The 2014-15 NHL season is almost here. It’s been a long offseason for hockey fans, but the most beautiful game on earth is ready to be played again. My excitement for the upcoming NHL season is met only by my passion for NHL history. The history of the NHL is vast yet unquestionably a bit murky. The NHL has had numerous definable eras, its share of controversies, and has slowly became a bigger part of American culture. Since the inception of the NHL many incredibly successful franchises have risen up. But which NHL franchises are the greatest of them all?
Die-hard fans of many organizations claim that their franchise is the greatest of all-time by weighing certain eras of the NHL with more emphasis than others. The NHL began long ago, well before the Great Depression, but six teams came together to form the “Original Six” in 1942. Since then, the game that Canada so graciously brought to the world has evolved immensely. The League has boomed to include 30 franchises and I set out to answer the question of ‘which ones are the greatest?’ I compiled this list based on a weighted formula which gives points for success in the categories that represent consistent organizational greatness.
This isn’t just a list that ranks franchises in order of how many Stanley Cups they have won, anyone can look up that information for themselves. There is much more to being a successful or great NHL franchise than winning it all. Winning divisions and conferences should also weigh toward a franchise’s greatness as those things shows overall consistency — and do in this ranking system.
This point system is weighted to slightly rise in points for a Stanley Cup victory in accordance to when the league added more teams. Some people argue that ‘talent was more concentrated when there were only six teams, 12 teams,’ which is a valid thought process. But the truth is, it is easier to win a championship when you only have to out perform five teams, instead of 29 like teams have had to do since 2000. Thus, Stanley Cups won today are worth more points to reflect that difference. Are Cups won now worth dramatically more? No, but just enough to account for the NHL’s evolution (common sense prevails). In 1967 the “Second Six” doubled the NHL’s size. In 1979 four franchises from the WHL joined the NHL and in 2000 the league reached its current capacity. Division championships were kept at a baseline point total throughout NHL history to counterbalance the Conference Championship and Presidents’ Trophy’s possible points that came about in the 1980s.
Point Breakdown:
Stanley Cup (Original Six Era 1942-1967): 10 Points
Stanley Cup (Second Six Era 1967-1979): 12 Points
Stanley Cup (Expansion Era 1979-1999): 14 Points
Stanley Cup (Modern Era 2000-Present): 16 Points
Conference Championship (1982-Present): 8 Points
Division Championship (1942-Present): 4 Points
Presidents’ Trophy (1985-Present): 6 Points
Quantifying: Each franchise’s total points were then divided by how long they’ve been in the NHL (with the 1942-43 season as the first season considered). This ensures that this ranking shows which franchises truly are the greatest per year, not just long-tenured.
Note: The year beside each franchise’s name refers to when it joined the NHL, not necessarily when it was formed. For “Original Six” teams their date is set at 1942 — this is because that is how far back this ranking system reached to award points for the various categories.
The year 1942 was chosen as the first year to consider the NHL’s applicable history because that is when the “Original Six” came together to play the first 25 years of organized and consistent NHL hockey (until the 1966-67 season). Numerous organizations boast histories that stretch back well before 1942 and many Stanley Cups were won before that date. Those are unique pieces of history, but they are just not applicable for the purposes of this ranking. Prior to 1942 many franchises popped up and folded; for the sake of consistency, I valued only from the 1942-43 season onward.
How does your favorite NHL franchise stack up?
30. Nashville Predators (1998): N/A
The Nashville Predators have the least successful history of all NHL franchises. They’ve been in the league for 16 years, but have failed to compile a single point per this weighted system. This lack of success has resulted in the franchise almost moving to both Hamilton, ON and Kansas City, MO. The best players to come through Nashville have predominantly been defensemen. Shea Weber, Kimmo Timonen, and Ryan Suter are among the best. Weber is the Predators’ captain and most-prized possession. This lack of success doesn’t mean a lack of livelihood though. If you happen to catch a game in Nashville, you might just see a catfish flying toward the ice.
29. Columbus Blue Jackets (2000): N/A
The Blue Jackets aren’t doing much better than the Predators. They’ve been in the league for 14 years and haven’t gathered any points yet, either. Rick Nash, Jack Johnson, Marian Gaborik, Sergei Fedorov, and Sergei Bobrovsky are some of the biggest names that have come through Columbus. The current squad is without a captain at the moment. When the Blue Jackets take to the ice, score a goal, or win “The Cannon” is fired off, an homage to their patriotic name and logo. They made the playoffs for the first time a year ago and seem to be an organization on the rise. They’re led by defenseman Jack Johnson and center Brandon Dubinsky among others.
28. Arizona Coyotes (1979): 0.114 Points
This franchise has a long history in the NHL, but not one filled with success. Pound for pound the Coyotes are the least greatest franchise in NHL history. In 35 seasons the Coyotes have won their division just one time (2011-12). They’re captained by Shane Doan, who was drafted by the organization and has enjoyed a very consistent career. From 2005-2009 Wayne Gretzky was the head coach of the Coyotes, but wasn’t overly successful. He compiled a 143-161-24 record and gave up his head coaching duties when the club filed for bankruptcy. Fortunately for Coyotes fans, the team was not relocated in 2009 like some thought it was destined to be. Keith Tkachuk, Bobby Hull, and Dale Hawerchuk are among the franchise’s top players all-time.
(Formerly Winnipeg Jets 1979-1996, Phoenix Coyotes 1996-2014)
27. Winnipeg Jets (1999): 0.266 Points
The Jets’ franchise hasn’t been overly successful since joining the NHL and have only been to the playoffs once. Which occurred before the franchise moved to Winnipeg. The biggest name to play for the franchise was definitely Ilya Kovalchuk who was team captain in 2009-10. They’re currently captained by Andrew Ladd. Their roster features some talent in Evander Kane, an exciting young left winger, center Bryan Little, right winger Blake Wheeler, and defensemen Mark Stuart and Tobias Enstrom among others. The Jets are certainly hoping the best has yet to come.
(Formerly Atlanta Thrashers 1999-2011)
26. Minnesota Wild (2000): 0.285 Points
The Wild have been around for 14 years and have managed to win their division just once, but have made the playoffs a few more times. Their current roster boasts some great talent and they should be a quality team for years to come. They’re led by defenseman Ryan Suter, center Mikko Koivu, goalie Josh Harding and a quality stable of wingers. The wingers include Zach Parise, Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville, and others. The No. 1 is retired in Minnesota in honor of the fans and the star in the eye of their logo is an homage to the departed North Stars. The Twin Cities love their hockey and the entire state loves this team. Look for them to cause some havoc in the playoffs for the next few years.
25. Florida Panthers (1993): 0.571 Points
The NHL franchise that calls Miami home has seen a little success since joining in the early 1990s. They’ve won their division once as well a conference championship. In 1995-96 they made it to the Cup final, but lost. That year seeing rubber rats being thrown on the ice was commonplace in response to a rat that invaded the Panthers’ locker room. Pavel Bure and Olli Jokinen are among the best skaters to don Florida sweaters. They now boast Roberto Luongo at goalie and have a relatively young roster, but need a few years to build.
24. New York Rangers (1942): 0.805 Points
The lowest ranked franchise from the “Original Six” on this list is the New York Rangers. They have seen some success winning one Stanley Cup (in the modern era), two conference championships, four division championships, and two Presidents’ Trophies. But that success has been spread out between a 72 year history, since the “Original Six” was formed. It’s not an overwhelming amount of success considering their time in the league. Their current roster is really good as they were runner up in the Cup last year. Their goalie “King Henry” Lundqvist is an all-time great and their defensemen Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, and Ryan McDonaugh are top notch. Forwards Martin St. Louis and Rick Nash are pretty good, too. This roster goes much deeper though. Look for them to be contenders for the next few years. Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Rod Gilbert, and Jaromir Jagr are among the best players to come through the franchise.
23. St. Louis Blues (1967): 0.808 Points
The Blues have one of the most boisterous and loyal fan bases in the entire league. Yet they’ve not etched their name onto a Cup and are subsequently the lowest ranked “Second Six” team on this list. They’ve won a respectable eight division championships and one Presidents’ trophy. But St. Louis hasn’t been able to get it done in the playoffs. They’ve yet to win a Stanley Cup in their entire history (despite impressively making the playoffs every year from 1980-2004). A handful of their best all-time players are Brett Hull, Dale Hawerchuk, Al MacInnis, Joe Mullen, Adam Oates, and Brendan Shanahan to name a few. They currently have one of the best rosters in the NHL, captained by David Backes. Their stadium experience is among the best in the league and they famously feature a live organist. Look for them to climb this list over the next few years.
22. Washington Capitals (1974): 1.150 Points
The Capitals have had some successful seasons since joining the league, but overall have been lackluster as an organization. They’ve put together eight division championship seasons, but have won only one conference championship. They have won a single Presidents’ Trophy, too. Their lack of success in the playoffs, even with the league’s top scorer, has hurt their ranking significantly. Alex Ovechkin is a great offensive player, but he hasn’t gotten them over the top. They’re currently a middle of the road team in the Eastern Conference. Over the history of their franchise they’ve retired four numbers, Rod Langway, Yvon Labre, Mike Gartner, and Dale Hunter. They’ve also had Scott Stevens, Larry Murphy, and Adam Oates play for them — it’s not like this franchise has been awful. But their individual successes haven’t brought a cup to the nation’s capital yet.
21. Buffalo Sabres (1970): 1.227 Points
Buffalo has seen a significant amount of success as an organization despite never lifting the Cup. In 44 seasons the Sabres have have won three conference championships, six division championships and one Presidents’ Trophy. Their current roster has some talent in forwards Tyler Ennis, Matt Moulson, and Brian Gionta among other young players. A taste of their all-time best players includes Pat LaFontaine, Gilberg Perreault, Dave Andreychuk, Rick Martin and of course goaltender Dominik Hasek. They’re currently in rebuild mode, so they probably won’t be moving up this ranking too quickly over the coming seasons.
20. Los Angeles Kings (1967): 1.276 Points
The recent success of the Kings has vaulted them far up this list from where they were even a few years ago. In the last three years the Kings have won two Stanley Cups and two of their three all-time conference championships. In their vast history, being a “Second Six” team, they’ve won their division only once. That lack of regular season success is what keeps them further down on this ranking. They’re currently led by forwards Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and Jeff Carter and their unbelievable goalie Jonathan Quick. They have a lot more talent, too, look for this squad to continue to climb this list in the coming years. Their best all-time players include Marcel Dionne, Luc Robitaille, Date Taylor and of course ‘The Great One’ Wayne Gretzky.
19. San Jose Sharks (1991): 1.304 Points
San Jose has been a competitive team for a good portion of their existence, yet have never made it to the Stanley Cup. Since 1991 they’ve won their division an impressive six times and have taken home one Presidents’ Trophy. They should be proud that they’ve come in ahead of five different franchises that have been in the NHL for more than 20 years than them. Their current squad has a lot of talent and features goalie Antti Niemi, forwards Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski and Patrick Marleau, and defenseman Dan Boyle. Owen Nolan should be mentioned as one of the best players in team history. Look for them to be competitive for years to come.
18. Toronto Maple Leafs (1942): 1.305 Points
Maple Leafs fans will understandably not be too thrilled with their position on this list. But their lack of success in the modern era of organized NHL hockey cannot be ignored. Between 1942-1967 they won nine Stanley Cups and that’s essentially where their history ends. Since 1942 they’ve won their division only once. They’re a legendary “Original Six” franchise that left all of their success in that era — that is why they’re so low on this list. Despite their lack of recent success their fans are incredibly loyal. Their team is led by defenseman Dion Phaneauf and wingers Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel. Their best all-time players include Syl Apps, Tim Horton, Marcel Pronovost, Terry Sawchuk, Mats Sundin and countless others. Will they return to their past glory? Millions of fans sure hope they do.
17. Ottawa Senators (1992): 1.363 Points
The franchise that calls Canada’s capital city home has seen some successful years in the Eastern Conference. They’ve won their division four times and won one conference championship. Ottawa has won a Presidents’ Trophy, but surely would trade that award in for their first Stanley Cup. The franchise is led by goalie Craig Anderson and lethal offensive defenseman Erik Karlsson. But they feature a slew of other talented players as well. Expect them to be a team to reckon with over the next few seasons. Historically their best individual seasons have been put together by Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson, and Marian Hossa. They have a chance to climb this list over the next few years.
16. Tampa Bay Lighting (1992): 1.454 Points
The Lighting have packed a good deal of success into their 22 years in the league. They’ve lifted the Cup once, to go along with their one conference championship. They have won two division championships, too. The franchise is currently captained by Steven Stamkos — one of the league’s best offensive players. Young defenseman Victor Hedman is turning into one of the better defensemen in the game. Denis Savard, Dino Ciccarelli, Martin St. Louis, and Vincent Lecavalier have been this franchise’s best players in the past. This team is exciting to watch and their fans are selling out just about every home game lately. Although perhaps the “Lighting Girls”, Tampa Bay’s official dance team, has something to do with that.
15. Calgary Flames (1972): 1.666 Points
Calgary is known for having some of the best fans in the NHL and since their inception into the league they’ve seen a decent amount of success. They’ve taken home one Stanley Cup championship, three conference championships, five division championships, and two Presidents’ Trophies. Their best all-time players include Jarome Iginla, Lanny McDonald, Mike Vernon (goalie), Theoren Fleury, and Al MacInnis. Today the Flames are captained and led by Mark Giordano and new goaltender Jonas Hiller. They’re in a little bit of a down time, but look for this franchise to resurrect itself soon. They have a lot of young talent that could develop swiftly. If it does, expect to see more impressive images of the “C of Red” (fans in downtown Calgary wearing shirts with the Flames’ logo) in the near future.
(Formerly Atlanta Flames 1972-1980)
14. Vancouver Canucks (1970): 1.727 Points
The Canucks are the highest franchise on this ranking to never win a Stanley Cup. That’s not exactly the label they’d prefer, but it does speak to the fact that they’ve been a successful organization despite never winning the Cup. This franchise has had a lot of regular season success, but always seems to falter in the playoffs. They’ve won 10 division championships, three conference championships, and two Presidents’ Trophies yet have nothing to show for it. They’ve recently acquired Ryan Miller to be their goalie and feature the Sedin Brothers (Henrik the captain and Daniel) as the leaders. The top players in franchise history include Pavel Bure, Markus Naslund, Stan Smyl, and Trevor Linden.
13. Carolina Hurricanes (1979): 1.809 Points
The team that was originally known as the Whalers has seen good level of success since joining the NHL. They’ve captured one Stanley Cup, four conference championships, and seven division crowns. They’re led by Eric Staal and his brother Jordan (their younger brother Jared plays with them, too). But their talent reaches deeper than that including forward Alexander Semin, Cam Ward at goalie, and other younger talent. Historically Keith Primeau, Ron Francis, Rod Brind’Amour, and Blaine Stoughton have stared for this franchise. This franchise isn’t a powerhouse at the moment, but don’t sleep on them in the coming years.
(Formerly Hartford Whalers 1979-1997)
12. Chicago Blackhawks (1942): 1.196 Points
The Blackhawks’ lack of high-end postseason success between 1962 and 2008 dug them big enough of a hole to land just out side the top 10 of this ranking. That said, they’ve had a lot of success in their history. They’ve won an impressive 15 division championships, three modern day Stanley Cups, three conference championships, and two Presidents’ Trophies. They’re led by a plethora of talent today and are one of the best teams in the league. That talent includes forwards Jonathan Toews (captain), Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, Brad Richards, and more. Not to mention defensemen Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Corey Crawford at goalie. This team is stacked. Over the course of its history Stan Mitika, Bobby Hull, and Denis Savard have led this franchise. They’re a proud “Original Six” team that despite their inconsistencies are still ranked highly in overall greatness. Their sweaters are one of the best jerseys in all of sports, that cannot be debated.
11. Dallas Stars (1967): 2.000 Points
One of the “Second Six” teams was the California Golden Seals which eventually became the Cleveland Barons. That franchises then amazingly merged with the Minnesota North Stars — another proud “Second Six” team. The North Stars later became the Dallas Stars and Minnesota got a new franchise in called Wild in the year 2000. Dallas is the continuation of the North Stars’ and Golden Seals’ collective histories. The Stars won one Stanley Cup and four conference championships. To go along with that success they’ve won nine division championships and two Presidents’ Trophies in their 47 year existence. Dallas currently boasts a young and exciting squad led by captain forward Jamie Benn, forwards Tyler Seguin and Jason Spezza and defenseman Alex Goligoski. They may add a good deal of points to their total over the coming years with this point system. The Stars’ best players all-time are forwards Mike Modano, Neal Broten, Brett Hull, Dino Ciccarelli and many others. Look out Western Conference, this is a franchise on the rise.
(Formerly Minnesota North Stars 1967-1993)
10. Anaheim Ducks (1993): 2.095 Points
The only franchise from the West Coast to crack the top ten is Anaheim. The Ducks (formally known as the Mighty Ducks) have packed a lot of success into their history of just 21 years. They’ve been highly competitive for years and are currently one of the best teams in the Western Conference. So far they’ve won one Stanley Cup, two conference championships, and three division championships. They’ve yet to win a Presidents’ Trophy (missed by one point last year). Anaheim is led by captain Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Ryan Kesler, Dany Heatley and feature some young defensive talent. Frederik Andersen seems to be the real deal at goaltender. This team could climb this list over the next few years. In the Ducks’ past they’ve been led by all-time great Finnish player forward Teemu Selanne and defenseman Scott Niedermayer.
9. Boston Bruins (1942): 2.222 Points
Boston is one of the most proud fan bases in NHL history. They’re an “Original Six” team that has seen Stanley Cup success both in ancient and modern times. Their three modern Stanley Cups wins, four conference championships, and NHL-high 18 division championships have landed them in the top ten of this list. They’ve also won two Presidents’ Trophies. The 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 90s were not particularly successful decades for this franchise. That lack of consistency is what is keeping them from being higher. Their team leaders today includes phenomenal two-way forward Patrice Bergeron, as well as forwards David Krejci, Chris Kelly, and Milan Lucic. Of course captain defenseman Zdeno Chara cannot be forgotten, either. Some of the NHL’s all-time greats have played in Bean Town and they include defensemen Bobby Orr and Ray Bourque and forwards Phil Esposito and Jonny Bucyk — among others.
8. Pittsburgh Penguins (1967): 2.425 Points
The Penguins’ inclusion in the top 10 of this list is particularly impressive considering their lack of competitiveness for the first two decades in the NHL. They’re one of the “Second Six” franchises and over the last 25 they’ve featured some of the game’s top players. Their three Stanley Cups, four conference championships, eight division championships, and one Presidents’ Trophy have landed them ahead of some of the NHL’s most iconic franchises. Perennial all-stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang currently lead this team. They are a threat to add more points to the Pens’ total over the next handful of seasons — despite recent struggles in the playoffs. Some of the game’s best players have come through town including Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Paul Coffey, and Joe Mullen. But their radio personality Mike Lange might be the most iconic part of the best offensive franchise in NHL history. A Penguin has won the Art Ross Trophy 15 times in the last 26 seasons (Canadiens are second all-time with nine).
7. Colorado Avalanche (1979): 2.914 Points
The franchise in Colorado began in Quebec and it has seen relative success in both locations. The Avalanche has won two Cups, two conference championships, 11 division championships (4 in Quebec), and two Presidents’ Trophies. They’re the second highest ranked franchise on this list to switch cities. Colorado was quite a force in the 1990s and formed quite an amazing rivalry with the Detroit Red Wings during the era. Duding those days they were led by Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, and goaltender Patrick Roy. Today they’re a young and upcoming squad coached by Roy that could move up a few spots on this list as the near future unfolds. Young Swedish forward Gabriel Landeskog is their captain and leader and he is one of the most exciting young players in the game. But this team’s young talent goes deep with Matt Duchene, Ryan O’Reilly, and Nathan MacKinnon just to name a few. The future is bright in Colorado.
(Formerly Quebec Nordiques 1979-1995)
6. New York Islanders (1972): 3.047 Points
Despite recent struggles the Islanders come in impressively high on this list at No. 6. They can thank their placement to an amazing dynasty in which they won four Stanley Cups from 1979-1983. They’ve also won six conference championships and six division championships in only 42 years, but have failed to take home a Presidents’ Trophy. Their current squad is led by their captain center John Tavares (who is a rare talent) and forwards Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen. As well as defensemen Travis Hamonic among others. They’re a franchise that is going to have a better future five years than their past five. The greatest Islanders of all-time are forwards Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, defenseman Dennis Potvin, and goalie Billy Smith along with a few others from their dynasty era. If New York doesn’t start winning again they continue to slide further down this list.
5. New Jersey Devils (1974): 3.050 Points
The highest franchise on this ranking to switch cities is the Devils. In just 40 years the Devils have amassed more history, in terms of consistent success, than most NHL franchises. They’ve won three Stanley Cups, five conference championships, and nine division championships. Thanks mostly to all-time great former goaltender Martin Brodeur. The Devils have not won a Presidents’ Trophy yet, but I don’t think their fans mind. Today they’re led by defenseman captain Bryce Salvador and forwards Travis Zajac, Patrik Elias, Jaromir Jagr, and Adam Henrique (pretty much the only promising young player on this roster). The Devils are poised for a few rough seasons as their time dominating the league had to come to an end eventually. Their all-time greatest players have been John MacLean, Kirk Muller, Scott Niedermayer, Zach Parise as well as Brodeur and Elias. Don’t look for this quality organization to stay down for long though.
(Formerly Kansas City Scout 1974-76, Colorado Rockies 1976-82)
4. Philadelphia Flyers (1967): 3.234 Points
The highest ranked team from the “Second Six” is the team from Philly that was once known as the Broadstreet Bullies. The Flyers may come in a bit higher than many would have guessed, but one look at their history confirms their rightful inclusion in the top 5 of this ranking. Philadelphia has won two Stanley Cups, and an impressive eight conference championships and 16 division titles. That’s a lot of success for the team with one of the prettiest (or ugliest depending on who you ask) sweaters in the league. Today they’re led by forwards captain Claude Giroux, Wayne Simmonds, Jakub Voracek, Sean Couturier, Vincent Lecavalier and defenseman Mark Streit. Their best players in the history of the team are forwards Bobby Clark and Bill Barber. Along with defensemen Mark Howe and Barry Ashbee and goaltender Bernie Parent. Cannot forget to mention Eric Lindros, either, a superstar with a career cut short by injury. They are one of three NHL organizations that do not have a mascot (Oilers, Rangers).
3. Detroit Red Wings (1942): 3.583 Points
Perhaps the franchise with the most passionate fan base in the entire NHL came in at number three on this list. Many Wings fans will be upset they aren’t higher, to which they can blame on their “Era of Dead Things” (1967-1982). Even so, Detroit is arguably the greatest hockey city in the league…I mean it is called “Hockeytown” after all. This franchise absolutely drips with history and this placement on this ranking should be a source of pride. They’ve won nine Stanley Cups since the formation of the “Original Six” to go along with six conference championships and 16 division titles. They’ve won the most Presidents’ Trophies in NHL history (six). Today they’re led by forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg and defenseman Niklas Kronwall. Detroit boasts some of the best players in NHL history including forwards Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, Steve Yzerman, Sid Abel and many more. Not to be forgotten are all-time greats defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom and goaltender Terry Sawchuk. Flying octopuses are one of the greatest sights in all of the NHL and so are Detroit’s classic sweaters. The Red Wings’ franchise has it all, including an amazing 23 year playoff streak.
2. Edmonton Oilers (1979): 4.857 Points
The most surprising franchise on this entire ranking is the Oilers coming in an incredibly impressive ranking — as the No. 2 greatest franchise in NHL History. Edmonton accomplished this by winning an incredible amount, while only being around for 35 seasons. They’ve lifted five Stanley Cups, won seven conference championships, and won their division eight times. The Oilers have also won two Presidents‘ Trophies. The greatest player in league history is a major part of the Oilers’ impressive ranking — Wayne Gretzky. But he wasn’t alone, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey, and Glen Anderson all helped this franchise reach amazing heights in the 1980s (the decade that they won their five Cups in). Today they’re led by forwards captain Andrew Ference, Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, a relatively young core. Fun fact, they were the first NHL team to introduce cheerleaders, known as the “Oilers Octane”. But if the Oilers don’t start accumulating some big-time success again the Red Wings may eventually pass them (in terms of greatness per year).
1. Montreal Canadiens (1942): 4.944 Points
The greatest franchise in NHL history is none other than the Montreal Canadiens. Appropriate it is the Canadiens at No. 1 as hockey is Canada’s game. Most people agreed that Montreal was the most dominant team in the first two-thirds of the NHL’s existence. But this ranking proves that they are the No. 1 team of all-time, in terms of consistent greatness, including modern times. ‘But they haven’t won a Cup since 1993’ some people will argue. This is true, but it speaks to complete level of dominance that the Canadiens had over the NHL in the years before the mid-1990s.
They’ve won 20 Stanley Cups since 1942 (excluding their four Cup wins from before the “Original Six” was created). Their 17 division championships are second most all-time, their eight conference championships tied for the most, but they’ve never won a Presidents’ Trophy. Today they’re led by Max Pacioretty, P.K. Subban, Tomas Plekanec, Andrei Markov, and Carey Price (goaltender). They’re a franchise set to be a contender for years and could add to their NHL-leading adjusted point total in the next few seasons. There are far too many great players to name in their extensive history, so here are just a few Guy Lafleur, Patrick Roy, Jean Beliveau, Maurice “Rocket” Richard but the list truly does go on and on. The greatest head coach in NHL history Scotty Bowman needs to mentioned as well. He won five Stanley Cups for the Habs (plus three with the Red Wings and one with the Penguins). The Habs’ sweaters are as iconic as they come and so is their “C” logo. Take pride in this number one ranking Canadiens fans, as you’re supporters of the greatest franchise in NHL history — but look out, this position isn’t set in stone.
As the NHL continues on into the future this list will continue to evolve and change. That is what makes it so current and tangible. The current top 10 won’t be the top 10 in 25 years, maybe a new team will steal the No. 1 ranking from the Canadiens. But for now the question of ‘Which franchise is the greatest in NHL history?’ has been statistically answered…but you’re still going to argue about it aren’t you? I wouldn’t expect anything less.
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