NHL

NHL
source
Current season	2023–24 NHL season
Sport	Ice hockey
Founded	26 November 1917
Founder	National Hockey Association
Commissioner	Gary Bettman
Teams	32
Champion	Vegas Golden Knights (1st title)
Most champs	Montreal Canadiens (25)
Headquarters	New York City, New York, U.S.

NHL. The National Hockey League is a premier professional ice hockey league comprising 32 teams, with 25 based in the United States and 7 in Canada. Established in Montreal in 1917, it is widely considered the world's top league and is one of the major professional sports leagues in North America. The champion is awarded the Stanley Cup, the oldest existing trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise.

History

The league was formed on November 26, 1917, in the Windsor Hotel by owners of the National Hockey Association, seeking to remove problematic partner Eddie Livingstone. The original teams were the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Arenas. The league survived early instability, including the loss of the Montreal Wanderers and a global pandemic, and by 1926 had expanded into the United States, absorbing players from the rival Western Canada Hockey League. The Original Six era, featuring the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs, lasted from 1942 to 1967. Major expansion began in 1967 with the addition of six teams, including the Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers, leading to competition with the World Hockey Association in the 1970s. The modern era has seen further expansion to Sun Belt cities like Tampa Bay and San Jose, a 2004–05 lockout that canceled a season, and the 2021 addition of the Seattle Kraken.

Teams

The 32 clubs are divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each conference is further split into two divisions. The Eastern Conference contains the Atlantic Division, with teams like the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Metropolitan Division, home to the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals. The Western Conference comprises the Central Division, featuring the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks, and the Pacific Division, which includes the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers. The most recent franchise additions are the Seattle Kraken (2021) and the Vegas Golden Knights (2017).

Season structure

The regular season typically runs from early October to mid-April, with each team playing 82 games. The schedule is weighted heavily within a team's own division and conference. Following the regular season, the top three teams in each division, plus two wild-card teams from each conference based on points, qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. The playoffs consist of four best-of-seven rounds: the First Round, Second Round, Conference Finals, and the Stanley Cup Finals. The playoff format is a strict bracket, with division winners facing wild-card teams in the first round.

Trophies and awards

The most famous trophy is the Stanley Cup, awarded to the playoff champion. Individual performance is recognized through annual awards presented at a ceremony in Las Vegas. The most valuable player receives the Hart Memorial Trophy, while the top goaltender wins the Vezina Trophy. Other major awards include the James Norris Memorial Trophy for best defenseman, the Calder Memorial Trophy for top rookie, and the Art Ross Trophy for the player who leads the league in points at the end of the regular season. The Lady Byng Memorial Trophy is given for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.

Notable players

The league's history is defined by legendary figures. Wayne Gretzky, known as "The Great One," holds numerous records and won four championships with the Edmonton Oilers. Defenseman Bobby Orr revolutionized the position with the Boston Bruins. Gordie Howe played for 26 seasons, primarily with the Detroit Red Wings. Mario Lemieux led the Pittsburgh Penguins to two titles. Other icons include Maurice Richard of the Montreal Canadiens, Steve Yzerman of the Detroit Red Wings, and contemporary stars like Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, and Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.

League operations

The league is headquartered in New York City and led by Commissioner Gary Bettman. Key business partners include North American television rights holders ESPN and Turner Sports, and Canadian rightsholder Sportsnet. The collective bargaining agreement with the National Hockey League Players' Association governs labor relations. Major events include the NHL All-Star Game and the NHL Stadium Series. International operations have included participation in the Olympic Games and the establishment of the World Cup of Hockey. The league's digital and media arm is NHL Network.

Category:Ice hockey leagues in Canada Category:Ice hockey leagues in the United States Category:National Hockey League Category:Professional sports leagues in North America