Nobody loves hockey quite like Canada does. The country has a population of about 38 million people and supports 7 Canadian NHL franchises — meanwhile California has 40 million people and only 3 teams. Do the math: Canada punches way above its weight when it comes to hockey passion, and always has.
Below is a complete guide to all 7 Canadian NHL teams — their history, their greatest moments, their retired numbers, and an honest look at where each franchise stands heading into the 2026 playoffs.
TLDR: There are 7 NHL teams in Canada — the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Ottawa Senators, and Winnipeg Jets. No Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup since Montreal in 1993, but the 2025–26 season has a few of them knocking on the door again.
What Are All the Canadian NHL Teams?
The 7 Canadian NHL teams, listed by the year they first played in the NHL, are:
- Montreal Canadiens — 1917
- Toronto Maple Leafs — 1917
- Vancouver Canucks — 1970
- Edmonton Oilers — 1979
- Calgary Flames — 1980
- Ottawa Senators — 1992
- Winnipeg Jets — 2011
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Canada’s 7 NHL Teams
What Is the History of the Calgary Flames?
Founded: 1972 (as Atlanta Flames); first year in Calgary: 1980–81
Arena: Scotiabank Saddledome (19,289 capacity)
Stanley Cups: 1 (1989)
Retired Numbers: Lanny McDonald (9), Mike Vernon (30), Jarome Iginla (12), Miikka Kiprusoff (34)
Honoured Numbers (not officially retired): Al MacInnis (2), Joe Nieuwendyk (25)
Franchise Scoring Leaders: Points: Jarome Iginla (1,095) | Goals: Jarome Iginla (525) | Assists: Al MacInnis (609)
The Greatest Moment
The high point of the Flames franchise is still that 1989 Stanley Cup — and what a way to win it. Hall of Famer Lanny McDonald, playing his final NHL game, scored a massive goal in the Cup-clinching win over the Montreal Canadiens. McDonald had spent his entire career chasing that trophy, and he got it on his last shift. It doesn’t get more storybook than that.
Where the Flames Stand in 2025–26
The Flames have had a frustrating season. They put together a four-game winning streak at one point to keep themselves in the wild card conversation, but the math got away from them down the stretch. Calgary is on the outside looking in as the 2026 playoffs approach. The rebuild under GM Craig Conroy is a work in progress, and patience is being tested in hockey-mad Calgary.
The franchise still hasn’t gotten back to the Stanley Cup Finals since that Game 7 loss to Tampa Bay in 2004. That’s a long time to wait for a fanbase that remembers 1989 like it was yesterday.
What Is the History of the Edmonton Oilers?
Founded: 1972 (WHA); first NHL season: 1979–80
Arena: Rogers Place (18,500 capacity)
Stanley Cups: 5 (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990)
Retired Numbers: Al Hamilton (3), Paul Coffey (7), Glenn Anderson (9), Mark Messier (11), Jari Kurri (17), Grant Fuhr (31), Wayne Gretzky (99)
Franchise Scoring Leaders: Points: Wayne Gretzky (1,773) | Goals: Wayne Gretzky (626) | Assists: Wayne Gretzky (1,147)
The Greatest Moment
Take your pick. The 1980s Edmonton Oilers were arguably the greatest team ever assembled in professional hockey. Gretzky. Messier. Coffey. Kurri. Fuhr. Five Stanley Cups in seven years. In the modern salary-cap era, that kind of dynasty is simply impossible — which makes those Oilers teams feel even more legendary with every passing year.
Where the Oilers Stand in 2025–26
This is the most important stretch in Edmonton’s modern era. The Oilers went all the way to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final before losing to the Florida Panthers — heartbreaking, but it proved this team belongs at the top. In 2025–26, Connor McDavid has been otherworldly again, putting up 126 points on the season and leading Edmonton on a five-game winning streak into the final weeks. The Oilers have climbed to first place in the Pacific Division heading into the final stretch.
The question isn’t whether McDavid is the best player in the world. He is. The question is whether this window — with McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their prime — will finally produce a championship in the post-Gretzky era. For Oilers fans, 2026 might be the year.
What Is the History of the Montreal Canadiens?
Founded: 1909 (NHA); 1917 (NHL)
Arena: Bell Centre (21,273 capacity — largest in the NHL)
Stanley Cups: 24 (the most in NHL history)
Retired Numbers: Jacques Plante (1), Doug Harvey (2), Emile Bouchard (3), Jean Béliveau (4), Bernie Geoffrion (5), Howie Morenz (7), Maurice Richard (9), Guy Lafleur (10), Dickie Moore (12), Henri Richard & Elmer Lach (16), Serge Savard (18), Larry Robinson (19), Bob Gainey (23), Ken Dryden (29), Patrick Roy (33)
Franchise Scoring Leaders: Points: Guy Lafleur (1,246) | Goals: Maurice Richard (544) | Assists: Guy Lafleur (728)
The Greatest Moment
Picking one greatest moment from 24 Stanley Cups is almost an impossible task. But if you had to choose: the dynasty of the late 1970s, when Montreal won four consecutive Cups from 1976 to 1979 with Ken Dryden in goal, Guy Lafleur on the wing, and Larry Robinson anchoring the blue line. That team was dominant in a way that rarely happens in any sport.
Where the Canadiens Stand in 2025–26
This is the best news in Canadian hockey this season: Montreal is back. After bottoming out following their surprise 2021 Stanley Cup Finals run, the Canadiens’ rebuild has worked faster than almost anyone expected. They’ve surpassed 100 points in 2025–26 and have been one of the NHL’s best stories all season. Cole Caufield is among the league’s top goal scorers, and first overall pick Juraj Slafkovský has started to live up to his draft billing.
The Habs are in the Atlantic Division playoff picture, and for the first time in years, Canadiens fans have something genuine to cheer about heading into the spring.
What Is the History of the Ottawa Senators?
Founded: 1992 (no relation to the original Ottawa Senators of 1917–34)
Arena: Canadian Tire Centre (19,153 capacity)
Stanley Cups: 0
Retired Numbers: Frank Finnigan (8), Daniel Alfredsson (11), Chris Phillips (4)
Franchise Scoring Leaders: Points: Daniel Alfredsson (1,108) | Goals: Daniel Alfredsson (426) | Assists: Daniel Alfredsson (682)
The Greatest Moment
The 2007 Stanley Cup Finals run remains the franchise’s defining moment. Ottawa went all the way before losing to the Anaheim Ducks in five games. They had the pieces — but it just didn’t come together when it mattered most.
A note on history worth knowing: the original Ottawa Senators won 11 Stanley Cups, but that franchise folded in 1934. Today’s Senators organization claims no connection to those championships, and neither does the NHL.
Where the Senators Stand in 2025–26
Ottawa has been one of the biggest stories in the East this season. The Senators are in a wild card spot heading into the final weeks, riding a remarkable 10-2-2 stretch since the Olympic break — and doing it despite a string of significant defensive injuries. Brady Tkachuk is playing like a star, Tim Stützle has emerged as a legitimate top-20 player in the league, and the young core that has been building for years is finally delivering.
If there’s a Canadian team with a real chance to make a deep playoff run in 2026, Ottawa is making a compelling case.
What Is the History of the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Founded: 1917 (as the Arenas, later St. Patricks, then Maple Leafs)
Arena: Scotiabank Arena (18,819 capacity)
Stanley Cups: 13 (last won in 1967)
Retired Numbers: Turk Broda & Johnny Bower (1), Hap Day & Red Kelly (4), Bill Barilko (5), Ace Bailey (6), King Clancy & Tim Horton (7), Charlie Conacher & Ted Kennedy (9), Syl Apps & George Armstrong (10), Mats Sundin (13), Dave Keon (14), Wendel Clark (17), Börje Salming (21), Frank Mahovlich & Darryl Sittler (27), Doug Gilmour (93)
Franchise Scoring Leaders: Points: Mats Sundin (987) | Goals: Mats Sundin (420) | Assists: Börje Salming (620)
The Greatest Moment
Thirteen Stanley Cups is a remarkable achievement — but it all happened before 1967. The 1967 championship, won over the Montreal Canadiens, is the last time the Maple Leafs hoisted the Cup. At that point there were still only 6 teams in the NHL. Since expansion, Toronto has been the league’s most famous underachiever.
Where the Leafs Stand in 2025–26
It has not been a good year in Toronto. The Maple Leafs, who won the Atlantic Division in 2024–25, have been eliminated from playoff contention in 2025–26 — a stunning fall. With fewer than 10 games left in the season, the organization made the jarring move of firing GM Brad Treliving, signaling major changes ahead. Auston Matthews continues to be one of the most talented players in hockey, but questions about the front office’s ability to build a complete team around him will dominate the offseason.
The Stanley Cup drought now stands at 59 years. Every spring, Canada asks the same question. This year, Toronto is not the answer.
What Is the History of the Winnipeg Jets?
Founded: 1999 (as the Atlanta Thrashers); relocated to Winnipeg in 2011
Arena: Canada Life Centre (15,321 capacity)
Stanley Cups: 0
Retired Numbers: None (current franchise)
Franchise Scoring Leaders: Points: Blake Wheeler (799) | Goals: Kyle Connor (254) | Assists: Blake Wheeler (587)
A Note on the Two Jets
The current Winnipeg Jets are not the same organization as the original Jets (1979–1996), who relocated to become the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes. The records and history of those Jets belong entirely to that relocated franchise. The current Jets’ history begins with the Atlanta Thrashers in 1999.
The Greatest Moment
The franchise hasn’t made the Stanley Cup Finals yet, but the 2023–24 Presidents’ Trophy — awarded to the team with the best regular season record in the NHL — gave Jets fans something real to hang onto. Connor Hellebuyck is one of the best goaltenders in the world, which means this team always has a chance on any given night.
Where the Jets Stand in 2025–26
Winnipeg has been in a frustrating spot all season — not quite good enough to be a clear playoff team, not bad enough to earn a high draft pick. They’ve shown flashes, including an 8-3-4 run since the Olympic break that briefly had them in wild card contention. But heading into the final stretch they’re still chasing multiple teams for a single wild card spot in the West. It will likely take a significant offseason rethink to get this franchise to the next level.
What Is the History of the Vancouver Canucks?
Founded: 1970
Arena: Rogers Arena (18,910 capacity)
Stanley Cups: 0
Retired Numbers: Stan Smyl (12), Trevor Linden (16), Markus Näslund (19), Pavel Bure (10), Daniel Sedin (22), Henrik Sedin (33)
Franchise Scoring Leaders: Points: Henrik Sedin (1,070) | Goals: Daniel Sedin (393) | Assists: Henrik Sedin (830)
The Greatest Moment
Three Stanley Cup Finals appearances — and losing Game 7 twice. The 1982 run with Tiger Williams and Richard Brodeur. The 1994 heartbreaker against the New York Rangers. And then 2011, when a young core of Ryan Kesler, the Sedin twins, and Roberto Luongo came tantalizingly close before losing to the Boston Bruins in seven games. The riots that followed in Vancouver remain an unfortunate part of the franchise’s story.
Where the Canucks Stand in 2025–26
It’s been a rough year. The Canucks have been eliminated from playoff contention with one of the worst records in the league. Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson are still there, but the team around them hasn’t been good enough, and the organization faces hard questions about direction this offseason.
Why Haven’t Canadian Teams Won the Stanley Cup Since 1993?
This is the question that haunts every Canadian hockey fan every spring. The Montreal Canadiens won in 1993 — and in the 32+ years since, not a single Canadian franchise has won the Stanley Cup.
It’s not for lack of trying. Edmonton made the Finals in 2025. Ottawa came close in 2007. Calgary pushed to a Game 7 in 2004. Vancouver lost in Game 7 in 2011. The near-misses stack up, but the Cup keeps going south of the border.
Part of the answer is structural: the NHL salary cap, introduced after the 2004–05 lockout, makes it much harder for any team to simply outspend the competition. Part of it is playoff luck. And part of it is just the brutal randomness of a seven-game series.
The drought now stands at 32 years. But with Edmonton and Ottawa in strong playoff positions for 2026, there’s genuine hope that this might finally be the year.
What Canadian NHL Teams No Longer Exist?
Several Canadian franchises have come and gone over the decades:
- Ottawa Senators (1917–1934) — Relocated briefly to St. Louis as the Eagles, then folded. No connection to today’s Senators.
- Quebec Nordiques (1979–1995) — Relocated to become the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 1996, just one year after leaving Quebec City.
- Hamilton Tigers (1920–1925) — Players’ contracts were sold to the New York Americans.
- Winnipeg Jets (1979–1996) — Relocated to become the Phoenix Coyotes, now the Utah Mammoth.
The Quebec Nordiques relocation is still a sore point in Quebec, and discussions about an NHL return to Quebec City surface every few years.
Key Takeaways
- There are 7 Canadian NHL teams: Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, and Winnipeg.
- The Montreal Canadiens have the most Stanley Cup championships in NHL history with 24.
- No Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup since 1993 — a drought that has now stretched over three decades.
- In 2025–26, Edmonton and Ottawa are the Canadian teams with the strongest playoff positions.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t won the Cup since 1967 — the longest active drought of any Canadian franchise.
FAQs
There are 7 Canadian NHL teams: the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Ottawa Senators, and Winnipeg Jets. Montreal and Toronto are the oldest, both founding members of the NHL in 1917. The most recent addition is the Winnipeg Jets, who relocated from Atlanta in 2011.
No Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup since the Montreal Canadiens in 1993 — a drought of over 30 years. The NHL salary cap introduced in 2005 removed the spending advantage larger Canadian markets once had. Playoff luck plays a role too: Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver have all reached the Finals since 1993 but couldn’t close it out.
Four Canadian franchises no longer exist: the original Ottawa Senators (1917–1934), the Quebec Nordiques (1979–1995), the Hamilton Tigers (1920–1925), and the original Winnipeg Jets (1979–1996). The Nordiques relocated to become the Colorado Avalanche and the original Jets became the Phoenix Coyotes, now the Utah Mammoth. The current Ottawa Senators and Winnipeg Jets are separate organizations with no historical connection to those teams.
Last Updated: April 2026
