Best NHL Franchises of All Time — Yourlist

Best NHL Franchises of All Time

a Yourlist ranking · the crowd decides the order

From Original Six royalty to modern dynasties, vote on which NHL franchise has the best combination of championships, history, and lore.

What counts: Best is judged by Stanley Cup success, sustained competitiveness, and historical legacy. Cup counts and years are approximate as of the 2023-24 season and don't include pre-NHL league titles.

Montreal Canadiens
The winningest franchise in NHL history with a storied dynasty era.
Stanley Cups Won: 24Franchise Founded: 1909Conference/Finals Appearances: 34
added by IJRin 3 rankings Montreal Canadiens
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Toronto Maple Leafs
One of the Original Six with a massive global fanbase despite a long Cup drought.
Stanley Cups Won: 13Franchise Founded: 1917Conference/Finals Appearances: 21
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Detroit Red Wings
Hockeytown's Original Six powerhouse with multiple dynasty eras.
Stanley Cups Won: 11Franchise Founded: 1926Conference/Finals Appearances: 24
added by IJRin 3 rankings Detroit Red Wings
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Boston Bruins
An Original Six franchise known for physical, consistent excellence.
Stanley Cups Won: 6Franchise Founded: 1924Conference/Finals Appearances: 21
added by IJRin 2 rankings Boston Bruins
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Chicago Blackhawks
A modern dynasty in the 2010s built atop deep Original Six roots.
Stanley Cups Won: 6Franchise Founded: 1926Conference/Finals Appearances: 13
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New York Rangers
Broadway's Original Six team with a passionate, historic following.
Stanley Cups Won: 4Franchise Founded: 1926Conference/Finals Appearances: 11
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Edmonton Oilers
Home of the Gretzky-era dynasty that redefined offensive hockey.
Stanley Cups Won: 5Franchise Founded: 1972Conference/Finals Appearances: 8
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Pittsburgh Penguins
Three-time champions across two distinct superstar eras (Lemieux, Crosby).
Stanley Cups Won: 5Franchise Founded: 1967Conference/Finals Appearances: 9
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New York Islanders
Four straight Cups in the early '80s made them a dynasty for the ages.
Stanley Cups Won: 4Franchise Founded: 1972Conference/Finals Appearances: 6
added by IJRin 2 rankings New York Islanders
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Philadelphia Flyers
The Broad Street Bullies brought back-to-back Cups and a fierce identity.
Stanley Cups Won: 2Franchise Founded: 1967Conference/Finals Appearances: 8
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Colorado Avalanche
Relocated from Quebec and quickly built a modern winning tradition.
Stanley Cups Won: 3Franchise Founded: 1979Conference/Finals Appearances: 6
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Tampa Bay Lightning
Back-to-back champions in the 2020s cementing a new-era dynasty.
Stanley Cups Won: 3Franchise Founded: 1992Conference/Finals Appearances: 5
added by IJRin 2 rankings Tampa Bay Lightning
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New Jersey Devils
A trap-defense dynasty that won three Cups in a decade.
Stanley Cups Won: 3Franchise Founded: 1974Conference/Finals Appearances: 5
added by IJRin 2 rankings New Jersey Devils
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Los Angeles Kings
Two Cups in the 2010s brought hockey glory to Hollywood.
Stanley Cups Won: 2Franchise Founded: 1967Conference/Finals Appearances: 3
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Calgary Flames
1989 Cup champions with a heated Battle of Alberta rivalry.
Stanley Cups Won: 1Franchise Founded: 1972Conference/Finals Appearances: 2
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Dallas Stars
Relocated from Minnesota and captured a Cup in 1999.
Stanley Cups Won: 1Franchise Founded: 1967Conference/Finals Appearances: 3
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Washington Capitals
Ovechkin-led club finally broke through with a 2018 championship.
Stanley Cups Won: 1Franchise Founded: 1974Conference/Finals Appearances: 2
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St. Louis Blues
A surprise 2019 title capped decades of passionate fan support.
Stanley Cups Won: 1Franchise Founded: 1967Conference/Finals Appearances: 4
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Vegas Golden Knights
An expansion team that shocked the league with instant success and a 2023 Cup.
Stanley Cups Won: 1Franchise Founded: 2017Conference/Finals Appearances: 2
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