When was every NHL team created? Key years to know

Utah joined the NHL in 2024-25 season, taking over from the Arizona Coyotes. In May 2025, the franchise changed their temporary name from Utah Hockey Club to Utah Mammoth.

Here's a look at when all franchises -- past and present -- joined the NHL.

Active franchises

Anaheim Ducks (2006-present)

• Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (1993-2006)

Boston Bruins (1924-present)

Buffalo Sabres (1970-present)

Calgary Flames (1980-present)

• Atlanta Flames (1972-1980)

Carolina Hurricanes (1997-present)

• Hartford Whalers (1979-1997)

Chicago Blackhawks (1986-present)

• Chicago Black Hawks (1926-1986)

Colorado Avalanche (1995-present)

• Quebec Nordiques (1979-1995)

Columbus Blue Jackets (2000-present)

Dallas Stars (1993-present)

• Minnesota North Stars (1967-1993)

Detroit Red Wings (1932-present)

• Detroit Falcons (1930-1932)

• Detroit Cougars (1926-1930)

Edmonton Oilers (1979-present)

Florida Panthers (1993-present)

Los Angeles Kings (1967-present)

Minnesota Wild (2000-present)

Montreal Canadiens (1917-present)

Nashville Predators (1998-present)

New Jersey Devils (1982-present)

• Colorado Rockies (1976-1982)

• Kansas City Scouts (1974-1976)

New York Islanders (1972-present)

New York Rangers (1926-present)

Ottawa Senators (1992-present)

Philadelphia Flyers (1967-present)

Pittsburgh Penguins (1967-present)

San Jose Sharks (1991-present)

Seattle Kraken (2021-present)

St. Louis Blues (1967-present)

Tampa Bay Lightning (1992-present)

Toronto Maple Leafs (1926-present)

• Toronto St. Patricks (1919-1926)

• Toronto Arenas (1917-1919)

Utah Mammoth (2024-present)

Vancouver Canucks (1970-present)

Vegas Golden Knights (2017-present)

Washington Capitals (1974-present)

Winnipeg Jets (2011-present)

• Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2011)

Defunct franchises

Arizona Coyotes (2014-2024)

• Phoenix Coyotes (1996-2014)

• Winnipeg Jets (1979-1996)

Brooklyn Americans (1941-1942)

• New York Americans (1925-1941)

Cleveland Barons (1976-1978)

• California Golden Seals (1970-1976)

• Oakland Seals (1967-1970)

Hamilton Tigers (1920-1925)

• Quebec Bulldogs (1919-1920)

Montreal Maroons (1924-1938)

Montreal Wanderers (1917-1918)

Philadelphia Quakers (1930-1931)

• Pittsburgh Pirates (1925-1930)

St. Louis Eagles (1934-1935)

• Ottawa Senators (1917-1934)

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