The top 10 most valuable NHL franchises

Dropping The Puck On Valuable Teams

The NHL has the unique advantage of being prevalent in two countries, which can help drive up the value of their franchises. The most valuable hockey teams include a mix of teams based in both the United States and Canada. We’ll examine the top 10 most valuable franchises in the NHL, with all valuations coming from Forbes.

10. New York Islanders: $1.55 Billion

They’ve been somewhat of a nomadic franchise despite remaining based in New York. The Islanders have played at Nassau Coliseum, Barclays Center and UBS Arena this century, with the latter venue being their permanent home moving forward. Scott Malkin bought the team in 2016, and has done a nice job navigating the transition.

9. Washington Capitals: $1.6 Billion

Having a transcendent star helps drive the value of any NHL organization, and the Capitals are fortunate to have had a profitable run with Alexander Ovechkin. He’s spent his entire 19 year career with the franchise, and has a chance to break Wayne Gretzky’s all time goal scoring record. Interest in that chase will make Washington extremely relevant in the years to come.

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8. Philadelphia Flyers: $1.65 Billion

After a few seasons of mediocre play, the Flyers appear to have what it takes to turn it around this year. Their on-ice product has not affected their gaudy valuation, which remains steady by their standing as an iconic franchise. It seems reasonable that the figure could go up with a return to prominence in the near future.

7. Edmonton Oilers: $1.85 Billion

Despite playing in a relatively small market compared to other NHL franchises, the Oilers have been blessed with some of the best players the sport has ever seen. With Wayne Gretzky leading the way in the 1980’s, the Oilers won five Stanley Cups(although Gretzky wasn’t present for the last title). Edmonton hopes more good times are on the way with Connor McDavid.

6. Chicago Blackhawks: $1.88 Billion

Like the Oilers and many other teams, the Blackhawks have generations of loyal fans who live and die with the results of each game. Chicago was recently purchased by Danny Wirtz, who comes from a family that has deep NHL roots. He hopes to reinvigorate the franchise after a strong run anchored by Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.

5. Boston Bruins: $1.9 Billion

The Bruins are currently in their 99^th NHL season, which is a benefit that “Original Six” teams have over the competition. Boston has established themselves as a cornerstone franchise, and have been one of the best teams in the NHL in each of the last three years. The fans are hoping that they can put last season’s disappointing finish behind them by winning a Stanley Cup this year.

4. Los Angeles Kings: $2 Billion

It’s hard for a non-Northeast/non-Canadian team to crack the top five, but the Kings have snuck into the mix. The glitz and glamour that comes with playing in Los Angeles gives the Kings a chance to play in front of celebrities and attract some of the game’s premier talent. They’re looking to find their footing once more after winning two championships in the 2010’s.

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3. Montreal Canadiens: $2.3 Billion

The Canadiens are NHL royalty, and are owned by a family who has deep roots in Canadian business. The Molsons are well known in the sports realm in multiple ways, as they’re also the producers of popular Canadian beer. They last won the Stanley Cup in 1993, and are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

2. New York Rangers: $2.65 Billion

He’s much maligned, but James Dolan has the honor of owning the NHL’s New York Rangers and NBA’s New York Knicks. Madison Square Garden is still one of the most hallowed arenas in hockey, and the Rangers provide an entertaining atmosphere for their fans. They’ve been a playoff fixture, but are also looking to end a 30 year drought without a title.

1. Toronto Maple Leafs: $2.8 Billion

The Maple Leafs posted the highest operating income value in the NHL according to Forbes, and it wasn’t particularly close. Most franchises don’t eclipse the $100 million threshold in that area, but the Maple Leafs recorded $127 million in operating income a year ago. It’s safe to say that Toronto would lose their minds if they won a Stanley Cup, a feat they last accomplished in 1967.

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