What are the most popular NHL teams? The National Hockey League is the only league to have been founded in Canada which is a hotbed for ice hockey along with the northern and northeastern parts of America.
Can anyone south and westward crack our list are top ten list? Let’s take a look at the ten most popular NHL teams when you factor in market size, fan loyalty and cultural impact:
10. Las Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights have taken over Las Vegas as well as the NHL since their first game in 2017. In their first season they made the Stanley Cup Finals and in 2023 they went one better by winning their first ever championship.
Las Vegas has quickly become a sports capital contender with the Golden Knights a major contributor and the city is among the favorites for an NBA and MLS expansion team.
9. Philadelphia Flyers
I expect nothing less from the rabid sports city of Philadelphia who follow the Flyers religiously. Whether it’s because of passion or obnoxiousness, Wells Fargo Center is a powder keg to say the least.
The back-to-back Stanley Cup winning “Broad Street Bullies” of the 70’s epitomizes exactly what Philadelphia is about, aggressive and hostile. And that’s exactly why the city loves their Flyers.
8. Vancouver Canucks
Despite never winning a championship since joining the NHL in 1970, the Vancouver Canucks have amassed a huge following extending well beyond British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest.
When the Canucks are going well the fan base is perceived as toxic and arrogant by outsiders – exactly what you’d expect to hear about one of the NHL’s most popular teams. And they’re still ahead of the Jets, Senators, Oilers and Flames.
7. Pittsburgh Penguins
Until we see a possible NBA expansion team in Pittsburgh, it’s the Pittsburgh Penguins who are sole tenants of PPG Paints Arena, creating a raucous atmosphere of chanting and rally towel waving.
The Penguins experienced a surge in popularity after drafting one of the greatest players ever Mario Lemieux in 1984, and is was a case of déjà vu at the 2005 draft with Pittsburgh acquiring Sidney Crosby.
6. Detroit Red Wings
There’s a reputation and a brand that surrounds the Detroit Red Wings. The hard-hitting and physical style of play has made them one of the most feared teams and is a major reason why they’re one of the most popular NHL teams.
Detroit’s automotive and industrial history personifies what the Red Wings are all about – grit and hard work wins championships. It’s that mentality that has led the Red Wings to becoming the most successful American NHL team.
5. Boston Bruins
Bruins games are almost impossible to get tickets for. It’s a testament to just how popular Boston is as one of the “Original Six” alongside the Red Wings, Blackhawks, Rangers, Maple Leafs and Canadiens.
New England fans love their sports and their passion for the historically successful Bruins is no different, with a die-hard fan base so emotionally invested. No wonder there’s never any tickets available at TD Garden.
4. New York Rangers
One of the “Original Six” NHL teams, New York Rangers fans are die-hard and they’ll back their team even through the rough times. This is a fan base that knows their hockey, anticipating plays as they begin to develop.
Madison Square Garden is arguably the most iconic arena in America and the atmosphere at games are electric and often attracts celebrities in addition to a die-hard fan base. If you want tickets, might as well head to the secondary resale market.
3. Chicago Blackhawks
When Bill Wirtz passed away and his son Rocky took over the Blackhawks in 2007 he completely saved Chicago by reversing his father’s policies and transforming the franchise into a three-time Stanley Cup winning team with a cult following.
Rocky reversed blackouts on local TV, brought the right staff in and embraced social media. America’s most popular NHL team and third overall, the Blackhawks have a massive cult and a history to match.
2. Toronto Maple Leafs
You either love or you hate the Toronto Maple Leafs, and despite the title-drought “The Leafs” have one of the largest and most loyal fan bases and are the oldest team in the league alongside the Canadiens.
One of the most storied and successful NHL franchises, you virtually need to inherit a Maple Leafs season ticket when a current holder dies with these tickets highly sought after and passed down along generations.
1. Montreal Canadiens
Ice hockey wouldn’t be the same without the Montreal Canadiens, the most popular NHL team of all time. They’re the oldest pro ice hockey team in the world, predating the league itself, and they’ve won the most Stanley Cups.
A social and cultural icon, Canadiens fanfare has been passed down from many generations ago. Games at the Bell Centre are unparalleled as an electric atmosphere is matched only by the dozens of championship banners hanging from the rafters.
