NHL History: Who are the 'Original Six' NHL teams?

The NHL is one of the world's most-watched sports leagues. Before its first season in 1917, the league was referred to as the National Hockey Association (NHA).

Initially, no one was aware of the NHL, founded by the separation of four clubs from the NHA because of a disagreement with Eddie Livingstone, the NHA's fifth member at the time.

The Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Arenas were the first four clubs in the NHL to compete against one another throughout the league's early years.

As the league entered its seventh year of operation, it welcomed two new clubs: the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Maroons. These teams were the first to join the league after it had already existed for seven years. Despite this, these teams are not considered the same as those often referred to as "The Original Six."

Following the passage of 25 years since its inception, the NHL saw the addition of new clubs to the league and the departure of others. However, 25 years after the league was founded, in 1942, the term "The Original Six" began to be used more often.

This was because the six clubs competing in the league at the time continued to be a part of the NHL ever since. This article will look at "The Original Six" in the National Hockey League.

Ranking the NHL's six oldest clubs

#1. Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens v Nashville Predators

The Montreal Canadiens are the league's oldest franchise. The club was established in 1909 and has been a member of the NHL since 1917. Besides being the oldest franchise in the league, the Montreal Canadiens have won 24 Stanley Cups, making them the most successful team in the league.

#2. Toronto Maple Leafs

New York Rangers v Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs, originally known as the Toronto Arenas, have been part of the league since 1917 and adopted their current moniker in 1926. The franchise is the second oldest in the league and one of the most successful, having won the Stanley Cup 13 times.

#3. Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins are the league's third-oldest team, having joined in 1924. The Bruins' distinctive brown and yellow jerseys have been a part of their six Stanley Cup victories.

#4. Detroit Red Wings

Formally known as the Detroit Cougars in 1926, the club was renamed the Detroit Red Wings in 1932 and is the league's fourth-oldest team. The franchise has been part of 11 Stanley Cup victories.

#5. Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks v Philadelphia Flyers

The team, founded in 1926 as the Chicago Black Hawks, is the fifth oldest in the league. It was renamed the Blackhawks in 1986. The team has won the Stanley Cup six times.

#6. New York Rangers

The New York Rangers, the sixth-oldest team in the NHL, joined the league in 1926. They have had four Stanley Cup wins since their inception in the league in 1926.