When was every NHL team created? Key years to know

Creation of NHL Teams: Key Years to Remember

The National Hockey League (NHL) stands as one of the most storied and iconic professional sports leagues in North America. Its teams, rich in history, have seen many changes over the years, from expansions and relocations to mergers and name changes. Each team has its own origin story, often marked by key moments of growth or transformation. Let’s break down the essential years when these teams came into existence, and how they fit into the broader story of the NHL’s evolution.

The Early Years: The NHL’s Formation

The NHL was formed in 1917 as a successor to the National Hockey Association (NHA). The founding teams included four franchises from Canada, marking the very first era of professional hockey as we know it today.

• Montreal Canadiens: Founded in 1909, the Canadiens are the oldest franchise in the NHL, predating the league itself. They became a founding member of the NHL in 1917.
• Ottawa Senators: Another founding team, the Senators have an illustrious history dating back to 1883. They were part of the 1917 NHL formation but later folded in 1934 before being revived in 1992.
• Toronto Maple Leafs: Originally founded as the Toronto Arenas in 1917, they changed their name to the Maple Leafs in 1927.
• Montreal Wanderers: Although a founding team in 1917, the Wanderers played just a handful of games before folding, making them one of the shortest-lived teams in NHL history.

The 1920s and 1930s: Expansion and Turmoil

By the 1920s, the NHL was expanding its footprint. Teams came and went, and the league faced both financial and organizational challenges. The following years were marked by the rise of American teams and the introduction of more Canadian franchises.

• Boston Bruins (1924): The first American team to join the NHL, the Bruins were formed in response to the NHL’s growing competition with other leagues.
• Chicago Blackhawks (1926): Founded by the Wirtz family, the Blackhawks quickly became a staple in the NHL, known for their strong fan base and competitive teams.
• Detroit Red Wings (1926): Originally known as the Detroit Cougars, the franchise was renamed the Red Wings in 1932. The team became synonymous with success and durability throughout the decades.
• New York Rangers (1926): A franchise that quickly made a name for itself, the Rangers are part of the “Original Six,” the group of teams that would dominate the NHL for many years.

The 1960s: The Era of the “Expansion” Teams

In 1967, the NHL expanded for the first time in a significant way, adding six new teams. This expansion not only grew the league but also broadened its geographic reach, helping to solidify its place as one of the top North American sports leagues.

• Philadelphia Flyers (1967): One of the six teams added during the 1967 expansion, the Flyers quickly became one of the most successful teams in the NHL, especially in the 1970s with their “Broad Street Bullies” persona.
• Pittsburgh Penguins (1967): Another product of the 1967 expansion, the Penguins have achieved great success over the years, including multiple Stanley Cup championships.
• St. Louis Blues (1967): Known for their early years of success, the Blues were competitive from the start, though they struggled to secure a championship until later years.
• Los Angeles Kings (1967): Located in Southern California, the Kings represented the NHL’s first foray into the West Coast. The franchise would become more successful in the 21st century.
• Minnesota North Stars (1967): Initially founded as the North Stars, the franchise later moved to Dallas and became the Dallas Stars, winning multiple Stanley Cups along the way.
• California Seals (1967): Though short-lived, the Seals were one of the 1967 expansion teams. They eventually relocated to Cleveland and then to Houston before folding.

The 1970s and 1980s: More Teams and Geographic Growth

The 1970s were a dynamic time for the NHL, as the league grew both in size and influence. More teams were added, and the game continued to attract fans from across the country.

• Buffalo Sabres (1970): The Sabres became part of the league’s growth during the early 1970s, contributing to the expansion of hockey in the United States.
• Vancouver Canucks (1970): Also joining the league in 1970, the Canucks would later become an iconic Canadian team known for passionate fans and competitive teams.
• New York Islanders (1972): The Islanders were born in the early 1970s and became a force in the Eastern Conference, winning four straight Stanley Cups in the early 1980s.
• Atlanta Flames (1972): The Flames played in Atlanta before relocating to Calgary in 1980, where they went on to win a Stanley Cup in 1989.
• Colorado Rockies (1976): The Rockies struggled in Denver and eventually relocated to become the New Jersey Devils in 1982.

The 1990s: The NHL Goes International

The 1990s saw the NHL expand into new territories, with teams spreading into the southern United States and beyond, including the introduction of several teams from Canada.

• San Jose Sharks (1991): Established as one of the most unique and successful teams of the 1990s, the Sharks contributed to the league’s West Coast growth.
• Ottawa Senators (1992): After a long hiatus, the Senators returned to the league in 1992, re-establishing themselves as a major Canadian presence.
• Florida Panthers (1993): Another Southern expansion team, the Panthers became one of the more competitive teams of the 1990s, particularly in their early years.
• Tampa Bay Lightning (1992): Also based in Florida, the Lightning has seen varied success, but their early years were marked by rapid development and growth.
• Nashville Predators (1998): The Predators helped spread the NHL’s reach into the southern U.S., adding a new fan base in Tennessee.
• Atlanta Thrashers (1999): The Thrashers lasted only until 2011 before relocating to become the Winnipeg Jets once more.

The 2000s and Beyond: Recent Expansions

The NHL continued to expand into the 21st century, further broadening its influence and pushing the boundaries of its national presence.

• Columbus Blue Jackets (2000): The Blue Jackets entered the NHL as part of the league’s quest to expand into new cities and attract new fans.
• Minnesota Wild (2000): The Wild were part of a resurgence for the NHL in Minnesota, reinvigorating hockey’s popularity in the region.
• Vegas Golden Knights (2017): The Golden Knights are the most recent expansion team, joining in 2017. They quickly became a fan favorite, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season.
• Seattle Kraken (2021): The Kraken marked the NHL’s latest addition, bringing a new level of excitement and competition to the Pacific Northwest.

Table of NHL Team Creation Years