The National Hockey League (NHL) has come a long way since its creation in 1917. Born out of the ashes of the National Hockey Association (NHA), the league was founded by a group of team owners determined to reshape professional hockey. On November 26, 1917, at the Windsor Hotel in Montreal, the NHL officially took its first steps.
What started as a modest four-team Canadian league quickly evolved into the hockey powerhouse we know today, featuring 32 teams across North America.
Key Milestones in NHL History:
1917: NHL was founded in Montreal, replacing the National Hockey Association (NHA).
1924: Expansion to the U.S. with the Boston Bruins.
1942–1967: The “Original Six” era sees stability and growth.
1967: First major expansion doubles the league to 12 teams.
1979: Merger with the WHA introduces four new teams.
1988: Wayne Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, boosting hockey’s U.S. popularity.
2021: Seattle Kraken joins as the NHL’s 32nd team.
2024: Arizona Coyotes’ assets relocated to Salt Lake City, maintaining 32 teams.
The Early Days:
In its early days, the NHL was a Canadian affair, with teams like the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Arenas vying for supremacy. However, the league’s ambitions soon expanded beyond Canada’s borders. The Boston Bruins joined in 1924 as the first American team, marking the start of the league’s international presence.
Despite challenges like financial instability and team relocations, the NHL persevered, supported by the growing popularity of hockey!
Original Six:
From 1942 to 1967, the NHL entered its iconic “Original Six” era. The league was home to six teams: the Boston Bruins, Chicago Black Hawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. This period was marked by stability and fierce rivalries, laying the groundwork for the league’s enduring legacy.
First Major Expansion:
In 1967, the NHL doubled in size, adding six new teams, including the Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers. This bold move catered to growing fan interest in the United States and signaled the league’s intent to grow into new markets. The addition of the Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres in 1970 ensured Canadian representation in this new phase of growth.
The WHA Merger and the Gretzky Era:
The late 1970s saw the NHL merge with the World Hockey Association (WHA), bringing four new teams into the fold: the Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Hartford Whalers, and Quebec Nordiques.
This period also introduced fans to Wayne Gretzky, whose trade to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988 propelled the league’s popularity in the U.S. and beyond.
Modern-Days:
The NHL continued to expand into the 1990s and 2000s, with new franchises like the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning joining the roster. The Seattle Kraken became the 32nd team in 2021, further solidifying the league’s reach. In 2024, the Arizona Coyotes’ assets were relocated to Salt Lake City, maintaining the NHL’s presence at 32 teams.