TOP 7 Professional Canadian Hockey Teams From The National Hockey League
Understanding Canadian hockey teams can be valuable if you work or plan to work in sports, entertainment, or marketing-related industries. On the other hand, knowledge of the Canadian hockey scene can benefit hockey betting on NHL games. You can analyse team statistics, player injuries, head-to-head records, and home/away performance to make more informed predictions.
However, if you are a newbie bettor, we recommend starting with this review and studying the best NHL teams like Toronto Maple Leafs hard. Thanks to it, you will have a starting point to deepen your understanding of professional Canadian NHL teams.
How many professional hockey teams are in Canada?
As for 2023, there are seven professional hockey teams in Canada. They all belong to the National Hockey League. Interestingly, the NHL was established in 1917 in Montreal, Canada. Initially, it consisted of four teams. Nowadays, it includes 32 teams in both the United States and Canada.
The NHL regular season typically runs from early October to early April, with each team playing 82 games (41 home games and 41 away games). Teams compete for points in the standings, with two points awarded for a win in regulation or overtime and one point awarded for an overtime or shootout loss.
Does Canada have a Professional Hockey League?
Canada has a professional hockey league called the "Canadian Hockey League" (CHL). However, it must be noted that the CHL differs from the NHL (National Hockey League).
The CHL provides a platform for young players aged 16 to 20 to develop their skills and compete at a high level before potentially moving on to professional leagues. NHL teams subsequently draft many CHL players.
What NHL teams does Canada have?
Canada currently has seven NHL teams. These teams represent cities across Canada and have a rich history and passionate fan bases. Besides Canada, there are other countries where ice-hockey betting is quite popular. Read this article in your spare time to understand this aspect.
Calgary Flames (Calgary, Alberta)
Founded in 1972 as the Atlanta Flames, the Canadian team joined the NHL as an expansion franchise. The Flames struggled to find consistent success in Atlanta, making the playoffs just twice in their first eight seasons. Led by head coach Bob Johnson and superstar players Lanny McDonald and Al McInnisю The Flames enjoyed rapid success in the 1980s. He made his playoff debut with Calgary in the 1982–1983 season, reaching the 1986 Stanley Cup Finals.
In the early 2000s, the Flames regained their competitiveness and became regular playoff contenders. In 2004, they performed well in the playoffs, reaching the Stanley Cup finals, but lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Edmonton Oilers (Edmonton, Alberta)
The Edmonton Oilers were founded in 1972 as a World Hockey Association (WHA) member, a league comparable to the NHL. The team he had with the WHA was a success; in 1974 and 1975, he won two championships. The 1980s were a golden age for the Oilers, especially with a fantastic group of talented players known as "The Great One" Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey and Grant Farr. In the 2005-2006 season, the Oilers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Montreal Canadiens (Montreal, Quebec)
Founded in 1909, it is the world's oldest still active professional ice hockey team. They have won the most Stanley Cup championships in NHL history, a record of 24 (as of September 2021, as far as I know). Their last NHL game was in 1993.
Ottawa Senators (Ottawa, Ontario)
Founded in 1992 as an expansion team, the Ottawa Senators have brought the NHL back to Ottawa after a 58-year hiatus. The original Ottawa Senators franchise started in 1917 when he was a charter member of the NHL but moved in 1934 to become the St. Louis Eagles. The Ottawa Senators have had their fair share of ups and downs since his return to the NHL in 1992. The team remains an integral part of Ottawa's sporting community and continues to strive for a prosperous future.
Toronto Maple Leafs (Toronto, Ontario)
Founded in 1992 as an expansion team, the Ottawa Senators have brought the NHL back to Ottawa after a 58-year hiatus. The Original Toronto, His Maple Leafs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are one of the NHL's original six teams and have a rabid fan base. Despite having a rich history, the team last won the Stanley Cup in 1967. The Maple Leafs play their home games at Scotiabank Arena and have a notable rivalry with teams such as the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens. The team strives for success and remains an essential player in the NHL.
Vancouver Canucks (Vancouver, British Columbia)
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. They entered the NHL as an expansion team in 1970. The Canucks have had some success, reaching the Stanley Cup finals in 1982, 1994 and 2011, but have yet to win. The team plays their home games at Rogers Arena and has a passionate fanbase. The Canucks have rivalries with teams like the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers. They continue to fight for success in the NHL.
Winnipeg Jets (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
The Winnipeg Jets are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. They previously played for the Atlanta Thrashers and joined the NHL as a relocating franchise in 2011. The Jets have a devoted fan base and play their games at home at Bell MTS Place. The team has qualified for the playoffs but has not reached the Stanley Cup finals. The Jets have developed rivalries with teams like the Calgary Flames and Nashville Predators.