Each NHL team has players whose accomplishments stand out among their teammates, including scoring forwards, skilled defensemen, and outstanding goaltenders. While selecting the best players for each franchise, it is clear that certain individuals would be immortalized on a team's Mount Rushmore, representing the top four players in their history. For teams with long-standing legacies, narrowing down to just four players poses a challenge, whereas franchises with shorter histories allow for easier selections. This analysis focuses on players from the last 25 years of NHL history, beginning with the 2000-01 season, as these athletes are more recognizable to contemporary fans based on performance, postseason success, and their value to their respective organizations. Some names may appear on multiple teams' Mount Rushmores due to careers spent across various franchises. Relocated teams, such as the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets) and the Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Mammoth), are also included.

Beginning with the Anaheim Ducks, notable players include Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Getzlaf holds several franchise records, being the leader in games played, assists, and points, while Perry's accolades include a Hart Memorial Trophy and a Maurice Richard Trophy in 2010-11. Selänne, a Hall of Famer, remains a franchise legend, and Giguère contributed significantly by earning a Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2023. Together, these four players played pivotal roles in securing the Stanley Cup for the Ducks in 2007.

Similarly, the Boston Bruins boast a rich history with Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chára, David Pastrňák, and Brad Marchand. Bergeron, a six-time Selke Trophy winner, ranks favorably in games played, goals, and points for the team. Chára, who captained the Bruins for 14 seasons, is recognized for winning the James Norris Memorial Trophy. Pastrňák's scoring prowess makes him one of only two Bruins to achieve at least 60 goals in a season. Marchand's achievements include being part of the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup victory, further solidifying their status among the franchise greats.

The Buffalo Sabres' Mount Rushmore features Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Rasmus Dahlin, and Thomas Vanek. Miller earned the Vezina Trophy in 2009-10 and remains the franchise leader in several goaltending categories. Pominville, a consistent performer, occupied a significant position in the franchise lineup during his tenure. Dahlin continues to rise in prominence, while Vanek holds the distinction of being the franchise's leading scorer since 2000-01.

The Calgary Flames honor Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau. As a Hall of Famer, Iginla led the franchise in games played, goals, and points. Kiprusoff proved to be an exceptional goaltender, winning the Vezina Trophy during his time. Giordano’s accolades include the James Norris Memorial Trophy, while Gaudreau's Lady Byng Memorial Trophy further adds to his legacy with the team.

The Carolina Hurricanes' representation includes Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, Jaccob Slavin, and Sebastian Aho. Brind'Amour, a key player in their 2005-06 Stanley Cup victory, consistently ranks among the franchise leaders in assists and points. Staal also contributed to the 2006 success and is high on the franchise’s all-time list. Slavin's defensive excellence and Aho's rising profile underline their importance to the team.

In Chicago, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews stand out alongside Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Kane’s numerous trophies, including the Calder Memorial Trophy and the Conn Smythe Trophy, illustrate his impact. Toews, known for his leadership, has earned multiple awards and played a significant role in three Stanley Cup championships. Keith’s consistent defensive play and Seabrook's contributions solidify this group's legendary status.

The Colorado Avalanche recognize Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Joe Sakic, and Peter Forsberg. MacKinnon has achieved multiple awards since entering the league, demonstrating remarkable talent. Makar, a breakout star, has won various honors, including the Conn Smythe Trophy. Sakic, a franchise legend, leads in multiple categories, while Forsberg’s accolades illustrate his historic contributions to the team and league alike.

Sergei Bobrovsky, Rick Nash, Zach Werenski, and Boone Jenner represent the Columbus Blue Jackets. Bobrovsky’s impact as a two-time Vezina Trophy winner makes him a franchise cornerstone, while Nash, with his scoring accomplishments, holds many records. Werenski's emergence as a leading defenseman and Jenner’s long-term contributions further outline the team's history.

For the Dallas Stars, Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, Sergei Zubov, and Marty Turco have been crucial to their success. Modano's records in games played, goals, and points emphasize his impact, while Benn's Art Ross Trophy victory showcases his scoring prowess. Zubov, another Hall of Famer, demonstrates solid defensive skills, and Turco’s records reflect his key role in net.

The Detroit Red Wings celebrate Nicklas Lidström, Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidström, a seven-time Norris Trophy winner, evidenced exceptional longevity and talent, while Yzerman's leadership earned him significant accolades. Datsyuk’s exceptional two-way play alongside Zetterberg's contributions during three Stanley Cup victories illustrate their importance to the franchise.

Among the Edmonton Oilers' honored players are Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ryan Smyth. McDavid's dominance in recent seasons has led to numerous awards, while Draisaitl's accolades reflect noteworthy performances. Nugent-Hopkins’ consistency and Smyth's long-term legacy present a compelling narrative regarding these players and their impact on the franchise.

In Florida, Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Roberto Luongo are integral to the team’s history. Barkov's multiple trophies, alongside Ekblad’s Calder victory demonstrate their skill. Huberdeau’s impressive point totals and Luongo's significant achievements solidify their contributions to the franchise's narrative.

The Los Angeles Kings recognize Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown. Kopitar leads in several categories and is known for his consistency. Doughty’s Norris Trophy win and Quick's goaltending prowess are notable, while Brown’s leadership and impact resonate with fans and players alike.

The Minnesota Wild celebrate Mikko Koivu, Marián Gáborík, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jared Spurgeon. Koivu’s legacy as the franchise's longest-serving captain signifies his influence, while Gáborík's early stardom helped define the team. Kaprizov's rookie successes and Spurgeon's ongoing contributions showcase the breadth of talent in the franchise's history.

Carey Price, Saku Koivu, P.K. Subban, and Andrei Markov represent the Montreal Canadiens. Price holds several franchise records and achieved an impressive list of accolades throughout his career. Saku Koivu’s lengthy tenure and leadership, alongside Subban’s Norris win and Markov’s consistency, highlight the depth of talent that has graced this storied franchise.

The Nashville Predators honor Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg, and Shea Weber. Josi leads in games played for defensemen and has garnered several individual accolades. Rinne’s Vezina Trophy victory and Forsberg's scoring prowess emphasize their impact, while Weber’s time as captain adds esteem to his contributions.

The New Jersey Devils celebrate Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš. Brodeur's extraordinary goaltending history and numerous records make him a franchise icon. Stevens and Niedermayer were integral to the team’s successes, and Eliáš solidified his place with impressive career totals in points and assists.

For the New York Islanders, John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal played significant roles. Tavares ranks among the top in numerous offensive categories, while Lee's leadership reflects his impact on the current roster. Barzal’s dynamic play and Nelson's contributions form an important narrative for the team's history.

The New York Rangers recognize Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox. Lundqvist’s legacy, marked by the Vezina Trophy, underscores his impact as a goaltender. Panarin’s consistency and Kreider's scoring abilities, along with Fox’s Norris Trophy win, illustrate their importance within the franchise structure.

The Ottawa Senators highlight Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Wade Redden. Alfredsson remains a beloved franchise figure, with notable accomplishments including goals and points. Karlsson’s Norris Trophy wins showcase his defensive prowess, while Spezza and Redden add to the Senators’ legacy.

Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voráček, and Simon Gagné represent the Philadelphia Flyers. Giroux's effectiveness as captain and contributor underscores his legacy, complemented by Couturier's Selke win. Voráček and Gagné's scoring capabilities outline pivotal moments in Flyers history.

The Pittsburgh Penguins feature Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury, and Kris Letang. Crosby's leadership combined with Malkin's scoring prowess defines an era for the franchise. Fleury remains its all-time goaltending leader, while Letang’s consistency contributes positively to the team’s trajectory.

The San Jose Sharks honor Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Evgeni Nabokov. Marleau's records in games played and points emphasize his significant role, while Thornton's talents earned him numerous individual accolades. Burns’ contributions to the defensive lineup alongside Nabokov's legacy present a comprehensive overview of vital players in franchise history.

For the Seattle Kraken, Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, Jordan Eberle, and Adam Larsson stand out as key players. McCann holds several franchise records for goals and points, while Dunn leads in assists. Eberle's rising scores and Larsson's dependability reflect the franchise development since its inception.

The St. Louis Blues showcase Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O'Reilly, Chris Pronger, and Vladimir Tarasenko. Pietrangelo's leadership and contributions to the Stanley Cup victory define his role, while O'Reilly's accolades symbolize his defensive and offensive impacts. Pronger, a Hall of Famer, and Tarasenko’s scoring ability further signify stellar talent in Blues history.

Lastly, Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman highlight the Tampa Bay Lightning. Stamkos’s scoring consistency and leadership propel the franchise, while Kucherov’s legacy includes several awards. St. Louis, being a Hall of Famer, alongside Hedman’s defensive awards portray a franchise filled with remarkable talent.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' top players are Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly. Matthews stands out as the single-season goal leader, while Sundin leaves an indelible mark with his achievements. Marner’s impressive point totals and Rielly's contributions are notable as well.

The Utah Mammoth, formerly the Arizona Coyotes, share a history represented by Shane Doan, Clayton Keller, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Ilya Bryzgalov. Doan, a franchise icon, led in multiple scoring categories, while Keller continues to add to the legacy. Ekman-Larsson's defiance as a top defenseman and Bryzgalov’s early prominence create a narrative of resilience for the franchise.

For the Vancouver Canucks, Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Quinn Hughes are key figures. Henrik and Daniel Sedin are the first twins in the Hall of Fame, with exceptional overall contributions. Näslund’s leadership capabilities and Hughes' recent achievements underscore an evolving legacy for the team.

The Vegas Golden Knights honor Marc-André Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel. Fleury's contributions were vital in the early years, including playoff appearances, while Marchessault's recent successes mark him as the franchise leader in goals. Theodore's consistency and Eichel’s vital role in championship history depict a bright future for the team.

The Washington Capitals celebrate Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Bäckström, Olaf Kolzig, and John Carlson. Ovechkin's accolades solidify his legendary status as the all-time goal-scoring leader, complemented by Bäckström's elite assist totals. Kolzig’s lineage in goal remains significant, while Carlson’s stature among defensemen illustrates the depth of the organization.

Lastly, the Winnipeg Jets honor Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Blake Wheeler. Hellebuyck’s multiple Vezina wins correlate with significant gameplay, while Scheifele shines in key offensive roles. Kovalchuk, a previous standout, along with Wheeler’s multi-faceted contributions, enhances the team’s notable history.