List of defunct and relocated National Hockey League teams

Map of relocated NHL teams

The National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional men's ice hockey league, founded in 1917.[1] The NHL Board of Governors review and approve the relocation of any member club.[2] Each team appoints an individual or individuals to represent their team on the Board of Governors.[3] A majority vote is needed for relocation of a club.[4] Clubs are considered permanently relocated when moved out of their respective home territories, which includes the city that they were located in, plus 50 miles from the city's corporate limits.[3]

Under the constitution of the NHL, membership is on a partnership basis, each partner holding a franchise from the League for the operation of a hockey club in its designated city.[5] The franchise can out-live teams located in different cities. For example, the Kansas City Scouts, Colorado Rockies, and New Jersey Devils are one franchise. A franchise's history includes the records of competition won in different cities, as differently-named teams. Naming and team logos and designs are registered with the league. Two current teams use the names of previous franchises – the Ottawa Senators and Winnipeg Jets. These franchises do not include the history of the previous franchises, but have used the original franchises' logos and jersey designs. The league considers the history of the current Ottawa Senators to not include the original Senators; the Jets' franchise history includes the Atlanta Thrashers' history, not the first Winnipeg Jets (later the Arizona Coyotes).

There are 19 defunct and relocated NHL teams. The Montreal Wanderers, original Ottawa Senators, and the Quebec Bulldogs had played in the NHA before joining the NHL; Quebec City joined the NHL two years later as the Athletics.[6] The Pittsburgh Pirates played in the U.S. Amateur Hockey Association as the Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets before joining the NHL in 1925.[7] The first NHL team to disband was the Montreal Wanderers, citing the lack of available players due to World War I.[8] The first team to relocate was the Athletics, who relocated to Hamilton, Ontario, to become the Hamilton Tigers. The NHL president at the time, Frank Calder, stripped the franchise from owner Mike Quinn and sold it to a Hamilton-based company.[9] Three franchises became defunct due to the Great Depression: the Philadelphia Quakers, the St. Louis Eagles, and the Montreal Maroons. During their time in the NHL, the Senators and Maroons both won the Stanley Cup championship multiple times, with four and two respectively. The Brooklyn Americans was the last team to become defunct in the NHL. The franchise was struggling financially and, due to the lack of players because of World War II, was suspended prior to the 1942–43 season. The franchise formally ceased in 1946.[10] The Americans' departure reduced the number of teams to six. This began what became known as the Original Six era of the NHL.

The Original Six era ended when the NHL expanded twofold in 1967. Two teams from the expansion—the California Golden Seals and the Minnesota North Stars—relocated to other cities. The Golden Seals moved after nine seasons in Oakland to become the Cleveland Barons; this was the first time in four decades the NHL approved a franchise relocation.[11] Two years later, after failed overtures towards merging with the Washington Capitals and the Vancouver Canucks, the Barons merged with the North Stars.[12] The Barons are the only NHL team to merge operations with another one.[13] The North Stars relocated to Dallas in 1993 to become the Stars.[14]

After six additional expansion teams, the merger of the Cleveland Barons with the Minnesota North Stars, and the NHL–WHA merger, the league had expanded to 21 teams by 1979. Three of the four teams from the NHL–WHA merger relocated to other cities: the Quebec Nordiques, the original Winnipeg Jets, and the Hartford Whalers.[15] The Nordiques became the Colorado Avalanche in 1995, while the Winnipeg Jets became the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996 and rebranded as the Arizona Coyotes in 2014 (but then becoming defunct in 2024), with the Hartford Whalers moving to North Carolina and becoming the Carolina Hurricanes in 1997. The Winnipeg Jets identity was revived in 2011, when a Winnipeg-based company received approval from the league to purchase the struggling Atlanta Thrashers and relocate them to Winnipeg for the 2011–12 season.[16]

In a unique situation in 2024, the Arizona Coyotes was deactivated and its players and personnel were transferred to a new expansion team in Utah. Under the original agreement, Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo retained the rights to the team name and history, as well as an option for reactivation in Arizona for five years, under the condition a new arena is completed in that time. However he ceded his rights to the franchise less than two months later.[17] As of July 2024, the league has not yet indicated whether the Arizona franchise will now fold outright, hold the rights to the Coyotes and wait for a potential expansion team, and/or whether its history, records and/or intellectual property will be transferred to the Utah Hockey Club and/or split between Utah and the current Winnipeg Jets.[18]

Out of the seven active relocated franchises in the NHL, only one has not yet won the Stanley Cup championship, the Jets (they have also never been to the Stanley Cup Finals).[19]

Most of the metropolitan areas that have hosted relocated or defunct teams have been given another NHL team. Montreal, Quebec City and Atlanta all have two defunct or relocated teams with the Wanderers and Maroons, the Athletics and Nordiques, and the Flames and Thrashers, respectively. Philadelphia (Philadelphia Flyers), Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh Penguins), and St. Louis (St. Louis Blues) gained teams during the 1967 expansion. After losing the Americans, two more teams have been added into the New York metropolitan area: the New York Islanders in 1972 and the New Jersey Devils in 1982. Other former host-metropolitan areas of NHL teams that have been given another team include: San Francisco Bay Area (San Jose Sharks in 1991), Ottawa (current Ottawa Senators in 1992), Denver (Colorado Avalanche in 1995), Minneapolis – St. Paul (Minnesota Wild in 2000) and Winnipeg (current Jets in 2011).[20]

Defunct and relocated teams

First First year in the NHL
Last Last year in the NHL
Record Win–loss–tie–overtime record
Win% Winning percentage
PA NHL (1918–1926) / Stanley Cup playoff (1927–present) appearances
SC Stanley Cup wins
* Denotes active franchise
^ City would later receive a new franchise
Team First Last Relocated to Seasons Record Win% PA SC Reason for relocation/disbandment Reference
Montreal Wanderers^ 1917 1918[g] Defunct 1 1–5–0 .167 0 0 Lack of available players due to World War I and arena burned down[8] [21]
Quebec Bulldogs^ 1919 1920 Hamilton Tigers 1 4–20–0 .167 0 0 Sold to a Hamilton-based company[9] [22]
Hamilton Tigers 1920 1925 Defunct 5 47–78–1 .377 0 0 Ceased operations due to players' strike; players were bought by the New York Americans.[23] [24]
Pittsburgh Pirates^[a] 1925 1930 Philadelphia Quakers 5 67–122–23 .370 2 0 Financial problems during the Great Depression[7] [25]
Philadelphia Quakers^ 1930 1931 Defunct 1 4–36–4 .136 0 0 Financial problems during the Great Depression[7] [26]
Ottawa Senators^[b] 1917 1934 St. Louis Eagles 16[h] 258–221–63 .534 9 4 Financial problems during the Great Depression[27] [28]
St. Louis Eagles^ 1934 1935 Defunct 1 11–31–6 .292 0 0 Financial problems during the Great Depression[29] [30]
Montreal Maroons 1924 1938 Defunct 14 271–260–91 .509 11 2 Financial problems during the Great Depression[31] [32]
Brooklyn Americans^[c] 1925 1942 Defunct 17 255–402–127 .406 5 0 Financial problems, plus lack of players due to World War II; formally ceased in 1946.[10] [33]
California Golden Seals^[d] 1967 1976 Cleveland Barons 9 182–401–115 .343 2 0 In search of better financial conditions; Cleveland is the hometown of minority owner George Gund III.[34] [35]
Kansas City Scouts 1974 1976 Colorado Rockies 2 27–110–23 .241 0 0 Financial problems; sold to a group of investors with the intention to move.[36] [37]
Cleveland Barons 1976 1978 Defunct
Merged with Minnesota North Stars		 2 47–87–26 .375 0 0 Both teams with financial problems.[12] [35]
Atlanta Flames^ 1972 1980 Calgary Flames* 8 268–260–108 .506 6 0 Financial problems; sold to Nelson Skalbania with the intention to move to Calgary.[38] [39]
Colorado Rockies^[e] 1976 1982 New Jersey Devils* 6 113–281–86 .325 1 0 Sold to John McMullen in search of better financial conditions; New Jersey is McMullen's home state.[40] [37]
Minnesota North Stars^ 1967 1993 Dallas Stars* 26 758–970–334 .449 17 0 In search of better financial conditions.[14][41] [42]
Quebec Nordiques 1979 1995 Colorado Avalanche* 16 497–599–160 .459 9 0 Financial problems; sold to a Denver-based group.[43] [44]
Winnipeg Jets^[f] 1979 1996 Phoenix Coyotes 17 506–660–172 .442 11 0 Sold to a group of investors with the intention to move in search of better financial conditions.[45] [46]
Hartford Whalers 1979 1997 Carolina Hurricanes* 18 534–709–177 .438 8 0 In search of better financial conditions.[47] [48]
Atlanta Thrashers 1999 2011 Winnipeg Jets* 11[i] 342–437–45–78 .447 1 0 Evicted from arena; sold to a Winnipeg-based company TNSE.[16] [49]
Arizona Coyotes[j] 1996 2024 Suspended
Hockey assets transferred to Utah Hockey Club		 27[i] 918–934–94–191 .495 9 0 Inability of team to construct new arena after two seasons playing in Mullett Arena. Hockey assets sold to Ryan Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz.[17] As of July 2024, the league has not yet indicated whether the Arizona franchise will now fold outright, hold the rights to the Coyotes and wait for a potential expansion team, and/or whether its history, records and/or intellectual property will be transferred to the Utah Hockey Club and/or split between Utah and the current Winnipeg Jets.[50][18] [17][18]

Notes

  • a This team was not affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB).
  • b This team is not affiliated with the present-day Ottawa Senators.
  • c The team was formerly known as the New York Americans (1925–1941), and was not affiliated with the Rangers, the Islanders, or the Devils. The Devils relocated from East Rutherford to Newark in 2007, while the Islanders relocated from Uniondale to Brooklyn in 2015, returning on a part-time basis to Uniondale in 2018, before relocating to Elmont in 2021. However, the Devils and the Islanders have never relocated out of the New York metropolitan area.
  • d The team was formerly known as the California Seals (1967), Oakland Seals (1967–1970), and Bay Area Seals (1970).
  • e This team was not affiliated with the Colorado Rockies of MLB.
  • f This team is not affiliated with the present-day Winnipeg Jets.
  • g The Wanderers played four games during the 1917–18 season before becoming defunct; a further two games were defaulted before the club folded.[51]
  • h The Senators were on hiatus during the 1931–32 season due to financial problems.[52]
  • i The 2004–05 season was canceled due to the season lockout.[53]
  • j Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo retained the rights to the team name, as well as an option for reactivation in Arizona for five years, under the condition a new arena is completed in that time, however he ceded his rights to the franchise less than two months later.[17] As of July 2024, the league has not yet indicated whether the Arizona franchise will now fold outright, hold the rights to the Coyotes and wait for a potential expansion team, and/or whether its history, records and/or intellectual property will be transferred to the Utah Hockey Club and/or split between Utah and the current Winnipeg Jets.[18]

Map of defunct and relocated teams

Winnipeg Jets (1972–96)Minnesota North StarsQuebec BulldogsQuebec NordiquesCalifornia Golden SealsAtlanta FlamesAtlanta ThrashersSt. Louis EaglesKansas City ScoutsKansas City ScoutsColorado Rockies (NHL)Pittsburgh Pirates (NHL)Pittsburgh Pirates (NHL)Cleveland Barons (NHL)Cleveland Barons (NHL)Philadelphia QuakersPhiladelphia QuakersOttawa Senators (original)Ottawa Senators (original)Montreal MaroonsMontreal WanderersHartford WhalersNew York AmericansHamilton Tigers
Map of the defunct and relocated NHL teams; the team names are clickable.

Timeline


See also

References

Footnotes

  1. ^ Holzman & Nieforth 2002, p. 159
  2. ^ McGran, Kevin (June 6, 2009). "NHL's secret constitution revealed". Toronto Star. Retrieved May 17, 2011.
  3. ^ a b "Constitution of the National Hockey League" (PDF). The Star. Toronto. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 11, 2009. Retrieved May 17, 2011.
  4. ^ Wiebe, Ken (May 23, 2011). "NHL return remains on ice". Edmonton Sun. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  5. ^ NHL Constitution, p. 2
  6. ^ Pincus 2006, p. 24
  7. ^ a b c Bouchette, Ed (May 2, 1999). "Ice Age". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  8. ^ a b McFarlane, Brian. "Early Leagues and the Birth of the NHL". National Hockey League. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  9. ^ a b Holzman & Nieforth 2002, p. 230
  10. ^ a b McFarlane 1990, p. 43
  11. ^ McFarlane 1990, p. 144
  12. ^ a b McFarlane 1990, p. 163
  13. ^ "10 Sports Franchises That Have Gone Bankrupt: 1978 Cleveland Barons". CNBC. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  14. ^ a b Montville, Leigh (April 19, 1993). "Spleen for Green". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on January 20, 2010. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  15. ^ Willes, Ed (2004). The Rebel League: The Short and Unruly Life of the World Hockey Association. McClelland & Stewart. ISBN 0-7710-8947-3.
  16. ^ a b Dan Rosen (June 21, 2011). "NHL Board unanimous on Winnipeg sale, relocation". National Hockey League. Retrieved May 10, 2015.
  17. ^ a b c d "NHL board approves relocation of Arizona Coyotes to Utah". Sportsnet. April 18, 2024. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  18. ^ a b c d "Bettman confirms Meruelo will not be re-activating Coyotes franchise". Sportsnet.ca. June 25, 2024. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
  19. ^ "Stanley Cup Champions and Finalists". National Hockey League. Retrieved April 18, 2013.
  20. ^ "Teams". National Hockey League. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  21. ^ "Montreal Wanderers Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  22. ^ "Quebec Bulldogs Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  23. ^ Pincus 2006, p. 35
  24. ^ "Hamilton Tigers Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  25. ^ "Pittsburgh Pirates Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  26. ^ "Philadelphia Quakers Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  27. ^ "No NHL Hockey Team for Ottawa Next Winter". The Ottawa Evening Citizen. April 7, 1934. p. 1.
  28. ^ "Ottawa Senators Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  29. ^ "St Louis Out of Title Hunt: League Buys Franchise Splits Players Among Remaining Eight Clubs". Leader-Post. October 16, 1935. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
  30. ^ "St. Louis Eagles Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  31. ^ Coleman, Charles L. (1969). The Trail of the Stanley Cup, Vol II. Progressive Publications.
  32. ^ "Montreal Maroons Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  33. ^ "New York Americans Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  34. ^ Bass, Alan (2011). The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed the NHL Forever. iUniverse. p. 83. ISBN 978-1-4502-8605-3.
  35. ^ a b "Cleveland Barons Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  36. ^ "Scout Move Almost Complete". Leader-Post. Associated Press. July 16, 1976. Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  37. ^ a b "New Jersey Devils Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  38. ^ "Flames Sold, To Move to Calgary". The Palm Beach Post. May 24, 1980. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
  39. ^ "Calgary Flames Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  40. ^ McFarlane 1990, p. 206
  41. ^ "The 35 Biggest Moments in Modern Dallas History". D Magazine. December 16, 2009. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  42. ^ "Dallas Stars Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on May 19, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  43. ^ Deacon, James (June 5, 1995). "Nordiques Move to Colorado". Maclean's. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  44. ^ "Colorado Avalanche Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  45. ^ "Phoenix isn't only city interested in Winnipeg Jets". The Daily Courier. December 3, 1995. p. 2B. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  46. ^ "Phoenix Coyotes Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  47. ^ Rabinovitz, Jonathan (March 27, 1997). "Another Blow to Hartford: Whalers to Leave, Rejecting Arena Offer". The New York Times. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  48. ^ "Carolina Hurricanes Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  49. ^ "Atlanta Thrashers Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  50. ^ "Embattled Meruelo leaving Coyotes ownership after failed land auction". Associated Press. June 25, 2024. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
  51. ^ "1917-18 NHL Season Summary". Hockey-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  52. ^ *Wong, John Chi-Kit (2005). Lords of the Rinks: The Emergence of the National Hockey League, 1875–1936. Toronto, Ontario: University of Toronto Press. p. 130. ISBN 0-8020-8520-2.
  53. ^ *Burnside, Scott (February 16, 2005). "Lockout's future holds myriad possibilities". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved April 18, 2013.

Citations