The Montreal Canadiens, also known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. They compete in the NHL as part of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. Since 1996, the Canadiens have played their home games at the Bell Centre. Founded in 1909, they are the oldest continuously operating professional ice hockey team and one of the 'Original Six' teams that made up the NHL from 1942 to 1967.
The Canadiens are the most successful NHL team, having won the Stanley Cup 24 times. They are the only NHL team that predates the league itself and have been champions 22 times since NHL teams became the sole competitors for the Stanley Cup in 1927. Their last championship came in 1993, marking the most recent win by a Canadian team.
Who is the owner of the Montreal Canadiens?
Geoff Molson owns the Montreal Canadiens. Molson purchased the team along with the Bell Centre in 2009 from George Gillett Jr. for approximately $575 million. The Molson family has a long history with the Canadiens, having previously owned the team from 1957 to 1971 and again in 1978 through Molson Breweries. Under Molson's ownership, the value of the Canadiens has grown significantly, with Forbes estimating the team's worth at $1.85 billion, as of 2024.
Geoff Molson is the owner, president, and CEO of Groupe CH, which owns the Montreal Canadiens, the Bell Centre, and Evenko, an entertainment division. A lifelong Canadiens fan, he grew up in Montreal, where Molson Brewery, his family’s business, previously owned the team. Geoff holds a bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University and an MBA from Babson College.
After gaining experience at Coca-Cola and consulting, he returned to Molson Brewery, holding key leadership roles. In 2009, he led a group to acquire the Canadiens, continuing the Molson family’s long connection with the team. Molson was appointed a Knight of the Order of Canada and the National Order of Quebec.
What Conference are the Canadiens in?
The Montreal Canadiens are in the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). Specifically, they are part of the Atlantic Division within the conference.
The Montreal Canadiens have won many team trophies over the years. They have claimed the Stanley Cup 24 times, with the most recent win in 1993. They also won the O'Brien Trophy twice in the NHA era and several times in the NHL era. The Canadiens have earned the Prince of Wales Trophy multiple times for playoff and regular season championships. In 2021, they won the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl as the NHL semifinal champions.
FAQs on Montreal Canadiens
A. The Montreal Canadiens were founded in 1909.
A. The Montreal Canadiens have won a record 24 Stanley Cups, the most in NHL history.
A. The Montreal Canadiens are part of the Eastern Conference.
A. Montreal Canadiens plays home games at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.
A. The current captain of the Montreal Canadiens is Nick Suzuki.
