Out of the 31 teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), it’s hard to pick the Top 5 franchises in league history. Every team has had talented players on their teams and have made league history. After going through all 31 teams, I’ve narrowed the Top 5 down.

5. Chicago Blackhawks. The Chicago Blackhawks, founded in 1926, have won the Stanley Cup 6 times. Dominating the early 2000s, with their star player Patrick Kane, and Captain Jonathan Toews. Combining for 3 Stanley Cup championships in the past decade, the Blackhawks clearly have had great players on their team. Honorable mentions are Tony Esposito, Bobby Hull, Denis Savard, and Paul Coffey. The Chicago Blackhawks are a great franchise.

4. Detroit Red Wings. The Detroit Red Wings, founded in 1926, have won the Stanley Cup 11 times. The Red Wings dominated the 1950s and from 1980- 2008. During that time span, the Red Wings won four Stanley Cups. Tons of talented players have gone through the Red Wings such as “Mr. Hockey” Gordie Howe, one of the greatest hockey players in history. The Red Wings have had tons of players who have played on the team in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Red Wings are an amazing franchise, earning spot #4.

3. Boston Bruins. As the first American NHL team founded in 1924, the Boston Bruins have won the Stanley Cup 6 times. With amazing players that have played for the Bruins, and with an amazing die-hard fan base, the Boston Bruins are one of the most well known, loved, and hated teams in the NHL.  The Bruins have one of the world’s most hated rivalries with the Montreal Canadiens.  The Bruins were known for their National Anthem performer, Rene Rancourt. The Bruins are an unbelievable franchise.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs. The Toronto Maple Leafs, founded in 1917, won the Stanley Cup 13 times. Second most in NHL history. Dominating the NHL from the 1940s to the early 1960s, winning their last championship in 1964. The Maple Leafs have had many great players play for their franchise. Players like Tim Horton, Mats Sundin, Johnny Bower, and Frank Mahovlich. With a passionate fan base, the Toronto Maple Leafs earn the #2 team.

1. Montreal Canadiens. The Montreal Canadiens, founded in 1909, took home the most Stanley Cups in NHL history. An amazing 24 championship franchise, with 1 Pre-NHL championship. The Montreal Canadiens have retired the most numbers in NHL history with 14. The Canadiens have 66 Hall of Fame players in their franchise, which is the most that any team has had inducted. One of the most hated franchises in the league, the Canadiens have a huge and awful rivalry with the Boston Bruins. No doubt, the Canadiens best franchise in NHL history.