmatched, while Karlsson earned recognition for his exceptional play on defense. Spezza's scoring and Redden's contributions reinforce their importance to the franchise’s history.

Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné are celebrated in Philadelphia. Giroux's tenure as captain and contribution on both ends of the ice shapes his legacy. Couturier's performance has earned him accolades, while Voráček's and Gagné's effectiveness during their respective times add value to the team's storied past.

Pittsburgh Penguins legends include Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang. Crosby's dominant performance over the years solidifies his place among the elite, while Malkin has been vital to the Penguins' success. Fleury's goaltending achievements, along with Letang's contributions on the blue line, further underscore their significance.

For the San Jose Sharks, key figures include Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov. Marleau’s records and longevity stand out, while Thornton's vision and passing ability captivated fans. Burns’ defensive prowess earned him accolades, and Nabokov's achievements in net remain distinct.

The Seattle Kraken features Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson. McCann’s impressive single-season scoring and Dunn’s assist record frame the franchise's early successes. Eberle’s steady scoring and Larsson's durable presence are significant in their development.

Representing the St. Louis Blues are Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko. Pietrangelo's leadership guides the team, and O'Reilly’s contributions earned him key accolades. Pronger’s defensive impact is celebrated, while Tarasenko remains a potent offensive threat.

Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman round out the Tampa Bay Lightning's Mount Rushmore. Stamkos's contributions as a long-serving captain are complemented by Kucherov's accolades. St. Louis is recognized as a franchise great, while Hedman continues to excel on the blue line.

Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly take center stage for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Matthews' impressive goal-scoring record highlights his significance, while Sundin’s accolades are undeniable. Marner continues to craft his legacy, and Rielly’s contributions are pivotal in assessing the franchise's modern era.

The Arizona Coyotes, previously the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes, honor Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov. Doan’s extensive career with the franchise establishes him as a cornerstone. Keller's emerging talent, Ekman-Larsson's resiliency, and Bryzgalov's goaltending further emphasize their importance within franchise history.

For the Vancouver Canucks, Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes highlight a rich legacy. The Sedins, as Hall of Famers, exhibit an exceptional record of team success. Näslund's history as a star player and Hughes’ accomplishments on defense remain notable. Lastly, the Vegas Golden Knights commemorate Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel, each contributing to a burgeoning franchise with significant achievements.