Each NHL team features its share of players whose accomplishments stand out among their peers. These athletes may include scoring forwards, skilled defensemen, and exceptional goaltenders. Within this group, a select number would be recognized as the very best, with their legacies cemented on their team's metaphorical Mount Rushmore, representing the top-four players in franchise history. For teams with extensive histories, narrowing down the field to just four players presents a significant challenge, while teams with shorter histories may find this task simpler. This analysis focuses on players from the past 25 years of NHL history, beginning with the 2000-01 season, featuring athletes more recognizable to contemporary fans due to their overall performance, postseason success, and contribution to their respective clubs during this period. It is also important to note that some players may appear on the Mount Rushmore of multiple teams, reflecting their careers across different franchises. Players from relocated teams, such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg Jets) and the Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Mammoth), have also been included.

Starting with the Anaheim Ducks, the players highlighted include Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf served as the longest-tenured captain in Ducks history for 12 seasons, ranking as the franchise leader with 1,157 games played, 737 assists, and 1,019 points. Perry, who claimed the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy in the 2010-11 season, occupies second place in franchise history with 372 goals, third with 404 assists, and has a total of 776 points. Selänne, a Hall of Famer, distinguished himself during his 15 seasons with the Ducks, becoming the franchise leader with 457 goals and sitting second with 531 assists and 988 points. Giguère remains the franchise's all-time goaltending leader with 206 wins and 32 shutouts. All four of these players played pivotal roles in leading the Ducks to a Stanley Cup victory in 2007.

Next, 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, ranking third in franchise history with 1,294 games played, 427 goals, and 1,040 points. Chára, a Hall of Famer, captained the Bruins for 14 seasons and won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in the 2008-09 season. Both played significant roles in Boston's 2011 Stanley Cup win. Pastrňák, notable for scoring at least 60 goals in a season, earned the Maurice Richard Trophy in the 2019-20 season, ranking fourth all-time among NHL scorers since his debut in 2014-15 with 391 points. Marchand also contributed to the 2011 championship run, ranking fourth in franchise history with 1,090 games played and 422 goals.

For the Buffalo Sabres, the roster includes Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek. Miller, the 2009-10 Vezina Trophy winner, leads the franchise in goaltending statistics with 540 games played and 284 wins. Pominville spent 11 of his 15 NHL seasons with the Sabres and ranks eighth among the franchise leaders with 733 games played. Dahlin stands second in points all-time among Sabres defensemen and ranks ninth with 277 assists. Vanek, who played nine of his 14 NHL seasons in Buffalo, leads the team's scoring since the 2000-01 season with 254 goals and ranks second with 497 points.

Looking at the Calgary Flames, the Mount Rushmore includes Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. A Hall of Famer, Iginla is the franchise leader with 1,219 games played, 525 goals, and 1,095 points, and won the Maurice Richard Trophy twice. Kiprusoff, the 2005-06 Vezina Trophy winner, excels in various goaltending categories for the Flames, including wins and shutouts. Giordano, the 2018-19 James Norris Memorial Trophy winner, ranks third in games played and is a key contributor to the franchise's success. Gaudreau, a Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner, also made significant contributions during his nine seasons with the Flames.

The Carolina Hurricanes' Mount Rushmore highlights Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. Brind'Amour, a two-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, ranks fourth among the Hurricanes with 299 assists. Staal, who contributed to the 2006 Cup run, ranks second among franchise leaders in key statistics. Slavin showcases his talents as a key defensive player, having won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy twice. Aho is rapidly climbing the franchise leaderboards and is a standout player on the current roster.

Transitioning to the Chicago Blackhawks, the key figures are Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook. Kane, a Calder Memorial Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, and Hart Trophy winner, represents one of the franchise's best talents. Toews captured the Conn Smythe Trophy and led the team with strong performances. Keith earned recognition as a two-time James Norris Memorial Trophy winner and played a crucial role in the team's championship successes. Seabrook, known for his contributions on defense, is also recognized within the franchise's history.

In Colorado, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg form the Mount Rushmore. MacKinnon garnered several accolades, including the Calder Memorial Trophy and the Hart Trophy. Makar, another Calder winner, has cemented his status with impressive defensive play and accolades. Sakic, a Hockey Hall of Fame member, represents a key figure in Avalanche history, having contributed to their Stanley Cup victories. Forsberg notched exceptional records during his playing career, marking him as a lasting emblem of the franchise.

The Columbus Blue Jackets highlight Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner. Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, serves as the franchise's leading goaltender in key statistics. Nash, who holds multiple franchise records, is recognized as one of its top scorers. Werenski's reputation as a strong defensive force and Jenner's impressive tenure with the team position them as key players in franchise history.

For the Dallas Stars, the notable players are Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco. A Hall of Famer, Modano leads the franchise in games played, goals, and points. Benn, the only Star to win the Art Ross Trophy, ranks high on the franchise leaderboard. Zubov's contributions on defense and Turco's goaltending prowess solidify their places within the Stars' history.

The Detroit Red Wings honor Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström is a seven-time winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy and played a fundamental role in franchise success. Yzerman, a revered captain, leads in franchise assists and boasts multiple Stanley Cup wins. Datsyuk's combination of skill and accolades, along with Zetterberg's achievements, mark this group as iconic in Red Wings history.

In summary, elite talent has shaped the NHL over the past 25 years, with numerous franchises boasting a significant legacy. Collectively, these players not only helped their teams find success but also elevated the sport itself, enhancing the overall reputation of the NHL.

Analyzing these figures offers fans a glimpse into the dynamic history of each franchise. Prospective future entries into the legendary mounts will arise as new athletes emerge and others continue to build their reputations. The legacy of these players will undoubtedly be celebrated by fans and future generations.