Canadian NHL teams ? Canadian players often dominate the NHL, with many of the best players in the world hailing from Canada. Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Nathan MacKinnon are just a few stars who grew up playing hockey in this hockey-crazy nation.
Despite Canada’s strong association with hockey, only seven Canadian NHL teams are actually based there. This guide will dive into these seven teams, exploring their history, star players, and much more.
Montreal Canadiens
Arguably the most storied franchise in the NHL, the Montreal Canadiens have been around since 1909 and joined the NHL in 1917. They quickly became a powerhouse and found a lot of success.
Throughout their history, the Canadiens have won an impressive 24 Stanley Cups, the most of any team. They have made the playoffs over 80 times and frequently won their division. Their logo is one of the most iconic and beloved in sports.
The team boasts dozens of Hall of Fame players, making it hard to pick the best. Legends like Guy Lafleur, Jacques Plante, Maurice Richard, Patrick Roy, Jean Beliveau, and Doug Harvey are all worthy of being called the best in history.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Another of the most beloved Canadian teams in the NHL is the Toronto Maple Leafs, who joined the league back in 1917. They started off as the Arenas, then became the St. Patricks, and finally transformed into the Maple Leafs in 1927. With 13 Stanley Cup victories to their name, they have a storied history, though they’ve famously been chasing another cup since the mid-1960s. Despite the drought, the Leafs remain one of the league’s most valuable teams with a passionate global fanbase. Their standout player is arguably Mats Sundin, the franchise leader in points and goals, and a captain for eleven years. Other legends who have worn the maple leaf include Doug Gilmour, Wendel Clark, and Borje Salming.
Vancouver Canucks
Next on the list are the Vancouver Canucks, who entered the NHL as an expansion team in 1970. They’ve had their fair share of playoff appearances and thrilling seasons, but the Stanley Cup has remained elusive. They’ve come close, yet victory has slipped through their fingers. As for their best player, it’s a tough call with talents like Pavel Bure, Markus Naslund, and Henrik Sedin gracing the ice.
Edmonton Oilers
Despite joining the NHL in the 1979-80 season, the Edmonton Oilers have enjoyed immense success, clinching five Stanley Cups—all in the 1980s. Much of this success is thanks to Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, who set numerous records that still stand today. The Oilers have also been home to other hockey greats like Connor McDavid, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, and Jari Kurri.
Calgary Flames
Founded as the Atlanta Flames in 1972, the team relocated to Calgary in 1980 and has since become a Western Canadian favorite, winning a Stanley Cup in the 1988-89 season, a year in which they also boasted the best record in the NHL. The Flames have a fierce rivalry with the Edmonton Oilers, known as “The Battle of Alberta.” The club’s all-time best player is likely Jarome Iginla, who holds the franchise records for games played, points, and goals.
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators joined the NHL in 1992, unrelated to the original Senators teams of the 1910s to 1930s. They’ve made the playoffs more than a dozen times and had some impressive seasons, yet the Stanley Cup has remained out of reach. They came close in 2007 but fell short to the Anaheim Ducks in five games. Recently, the team has struggled, ranking among the NHL’s worst. Daniel Alfredsson stands out as their best player, leading in points, goals, and assists.
Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets rejoined the NHL in 2011 after the Atlanta Thrashers relocated north. In their relatively short history, they’ve had some solid seasons and standout players, but a decade is a brief span for building a legacy. There was an earlier incarnation of the Jets from 1972-1996, which later became the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes. Although this original team never won a Stanley Cup, they did have their moments. The best player across both eras of the Jets is Dale Hawerchuk, who was the face of the franchise for nearly a decade. Other notable players include Teemu Selanne and Bobby Hull. For the modern Jets (formerly the Thrashers), Ilya Kovalchuk has been a standout
