Best Hockey Franchises Of All Time 

Explore the ice-ridden chronicles of greatness as we unveil the best hockey franchises of all time. From the storied legacy of the Montreal Canadiens to the enduring triumphs of the Detroit Red Wings, discover the iconic teams that have carved their names into the frozen history of the sport. Join us in celebrating the unparalleled achievements, legendary players, and thrilling moments that define the apex of hockey excellence.

Introduction

Explore the captivating legacies of some of the best hockey franchises in history, each weaving its narrative through decades of triumphs, challenges, and iconic moments. From the enduring dominance of the Montreal Canadiens with an unparalleled 25 Stanley Cup victories to the resilience of the Detroit Red Wings, marked by two dynasties and a remarkable 25-season playoff run, the article delves into the rich histories of renowned teams like the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Edmonton Oilers.

Uncover the unique stories, remarkable leaders, and defining moments that have shaped these franchises, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history.

Best Hockey Franchises Of All Time 

1. Montreal Canadiens

• Seasons: 103 (1917-present)
• Other names: None
• Record: 3,449-2,281-837-164 (.587)
• Playoff appearances: 84
• NHL Final/Stanley Cup titles: 25 (1919, 1924, 1925, 1930, 1931, 1944, 1946, 1953, 1956-60, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1976-79, 1986, 1993)

Montreal Canadiens Team Leaders

• All-time goals leader: Maurice Richard, 544
• All-time points leader: Guy Lafleur, 1,246
• All-time goals-against leader: George Hainsworth, 1.78
• Winningest coach: Toe Blake, 500-255-159 (.634)

Bottom Line: Montreal Canadiens

To comprehend their unparalleled success, consider that this legendary franchise boasts as many Stanley Cup banners as the combined total of 20 current franchises.

Additionally, it’s noteworthy that thirteen of these victories occurred in a league comprising no more than 10 teams. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Canadiens’ influence extended to numerous minor and junior league teams, creating a stronghold on young talent, particularly in Quebec Province.

While times have evolved, and the Habs haven’t added another championship banner since the 1992-93 season, their legacy remains undiminished—a testament to one of the greatest traditions not only in hockey but in any sport.

2. Detroit Red Wings

• Seasons: 94 (1926-present)
• Other names: Cougars, Falcons
• Record: 2,970-2,547-815-173 (.533)
• Playoff appearances: 64
• Stanley Cup titles: 11 (1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2008)

Detroit Red Wings Team Leaders

• All-time goals leader: Gordie Howe, 786
• All-time points leader: Howe, 1,809
• All-time goals-against leader: Glenn Hall, 2.12
• Winningest coach: Mike Babcock, 458-223-0-105 (.649)

Bottom Line: Detroit Red Wings

How many organizations can claim a dance with Lord Stanley in five different decades? Find the answer below.

Factor in two dynasties (1950s, 1990s), a remarkable 25-season playoff run, Gordie Howe among 59 Hall of Fame players (surpassed only by the Toronto Maple Leafs), and that delightful Winged Wheel crest (undeniably cool), and there’s a multitude of reasons to appreciate the Red Wings.

Well, except for the last four seasons, that is.

3. Boston Bruins

• Seasons: 96 (1924-present)
• Other names: None
• Record: 3,208-2,387-791-184 (.562)
• Playoff appearances: 73
• Stanley Cup titles: 6 (1929, 1939, 1941, 1970, 1972, 2011)

Boston Bruins Team Leaders

• All-time goals leader: John Bucyk, 545
• All-time points leader: Ray Bourque, 1,506
• All-time goals-against leader: Tiny Thompson, 1.99
• Winningest coach: Claude Julien, 419-246-0-94 (.614)

Bottom Line: Boston Bruins

Here’s an often overlooked stat – the B’s have lost as many Stanley Cup Finals (14) as 17 current franchises have collectively won.

Truly, what level of consistent excellence must a team maintain to approach the championship doorstep that many times? This franchise proudly boasts the second-best regular-season record in history, not to mention the presence of the greatest player ever (Bobby Orr, undoubtedly) among 51 Hall of Famers.

4. Toronto Maple Leafs

• Seasons: 103 (1917-present)
• Other names: Arenas, St. Patricks
• Record: 2,965-2,815-783-167 (.511)
• Playoff appearances: 69
• NHL Finals/Stanley Cup titles: 13 (1918, 1922, 1932, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967)

Toronto Maple Leafs Team Leaders

• All-time goals leader: Mats Sundin, 420
• All-time points leader: Sundin, 987
• All-time goals-against leader: Al Rollins, 2.04
• Winningest coach: Punch Imlach, 370-275-125-0 (.562)

Bottom Line: Toronto Maple Leafs

Thirteen Stanley Cups in the initial 51 seasons, followed by a drought in the next 53.

Isn’t it intriguing that the Maple Leafs have never clinched the ultimate victory in a league boasting more than seven teams? What awaits them – perhaps Captain Ahab finding a parking space?

Nevertheless, this franchise boasts an impressive count of 65 Hall of Famers, the highest in professional sports. Coupled with numerous memorable teams, it solidifies their claim to all-time greatness.

5. Chicago Blackhawks

• Seasons: 94 (1926-present)
• Other names: Black Hawks
• Record: 2,788-2,736-814-166 (.504)
• Playoff appearances: 63
• Stanley Cup titles: 6 (1934, 1936, 1961, 2010, 2013, 2015)

Chicago Blackhawks Team Leaders

• All-time goals leader: Bobby Hull, 605
• All-time points leader: Hull, 1,467
• All-time goals-against leader: Charlie Gardiner, 2.02
• Winningest coach: Billy Reay, 516-335-161-0 (.589)

Bottom Line: Chicago Blackhawks

With three recent Stanley Cup titles, Cold Steel On Ice has an early claim to Team of the Century honors.

However, it’s crucial to remember the substantial droughts this franchise endured, including 23 years (in a six-team league) and a staggering 49 years without a championship. The team owner, Dollar Bill Wirtz, contributed to setbacks in the Windy City by allowing Bobby Hull to leave for the rival WHA and blacking out home games on local television.

As an Original Six team, the Chicago Blackhawks feature some of the most iconic names in hockey history, but there’s a subtle sense of underachievement that accompanies their legacy.

6. Pittsburgh Penguins

• Seasons: 53 (1967-present)
• Other names: None
• Record: 1,866-1,718-383-148 (.518)
• Playoff appearances: 35
• Stanley Cup titles: 5 (1991, 1992, 2009, 2016, 2017)

Pittsburgh Penguins Team Leaders

• All-time goals leader: Mario Lemieux, 690
• All-time points leader: Lemieux, 1,723
• All-time goals-against leader: Marc-Andre Fleury, 2.58
• Winningest coach: Dan Bylsma, 252-117-0-32 (.668)

Bottom Line: Pittsburgh Penguins

This mid-market franchise serves as a testament to the impact of the draft and salary cap. Without these components, drafting two generational players like Lemieux and Sidney Crosby and retaining them wouldn’t have been possible.

In that scenario, they might have been the Kansas City Mavericks or the Las Vegas Wranglers, and the league would have missed out on a cornerstone franchise. So, while luck played a role, the Penguins, guided by their Lemieux-inspired management team, have proven to be one of the league’s best.

Moreover, if tanking were as simple a path to a championship, why haven’t more teams followed suit?

7. Edmonton Oilers

• Seasons: 41 (1979-present)
• Other names: None
• Record: 1,434-1,318-262-165 (.518)
• Playoff appearances: 22
• Stanley Cup titles: 5 (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000)

Edmonton Oilers Team Leaders

• All-time goals leader: Wayne Gretzky, 583
• All-time points leader: Gretzky, 1,669
• All-time goals-against leader: Tommy Salo, 2.44
• Winningest coach: Glen Sather, 464-268-110-0 (.616)

Bottom Line: Edmonton Oilers

Securing four Stanley Cups in five sensational seasons granted this franchise substantial credibility, but relying solely on the Gretzky Era is unsustainable. The past 15 seasons resemble a prolonged oil spill, with only a single playoff series victory under seven different head coaches.

This struggle persists despite acquiring nine top-eight overall draft picks, including superstars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Edmonton, what’s going on?

Bonus point: Rogers Place, succeeding Northlands Coliseum, sets the gold standard for ice quality in the league.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

The journey through the annals of hockey history reveals the indelible legacies of the best franchises, each with its unique narrative of triumphs, challenges, and iconic moments. From the Montreal Canadiens’ unparalleled 25 Stanley Cup victories to the enduring triumphs of the Detroit Red Wings, the article unravels the captivating stories of celebrated teams like the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Edmonton Oilers. 

These franchises, marked by legendary players and defining moments, have left an enduring mark on the frozen history of the sport. Despite the evolution of times, the Montreal Canadiens’ legacy stands as a testament to one of the greatest traditions not only in hockey but in any sport, underscoring the timeless impact of these hockey dynasties.