{"id":51,"date":"2024-01-31T17:56:52","date_gmt":"2024-01-31T17:56:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/hr-blog\/?p=51"},"modified":"2025-11-05T17:59:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T17:59:59","slug":"the-complete-nhl-expansion-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/hr-blog\/2024\/01\/the-complete-nhl-expansion-history\/","title":{"rendered":"The Complete NHL Expansion History"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on November 5, 2025)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The National Hockey League is the premier collection of professional hockey talent globally. Here the most significant players competing at the pinnacle of the sports hierarchy are collected and competing for the prize of lasting glory and hoisting Lord Stanley\u2019s Cup. The NHL has not always been the broad multi-city venture we recognize it as today, comprised of 32 teams. It grew in spurts of NHL expansion, acquisition, and merger to rise from something much smaller. Tighten your skates and sharpen your blade edge because we are about to slide through the story of NHL expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Original Six Hockey Teams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The venture of the National Hockey League had some very humble beginnings. Established as a 10-team conglomerate in the Roaring 1920s, the downsizing of its size was initiated by financial woes caused by the attrition of the Great Depression. After the smoke cleared, only six franchises survived, and this core group is still known as the \u201cOriginal Six.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Names:<\/strong> Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto St. Patricks, Toronto Arenas<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 108 (1917-18 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 74<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t13 \n\t(13 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 279-308<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t3209-2928-783-207 \n\t(7408 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Mats Sundin<\/a>, 420<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Mats Sundin<\/a>, 987<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tAuston Matthews<\/a> (2023-24), 69\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tDoug Gilmour<\/a> (1992-93), 127\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In 1917, Toronto hockey fever raged. The city pulsed with the desire for its own NHL team. Enter Senator Frank Patrick, a visionary leader with ambition and a $15,000 budget. He lured stars like Jack Adams<\/a> and Cyclone Taylor<\/a>, forming the “Toronto Arenas” \u2013 a name reflecting the city’s beloved skating rinks. Their debut season was electric, igniting passion across the city. But in 1919, a merger saw them reborn as the “Toronto St. Patricks,” reflecting the city’s large Irish community. Success followed, with a Stanley Cup victory in 1922<\/a>. Yet, a desire for a truly unique Canadian identity persisted. After Conn Smythe purchased the team in 1927, the “Toronto Maple Leafs” were branded, linking the team to Canada’s national symbol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Montreal Canadiens<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 108 (1917-18 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 86<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t25 \n\t(23 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 441-325<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t3605-2466-837-220 \n\t(8267 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Maurice Richard<\/a>, 544<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Guy Lafleur<\/a>, 1246<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tSteve Shutt<\/a> (1976-77), \n\t\tGuy Lafleur<\/a> (1977-78), 60\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tGuy Lafleur<\/a> (1976-77), 136\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Habs, organized in 1909, are the oldest continuously operating pro ice hockey team in the world and the only existing NHL club that formed before the league. J. Ambrose O’Brien founded the Montreal squad as a charter member of the forerunner of the NHL, the National Hockey Association. The team survived the financial woes of the Great Depression and outlasted a rival Montreal team, the cross-town Maroons<\/a>, to thrive. The Canadiens have won the Stanley Cup more than any other franchise, having 23 championship banners for the oldest NHL team.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Boston Bruins<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Boston Bruins<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 101 (1924-25 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 77<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t6 \n\t(6 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 344-352<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t3445-2507-791-226 \n\t(7907 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Johnny Bucyk<\/a>, 545<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Ray Bourque<\/a>, 1506<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tPhil Esposito<\/a> (1970-71), 76\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tPhil Esposito<\/a> (1970-71), 152\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Boston Bruins were born from circumstance and ambition in 1924. Hockey, surging in popularity across the Northeast, found traction in Boston thanks to Charles Adams, a young entrepreneur fueled by the success of the city’s Celtics. He gathered investors and convinced the NHL of Boston’s hunger for the sport. Boston was the first team of expansion and the first franchise housed on US soil. The name “Bruins” emerged from an early hire of the team, former player Art Ross<\/a>, who felt the franchise could encompass the ferocity of the “brown bear.” He was right as the Bruins have captured six Stanley Cup titles since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Chicago Blackhawks<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Names:<\/strong> Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Black Hawks<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 99 (1926-27 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 63<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t6 \n\t(6 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 268-275<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t2919-2956-814-212 \n\t(6864 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Bobby Hull<\/a>, 604<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Stan Mikita<\/a>, 1467<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tBobby Hull<\/a> (1968-69), 58\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tDenis Savard<\/a> (1987-88), 131\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Since 1986, we have known them by the consolidated moniker of \u201cBlackhawks,\u201d but this frozen pond franchise of the \u201cWindy City\u201d has also won six NHL championships since their inception in 1926.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The expansion franchise was granted to a group spearheaded by former football star Huntington Hardwick of Boston. Hardwick, in turn, purchased the rights of the players of the Portland Rosebuds of the Western Hockey League. Weeks after this, the quite involved Frederic McLaughlin bought the team and sold decades later to the Norris and then the Wirtz families. No matter who held the owner’s tag over the years, the Chicago squad has been a staple in the NHL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Detroit Red Wings<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Names:<\/strong> Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Falcons, Detroit Cougars<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 99 (1926-27 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 64<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t11 \n\t(11 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 325-296<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t3145-2723-815-220 \n\t(7325 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Gordie Howe<\/a>, 786<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Gordie Howe<\/a>, 1809<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tSteve Yzerman<\/a> (1988-89), 65\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tSteve Yzerman<\/a> (1988-89), 155\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Motor City franchise also came to be in 1926 and took advantage of the failing Western League. The Townsend-Seyburn syndicate of Detroit, headed by Charles A. Hughes, purchased the WHL’s roster of the 1925 Stanley Cup champion Victoria Cougars right after being granted an NHL franchise. They kept the Cougars nickname until they adopted the “Falcons” moniker in 1930, which gave way to the Red Wings rebranding in 1932 when new owner, James E. Norris, went to his roots of a former team association in Montreal that used a\u00a0winged-wheel emblem based on that organization’s cycling roots\u2014the new nickname stuck with the Detroit auto industry connection. The most successful US team is this franchise with 11 Stanley Cup Titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n New York Rangers<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> New York Rangers<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 99 (1926-27 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 63<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t4 \n\t(4 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 267-286<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t3082-2827-808-185 \n\t(7157 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Rod Gilbert<\/a>, 406<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Rod Gilbert<\/a>, 1021<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tJarom\u00edr J\u00e1gr<\/a> (2005-06), 54\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tJarom\u00edr J\u00e1gr<\/a> (2005-06), 123\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Another American product of the 1926 expansion is the NY Rangers, founded by Tex Rickard, the then President of the Madison Square Gardens in the Big Apple. They competed with the rival franchise, the New York Americans<\/a>, for years and eventually found their way to win four NHL Titles. They were, however, the first US-based team to win the Stanley Cup in 1928<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Era of Expansion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The original six were in the NHL for almost four decades until the mid-1960s when the NHL brass felt it was time to grow and cultivate the league by adding franchises. The growth into the US market doubled in size to 12 teams for the 1967\u201368 season by adding these favorite NHL expansion teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Los Angeles Kings<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Los Angeles Kings<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 58 (1967-68 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 34<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t2 \n\t(2 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 119-160<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1943-1936-424-211 \n\t(4521 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Luc Robitaille<\/a>, 557<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Marcel Dionne<\/a>, 1307<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tBernie Nicholls<\/a> (1988-89), 70\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tWayne Gretzky<\/a> (1988-89), 168\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The West Coast shores of Southern California seemed an unlikely place to drop a hockey team, but this was a target market for the NHL. The rumors of the Western Hockey League as a competition to the NHL fueled the move to establish an NHL base in SoCal. The Kings have won the Stanley Cup twice since their inception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Dallas Stars<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Names:<\/strong> Dallas Stars, Minnesota North Stars<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 58 (1967-68 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 37<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t1 \n\t(1 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 217-212<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t2044-1809-459-200 \n\t(4747 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Mike Modano<\/a>, 557<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Mike Modano<\/a>, 1359<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tDino Ciccarelli<\/a> (1981-82), \n\t\tBrian Bellows<\/a> (1989-90), 55\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tBobby Smith<\/a> (1981-82), 114\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

We know the Minnesota North Stars as the Dallas Stars since the 1993 relocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Philadelphia Flyers<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Philadelphia Flyers<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 58 (1967-68 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 40<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t2 \n\t(2 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 231-218<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t2213-1613-457-229 \n\t(5112 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Bill Barber<\/a>, 420<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Bobby Clarke<\/a>, 1210<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tReggie Leach<\/a> (1975-76), 61\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tMark Recchi<\/a> (1992-93), 123\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Flyers came into the NHL by taking their 20 allotted restricted selections of the 1967 Entry Draft and purchasing the minor-league Quebec Aces, giving the early Philly squads a distinctly French-Canadian style of play. The Flyers have won two Stanley Cups since their inception in their journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Pittsburgh Penguins<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 58 (1967-68 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 37<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t5 \n\t(5 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 212-186<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t2069-1862-383-199 \n\t(4720 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Mario Lemieux<\/a>, 690<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Mario Lemieux<\/a>, 1723<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tMario Lemieux<\/a> (1988-89), 85\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tMario Lemieux<\/a> (1988-89), 199\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pittsburgh’s Penguins weren’t hatched in an icy nest but born from a fan contest. The 1967 expansion team craved a name reflecting its home city’s frozen legacy. Thousands of ideas later, “Penguins” soared to the top, inspired by the Civic Arena’s igloo-like dome and the city’s love for the playful birds. The town was granted a franchise from its success in the NHL, the Pittsburgh Hornets, and a consolidated effort from a local Congressman, Art Rooney of the Steelers, and the prestigious families of the Mellons and Heinz. The Pens have won five Stanley Cups since 1991.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Cleveland Barons<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Names:<\/strong> Cleveland Barons, California Golden Seals, Oakland Seals<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 11 (1967-68 to 1977-78)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 2<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t0 \n\t(0 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 3-8<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t229-488-141-0 \n\t(599 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Dennis Maruk<\/a>, 94<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Al MacAdam<\/a>, 217<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tDennis Maruk<\/a> (1977-78), 36\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tDennis Maruk<\/a> (1976-77), 78\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The California Golden Seals were a former Western Hockey League club based in San Francisco that jumped ship to the NHL in 1967. In the mid-1970s, they moved to Ohio to become the Cleveland Barons and then folded after two years of operations there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n St. Louis Blues<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> St. Louis Blues<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 58 (1967-68 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 46<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t1 \n\t(1 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 191-232<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t2106-1775-432-201 \n\t(4845 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Brett Hull<\/a>, 527<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Bernie Federko<\/a>, 1073<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tBrett Hull<\/a> (1990-91), 86\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tBrett Hull<\/a> (1990-91), 131\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

St. Louis embraced the musical moniker, christening their new hockey franchise the “St. Louis Blues,” forever intertwining the team’s identity with the genre that defines their city inspired by a blues song penned by W.C. Handy in 1914. The Blues drank from the Stanley Cup once in 2019<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Need for North of the Border Teams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This initial American expansion caused a bit of an uproar with the fans of Canada who now had only two cities represented in the 12-team organization. A second expansion era from 1970 through 1974 helped ease these tensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1970 Teams Added<\/strong>…<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"Vancouver\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n Vancouver Canucks<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Vancouver Canucks<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 55 (1970-71 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 29<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t0 \n\t(0 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 118-141<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1822-1873-391-201 \n\t(4236 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Daniel Sedin<\/a>, 393<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Henrik Sedin<\/a>, 1070<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tPavel Bure<\/a> (1992-93), \n\t\tPavel Bure<\/a> (1993-94), 60\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tHenrik Sedin<\/a> (2009-10), 112\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\n\t
\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"Buffalo\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n Buffalo Sabres<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Buffalo Sabres<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 55 (1970-71 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 29<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t0 \n\t(0 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 124-132<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1959-1716-409-202 \n\t(4529 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Gilbert Perreault<\/a>, 512<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Gilbert Perreault<\/a>, 1326<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tAlexander Mogilny<\/a> (1992-93), 76\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tPat LaFontaine<\/a> (1992-93), 148\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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1972 Teams Added<\/strong>…<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"Calgary\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n Calgary Flames<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Names:<\/strong> Calgary Flames, Atlanta Flames<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 53 (1972-73 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 31<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t1 \n\t(1 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 110-140<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1935-1619-379-199 \n\t(4448 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Jarome Iginla<\/a>, 525<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Jarome Iginla<\/a>, 1095<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tLanny McDonald<\/a> (1982-83), 66\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tKent Nilsson<\/a> (1980-81), 131\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Originally known as the Atlanta Flames, the franchise eventually moved to Calgary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"New\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n New York Islanders<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> New York Islanders<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 53 (1972-73 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 29<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t4 \n\t(4 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 175-149<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1847-1720-347-215 \n\t(4256 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Mike Bossy<\/a>, 573<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Bryan Trottier<\/a>, 1353<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tMike Bossy<\/a> (1978-79), 69\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tMike Bossy<\/a> (1981-82), 147\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u00a01974 Teams Added…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"New\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n New Jersey Devils<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Names:<\/strong> New Jersey Devils, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Scouts<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 51 (1974-75 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 25<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t3 \n\t(3 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 143-133<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1702-1746-328-198 \n\t(3930 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Patrik Eli\u00e1\u0161<\/a>, 408<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Patrik Eli\u00e1\u0161<\/a>, 1025<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tBrian Gionta<\/a> (2005-06), 48\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tJack Hughes<\/a> (2022-23), 99\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Originally known as the Kansas City Scouts, the team became the Colorado Rockies in 1976, and then in 1982 a move East rebranded the franchise as the Devils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\"Washington\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n Washington Capitals<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Washington Capitals<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 51 (1974-75 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 34<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t1 \n\t(1 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 145-170<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1876-1588-303-206 \n\t(4261 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Alex Ovechkin<\/a>, 899<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Alex Ovechkin<\/a>, 1630<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tAlex Ovechkin<\/a> (2007-08), 65\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tDennis Maruk<\/a> (1981-82), 136\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

World Hockey Association Merger<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most of the 1970s were a battle of North American professional ice hockey supremacy as the NHL and the newcomer WHA battled for players’ rights in salary negotiations and courtrooms. Finally, in 1979, the bickering was over when the two rival leagues came to terms, and the World Hockey Association merged with the National Hockey League. Here are the new NHL franchises awarded from this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"Arizona\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n Arizona Coyotes<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Names:<\/strong> Arizona Coyotes, Phoenix Coyotes, Winnipeg Jets<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 44 (1979-80 to 2023-24)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 20<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t0 \n\t(0 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 45-83<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1424-1599-266-191 \n\t(3305 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Shane Doan<\/a>, 402<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Shane Doan<\/a>, 972<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tTeemu Sel\u00e4nne<\/a> (1992-93), 76\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tTeemu Sel\u00e4nne<\/a> (1992-93), 132\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Originally, the Coyotes were the Winnipeg Jets until 1997, when they moved to the West to become the Phoenix and later Arizona Coyotes. Because of ownership troubles, the franchise folded after the 2023-24 season, so the NHL took over the team and sold its rights to a Utah ownership group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\"Edmonton\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n Edmonton Oilers<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 46 (1979-80 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 27<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t5 \n\t(5 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 203-144<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1671-1448-262-197 \n\t(3801 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Wayne Gretzky<\/a>, 583<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Wayne Gretzky<\/a>, 1669<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tWayne Gretzky<\/a> (1981-82), 92\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tWayne Gretzky<\/a> (1985-86), 215\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\"Carolina\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n Carolina Hurricanes<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Names:<\/strong> Carolina Hurricanes, Hartford Whalers<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 46 (1979-80 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 20<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t1 \n\t(1 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 106-110<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1574-1532-263-203 \n\t(3614 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Ron Francis<\/a>, 382<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Ron Francis<\/a>, 1175<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tBlaine Stoughton<\/a> (1979-80), 56\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tMike Rogers<\/a> (1979-80), 105\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Originally known as the Hartford Whalers for a while after the merger, the team changed cities and mascots in 1997.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\"Colorado\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n Colorado Avalanche<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Names:<\/strong> Colorado Avalanche, Quebec Nordiques<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 46 (1979-80 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 30<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t3 \n\t(3 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 187-157<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1718-1425-261-172 \n\t(3869 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Joe Sakic<\/a>, 625<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Joe Sakic<\/a>, 1641<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tMichel Goulet<\/a> (1982-83), 57\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tNathan MacKinnon<\/a> (2023-24), 140\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Quebec Nordiques lasted in the NHL for a decade and a half, then moved to Denver to change into the Avalanche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Additions of the New Millenium<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After the ushering in of the 21st century, the league decided to expand again in some new thriving markets, thirsting for NHL action as more joined the fray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"San\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n San Jose Sharks<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> San Jose Sharks<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 34 (1991-92 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 21<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t0 \n\t(0 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 119-122<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1167-1111-121-216 \n\t(2671 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Patrick Marleau<\/a>, 522<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Patrick Marleau<\/a>, 1111<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tJonathan Cheechoo<\/a> (2005-06), 56\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tJoe Thornton<\/a> (2006-07), 114\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"Tampa\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Tampa Bay Lightning<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 33 (1992-93 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 17<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t3 \n\t(3 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 125-99<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1180-1061-112-182 \n\t(2654 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Steven Stamkos<\/a>, 555<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Steven Stamkos<\/a>, 1137<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tSteven Stamkos<\/a> (2011-12), 60\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tNikita Kucherov<\/a> (2023-24), 144\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\"Ottawa\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n Ottawa Senators<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Ottawa Senators<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 33 (1992-93 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 17<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t0 \n\t(0 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 74-83<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1131-1093-115-197 \n\t(2574 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Daniel Alfredsson<\/a>, 426<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Daniel Alfredsson<\/a>, 1108<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tDany Heatley<\/a> (2005-06), \n\t\tDany Heatley<\/a> (2006-07), 50\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tDany Heatley<\/a> (2006-07), 105\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\"Anaheim\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n Anaheim Ducks<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Names:<\/strong> Anaheim Ducks, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 32 (1993-94 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 14<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t1 \n\t(1 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 89-73<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1114-1008-107-222 \n\t(2557 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Teemu Sel\u00e4nne<\/a>, 457<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Ryan Getzlaf<\/a>, 1019<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tTeemu Sel\u00e4nne<\/a> (1997-98), 52\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tTeemu Sel\u00e4nne<\/a> (1996-97), 109\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

This franchise started as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and, in 2006, emerged as the Anaheim Ducks after the House of Mouse sold the franchise, ending one of Disney’s longest-running and expensive movie promotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t
\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"Florida\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

About logos<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t \n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\n \n Florida Panthers<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Florida Panthers<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 32 (1993-94 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 11<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t2 \n\t(2 Stanley Cups)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 70-62<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1094-981-142-233 \n\t(2563 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Aleksander Barkov<\/a>, 286<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Aleksander Barkov<\/a>, 782<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tPavel Bure<\/a> (2000-01), 59\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tJonathan Huberdeau<\/a> (2021-22), 115\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t
\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"Nashville\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

About logos<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t \n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\n \n Nashville Predators<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Nashville Predators<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 27 (1998-99 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 16<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t0 \n\t(0 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 56-75<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t1021-798-60-195 \n\t(2297 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Filip Forsberg<\/a>, 324<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Roman Josi<\/a>, 729<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tFilip Forsberg<\/a> (2023-24), 48\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tRoman Josi<\/a> (2021-22), 96\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t
\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"Winnipeg\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

About logos<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t \n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\n \n Winnipeg Jets<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Names:<\/strong> Winnipeg Jets, Atlanta Thrashers<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 26 (1999-00 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 9<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t0 \n\t(0 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 24-42<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t926-844-45-177 \n\t(2074 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Mark Scheifele<\/a>, 345<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Mark Scheifele<\/a>, 824<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tIlya Kovalchuk<\/a> (2005-06), \n\t\tIlya Kovalchuk<\/a> (2007-08), 52\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tMari\u00e1n Hossa<\/a> (2006-07), 100\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Atlanta Thrashers expansion team survived for a few years in Hot-lanta but, in 2011, moved North to become the new Winnipeg Jets (not to be confused with the WHA merged team formerly known as the Winnipeg Jets and later the Arizona Coyotes). Confused yet?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"Minnesota\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n

\n \n Minnesota Wild<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Minnesota Wild<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 25 (2000-01 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 14<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t0 \n\t(0 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 36-66<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t947-716-55-191 \n\t(2140 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Mari\u00e1n G\u00e1bor\u00edk<\/a>, 219<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Mikko Koivu<\/a>, 709<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tKirill Kaprizov<\/a> (2021-22), 47\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tKirill Kaprizov<\/a> (2021-22), 108\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t
\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"Columbus\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

About logos<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t \n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\n \n Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Columbus Blue Jackets<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 25 (2000-01 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 6<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t0 \n\t(0 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 15-26<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t814-865-33-196 \n\t(1857 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Rick Nash<\/a>, 289<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Rick Nash<\/a>, 547<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tRick Nash<\/a> (2003-04), \n\t\tCam Atkinson<\/a> (2018-19), 41\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tArtemi Panarin<\/a> (2018-19), 87\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t
\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"Vegas\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

About logos<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t \n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\n \n Vegas Golden Knights<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Vegas Golden Knights<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 9 (2017-18 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 7<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t1 \n\t(1 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 62-44<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t369-200-0-62 \n\t(800 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Jonathan Marchessault<\/a>, 192<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Jonathan Marchessault<\/a>, 417<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tWilliam Karlsson<\/a> (2017-18), 43\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tJack Eichel<\/a> (2024-25), 94\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t
\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"Seattle\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

About logos<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t \n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\n \n Seattle Kraken<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Name:<\/strong> Seattle Kraken<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 5 (2021-22 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 1<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t0 \n\t(0 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> 7-7<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t148-155-0-37 \n\t(333 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Jared McCann<\/a>, 121<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Jared McCann<\/a>, 247<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tJared McCann<\/a> (2022-23), 40\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tJared McCann<\/a> (2022-23), 70\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t
\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"Utah\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

About logos<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t \n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\n \n Utah Mammoth<\/a><\/span>\n <\/span>\n \n <\/h2>\n

Team Names:<\/strong> Utah Mammoth, Utah Hockey Club<\/p>\n\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 2 (2024-25 to 2025-26)<\/p>\n\n

NHL Playoff Appearances:<\/strong> 0<\/p>\n\n

\n\tNHL Championships:<\/strong> \n\t0 \n\t(0 Stanley Cup)\n<\/p>\n

Playoff Record:<\/strong> –<\/p>\n\n

\n\tRecord (W-L-T-OTL):<\/strong> \n\t47-35-0-13 \n\t(107 points)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-time Goals Leader<\/strong>: Clayton Keller<\/a>, 35<\/p>\n

All-time Points Leader<\/strong>: Clayton Keller<\/a>, 104<\/p>\n\n\n

Most Goals, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tClayton Keller<\/a> (2024-25), 30\n\n<\/p>\n\n

Most Points, Season<\/strong>: \n\n\t\n\t\tClayton Keller<\/a> (2024-25), 90\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n \n\t\t\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

When the Arizona Coyotes folded after the 2023-24 season, much of the team’s players and personnel relocated to Utah with the new ownership group. They have been rebranded as the Utah Mammoth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you have seen, the NHL is vibrant and dynamic as the league adds teams, allows movement and rebrandings, and even causes departures for those with financial difficulty. The expansion efforts have created a thriving conglomerate of teams and raised the competitive nature of the sport while allowing more fans around North America to enjoy watching live games. Who knows where they go from here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does the NHL have more expansion teams coming in the near future?<\/strong><\/strong>

The NHL currently has not announced any further plans of expansion as of November 2025.<\/p> <\/div>

What are the two newest NHL teams?<\/strong><\/strong>

The Vegas Golden Knights (2017) and the Seattle Kraken (2021) are the newest expansion teams to join the NHL. However, the Utah Mammoth technically entered the NHL as an expansion team in 2024, but they are really a relocated and rebranded version of the defunct Arizona Coyotes.<\/p> <\/div>

What is the largest city without an NHL team?<\/strong><\/strong>

Phoenix, Houston and Atlanta are probably the largest North American cities without an NHL franchise. San Francisco and Cleveland would also be possible options.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(last updated on November 5, 2025) Introduction The National Hockey League is the premier collection of professional hockey talent globally. Here the most significant players competing at the pinnacle of the sports hierarchy are collected and competing for the prize of lasting glory and hoisting Lord Stanley\u2019s Cup. The NHL has not always been the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[12,5],"class_list":["post-51","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nhl-history","tag-best-nhl-teams","tag-nhl-history"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Complete NHL Expansion History - Hockey Reference<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about the history of NHL's expansion, find out the which are the oldest teams in NHL and more on pro-football-reference.com.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/hr-blog\/2024\/01\/the-complete-nhl-expansion-history\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Complete NHL Expansion History - 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