The National Hockey League (NHL) possesses a longstanding and illustrious history that spans over a century, setting it apart from the NBA and NFL with its significant impact on North American sports. Particularly notable is the Original Six, a collection of the league’s six oldest active teams, with four of them nearing their one hundredth anniversary.
The Original Six teams encompass the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and Detroit Red Wings. Although their induction into the NHL occurred at different times, they collectively hold the distinction of being the league’s oldest active members. Notably, only two of the original six, the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, were part of the NHL charter and were established within the league in 1917.
The remaining four teams, the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and Detroit Red Wings, joined the NHL in later years. The Boston Bruins made their league debut in 1924, followed by the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and Detroit Red Wings in 1926.
Upon operating for nearly three decades with solely these six teams, the NHL expanded by incorporating an additional six clubs, resulting in a total of 12 teams. Presently, only the Blues, Flyers, Kings, and Penguins remain as active franchises in the league.
The Montreal Canadiens claim the esteemed accolade of being the oldest club in the NHL and the oldest active professional hockey club globally. Initially part of the National Hockey Association, encompassing teams from Ontario and Quebec, it is widely recognised as the direct precursor to the National Hockey League.
When delving into the storied history of the NHL, it is essential to acknowledge the enduring legacy of the Original Six teams. These franchises laid the groundwork for professional hockey in North America and undoubtedly played an instrumental role in shaping the NHL into the iconic league it is today. As the league continues to develop and prosper, it is imperative to honour the lasting contributions of these six historic teams.