The Fascinating History of NHL Teams' Establishment
Discover the key years when NHL teams were formed. Explore the past and present franchises.

The NHL has a rich and diverse history when it comes to the establishment of its teams. For instance, the Montreal Canadiens joined as early as 1917 and remain a prominent team to this day. The Anaheim Ducks, on the other hand, have been active since 2006. Some teams have undergone name changes and relocations over time. For example, Utah joined in 2024-25 and recently changed their name. Check out the ESPN NHL hub page for the latest news and more!