The NHL, steeped in tradition and passion, is experiencing a dynamic transformation with the introduction of new teams, reshaping the league’s geography and revitalizing the sport.
New NHL Teams:
The two most recent teams to join the NHL have been the Seattle Kraken (2021) and the Vegas Golden Knights (2017). Prior to that, the most recent team to join was the Minnesota Wild (2000).
New NHL Teams By Year
| Team Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Seattle Kraken | 2021 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | 2017 |
| Arizona Coyotes | 2014 |
| Anaheim Ducks | 2006 |
| Minnesota Wild | 2000 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 2000 |
| Atlanta Thrashers | 1999 |
| Nashville Predators | 1998 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | 1997 |
| Phoenix Coyotes | 1996 |
| Colorado Avalanche | 1995 |
| Florida Panthers | 1993 |
| Dallas Stars | 1993 |
| Mighty Ducks of Anaheim | 1993 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 1992 |
| San Jose Sharks | 1991 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 1986 |
| New Jersey Devils | 1982 |
| Calgary Flames | 1980 |
| Quebec Nordiques* | 1979 |
| Hartford Whalers* | 1979 |
| Winnipeg Jets | 1979 |
| Edmonton Oilers | 1979 |
| Colorado Rockies* | 1976 |
| Cleveland Barons* | 1976 |
| Kansas City Scouts* | 1974 |
| Washington Capitals | 1974 |
| New York Islanders | 1972 |
| Atlanta Flames | 1972 |
| California Golden Seals* | 1970 |
| Buffalo Sabres | 1970 |
| Vancouver Canucks | 1970 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 1967 |
| Oakland Seals* | 1967 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 1967 |
| St. Louis Blues | 1967 |
| Minnesota North Stars* | 1967 |
| Los Angeles Kings | 1967 |
| Brooklyn Americans* | 1941 |
| St. Louis Eagles* | 1934 |
| Detroit Red Wings | 1932 |
| Detroit Falcons* | 1930 |
| Philadelphia Quakers* | 1930 |
| New York Rangers | 1926 |
| Chicago Black Hawks | 1926 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 1926 |
| Detroit Cougars* | 1926 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates* | 1925 |
| New York Americans* | 1925 |
| Montreal Maroons* | 1924 |
| Boston Bruins | 1924 |
| Hamilton Tigers* | 1920 |
| Toronto St. Patricks* | 1919 |
| Quebec Athletic Club/Bulldogs* | 1919 |
| Toronto Arenas* | 1917 |
| Ottawa Senators | 1917 |
| Montreal Wanderers* | 1917 |
| Montreal Canadiens | 1917 |
*Teams that are no longer around
When plotted out, the growth of the NHL over time looks like the following:
The early days of the NHL were rough, with the league almost reaching extinction in 1918. The league was fortunately able to find a stable period in the 40s to 60s with the “Original 6” teams.
Since then the NHL has enjoyed consistent expansion, with new NHL teams being added every five to ten years or so.
The most new NHL teams added in one-go was the 1967 NHL expansion, with the league effectively doubling in size, from six teams (Original 6) to a total of twelve.
Other larger expansions were 1979 and 1926, with four teams being added in each expansion.
New NHL Teams’ Success
The Vegas Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken have rewritten the script on NHL team ownership.
These franchises not only achieved success on the ice but also redefined owning an NHL team as a lucrative investment.
The Vegas Golden Knights, debuting in 2017, reached the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season. This was, in part, due to the overly-generous rules surrounding the 2017 expansion draft.
For the 2017 expansion draft, each NHL team could only protect:
- One goalie.
- Three defensemen.
- Seven forwards.
OR:
- One goalie.
- Eight skaters (any).
Compare that to the 1967 expansion draft, where the Original 6 teams were allowed to protect:
- One goaltender.
- Eleven players.
- Any player younger than ~20 years of age.
- Any player sold to the following minor leagues before June 1st, 1966:
- Western Hockey League (WHL)
- Central Professional Hockey League (CPHL)
The 2017 expansion draft rules were also kept mostly consistent for the Seattle Kraken in 2021.
Joining in 2021, the Seattle Kraken swiftly rose to success, emphasizing the potential for NHL teams in non-traditional markets like Seattle.
They managed to make the playoffs in just their second NHL season.
Their rapid appreciation in value showcased the financial promise of NHL team ownership.
The success of the Vegas Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken, with support from the league, has reshaped NHL ownership as a dynamic and rewarding venture.
As the league expands into new markets and attracts a global audience, the potential for growth in team valuations, revenue, and overall success continues to make NHL team ownership an enticing prospect in the world of professional sports.
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