The 32 field hockey teams in the NHL (National Hockey League) are divided into two main conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each conference is subdivided into two divisions, making a total of four divisions in the league.
The division into conferences makes it easier to organize game schedules and playoffs. However, to understand how the world’s biggest ice hockey league works, you also need to master this dynamic.
After all, during the regular season, teams play mainly within their own conferences, facing teams from their division more often.
This helps develop regional rivalries and increases competitiveness between teams that are close geographically.
At the end of the regular season, the best teams in each division and the best-performing teams in the conferences advance to the playoffs, culminating in the Stanley Cup between the Eastern Conference champion and the Western Conference champion.
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NHL field hockey teams: learn about the history of all 32!
The NHL (National Hockey League) field hockey teams are:
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- New Jersey Devils
- New York Islanders
- New York Rangers
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Washington Capitals
- Boston Bruins
- Buffalo Sabres
- Detroit Red Wings
- Florida Panthers
- Montreal Canadiens
- Ottawa Senators
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Colorado Avalanche
- Dallas Stars
- Minnesota Wild
- Nashville Predators
- St. Louis Blues
- Winnipeg Jets
- Anaheim Ducks
- Arizona Coyotes
- Calgary Flames
- Edmonton Oilers
- Los Angeles Kings
- San Jose Sharks
- Seattle Kraken
- Vancouver Canucks
- Vegas Golden Knights
In Brazil, field hockey is not yet such a widespread sport, but it is gradually winning the hearts of fans. This movement towards contact with North American sports has a good precedent, with the NFL and American soccer teams.
So if you want to get a head start on what could be the new sensation for Brazilian fans, read on and find out more about field hockey teams.
Eastern Conference Hockey Teams
The Eastern Conference field hockey teams are divided into two divisions: Metropolitan Division and Atlantic Division.
Metropolitan Division
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- New Jersey Devils
- New York Islanders
- New York Rangers
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Washington Capitals
Atlantic Division
- Boston Bruins
- Buffalo Sabres
- Detroit Red Wings
- Florida Panthers
- Montreal Canadiens
- Ottawa Senators
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Toronto Maple Leafs
Below, we’ve put together a handbook with the most important information about each of the NHL field hockey teams, their most remarkable stories and curiosities and, of course, their titles.
Carolina Hurricanes
- Conference titles: 2 (2002 and 2006)
- Stanley Cup titles: 1 (2006)
- Greatest Players: Ron Francis, Eric Staal and Rod Brind’Amour
The Hurricanes were originally the Hartford Whalers before moving to North Carolina in 1997. They won their first and only Stanley Cup title in the 2005/2006 season.
Even with few titles, the Carolina Hurricanes have had a strong presence in the playoffs in recent years.
They continue to stand out for their solid defense and talented young players, maintaining a solid fan base in North Carolina.
Columbus Blue Jackets
- Conference titles: 0
- Stanley Cup titles: 0
- Greatest Players: Rick Nash, Sergei Bobrovsky, Nick Foligno
The Blue Jackets only entered the NHL in 2000, and at almost 25 years old, they are still in search of their fan base and have earned the love of the fans in Columbus, Ohio.
The team is looking for its first significant title since its founding, but is facing challenges recently, with an ongoing need to rebuild and develop young talent to compete in the Metropolitan division.
Read also: How to bet on ice hockey at Betano? Complete manual for beginners
New Jersey Devils
- Conference titles: 5 (1995, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2012)
- Stanley Cup titles: 3 (1995, 2000, 2003)
- Greatest Players: Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer
The Devils were originally the Kansas City Scouts before moving to New Jersey in 1982.
They are known for their defensive style, which directly contributes to their winning three Stanley Cup titles in a nine-year period.
New York Islanders
- Conference titles: 7 (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 2021)
- Stanley Cup titles: 4 (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983)
- Greatest Players: Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin, Bryan Trottier
The Islanders dominated the NHL in the 1980s, especially from 1980 to 1983, winning four consecutive Stanley Cups as well as conference titles.
However, from the second half of the 1980s the team stopped winning championships, something that only happened again in 2021, when they won the conference.
New York Rangers
- Conference titles: 4 (1972, 1979, 1994, 2014)
- Stanley Cup titles: 4 (1928, 1933, 1940, 1994)
- Greatest Players: Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Henrik Lundqvist
The Rangers are among the NHL’s original field hockey teams and have a rich history, including winning the Stanley Cup in 1994 after a 54-year wait.
It is one of the strongest brands in the United States, with a large fan base that fills the legendary Madison Square Garden in Manhattan.
Philadelphia Flyers
- Conference titles: 8 (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1980, 1985, 1987, 1997)
- Stanley Cup titles: 2 (1974 and 1975)
- Greatest Players: Bobby Clarke, Bernie Parent, Eric Lindros
The Philadelphia Flyers are an iconic NHL franchise, founded in 1967 as part of the NHL’s first expansion.
The team quickly gained recognition for its aggressive style of play, which quickly became a trademark of the franchise, and for its two Stanley Cup titles, won in 1974 and 1975, just eight years after its formation.
Pittsburgh Penguins
- Conference titles: 6 (1991, 1992, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017)
- Stanley Cup titles: 5 (1991, 1992, 2009, 2016, 2017)
- Greatest Players: Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, Jaromir Jagr
The Penguins entered the NHL in 1967 and became a powerhouse with the arrival of Mario Lemieux in the 1980s. Sidney Crosby led the team to their Stanley Cup titles in 2000 and 2010.
Washington Capitals
- Conference titles: 3 (1998, 2018, 2021)
- Stanley Cup titles: 1 (2018)
- Greatest Players: Alex Ovechkin, Peter Bondra, Rod Langway
The Capitals, founded in 1974, won their first, and only, Stanley Cup title in 2018, led by Alex Ovechkin, a three-time winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy as the best player of the season, and seven-time winner of the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s top scorer and one of the best field hockey players of all time, who is still playing.
Boston Bruins
- Conference titles: 20 (1927, 1929, 1930, 1939, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1957, 1958, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1988, 1990, 2011, 2013, 2019 and 2022)
- Stanley Cup titles: 6 (1929, 1939, 1941, 1970, 1972 3 2011)
- Greatest Players: Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, Cam Neely
The Bruins are one of the field hockey teams with the most tradition and victories, both in the conferences, where they have won an impressive 20 seasons, and in the Stanley Cup, with 6 titles.
They are one of the oldest teams in the NHL and were particularly prominent in the 1970s and 2010s.
As their leader, the team had Bobby Orr, a legend of the sport, who was in competition between the 1962 and 1979 seasons, and played for the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Black Hawks.
Buffalo Sabres
- Conference titles: 0
- Stanley Cup titles: 0
- Greatest Players: Gilbert Perreault, Dominik Hasek, Pat LaFontaine
The Sabres entered the NHL in 1970 and have had competitive periods over the years, but are still looking for their first significant title.
Detroit Red Wings
- Conference titles: 7 (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2008, 2009)
- Stanley Cup titles: 11 (1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2008)
- Greatest Players: Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom
The Red Wings are one of the NHL’s most successful franchises, known for their “Russian Machine” in the 1950s, when they won four of the 11 Stanley Cups.
However, success didn’t stay in the past, and they kept on winning in the 2008s. However, it’s been two decades since the team last won the Stanley Cup and the conferences.
Florida Panthers
- Conference titles: 1 (1996)
- Stanley Cup titles: 0
- Greatest Players: Pavel Bure, Roberto Luongo, John Vanbiesbrouck
The Panthers entered the NHL in 1993 and reached the Stanley Cup final in only their third year of existence, when they were runners-up. Since then, they’ve been looking for their first championship title.
Montreal Canadiens
- Conference titles: 11 (1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1965)
- Stanley Cup titles: 24 (1916, 1924, 1930, 1931, 1944, 1946, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1986, 1993)
- Greatest Players: Maurice Richard, Jean Béliveau, Guy Lafleur
The Canadiens are the winningest team in NHL history, with 24 Stanley Cup titles! However, it’s been 30 years since their last victory.
That doesn’t stop their passionate fans from fanatically following and cheering on the team.
Ottawa Senators
- Conference titles: 0
- Stanley Cup titles: 11 (1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1920, 1921, 1923, 1927)
- Greatest Players: Erik Karlsson, Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza
The Senators have a rich history, but have faced significant challenges in the modern era of the NHL since their overhaul in 1992. Even with 11 Stanley Cup titles, the last time that happened was in 1927, almost 100 years ago!
Tampa Bay Lightning
- Conference titles: 3 (2004, 2015, 2021)
- Stanley Cup titles: 3 (2004, 2020, 2021)
- Greatest Players: Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman
The Lightning were founded in 1992 and won their first Stanley Cup title in 2004. They have become one of the best field hockey teams today, being a real powerhouse in the NHL and winning two consecutive titles in 2020 and 2021.
Toronto Maple Leafs
- Conference titles: 9 (1932, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1959, 1960, 1963, 2022)
- Stanley Cup titles: 13 (1918, 1922, 1932, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967)
- Greatest Players: Mats Sundin, Darryl Sittler, Doug Gilmour
The Maple Leafs are one of the oldest teams in the NHL and have a huge fan base in Toronto. They last won the Stanley Cup in 1967 and are looking to break a long title drought.
Read also: Hockey glossary: powerplay, stickhanding, penalty kill and more
NHL field hockey teams in the Western Conference
Central Division
- Arizona Coyotes
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Colorado Avalanche
- Dallas Stars
- Minnesota Wild
- Nashville Predators
- St. Louis Blues
- Winnipeg Jets
Pacific Division
- Anaheim Ducks
- Calgary Flames
- Edmonton Oilers
- Los Angeles Kings
- San Jose Sharks
- Seattle Kraken
- Vancouver Canucks
- Vegas Golden Knights
Here is a summary of the stories, achievements, outstanding players and curiosities about the teams of the NHL’s Western Conference:
Arizona Coyotes
- Conference titles: 0
- Stanley Cup titles: 0
- Greatest Players: Shane Doan, Keith Tkachuk, Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Founded as the Winnipeg Jets in 1972, they moved to Phoenix in 1996. The Coyotes have faced financial challenges, but maintain a loyal fan base in Arizona.
Chicago Blackhawks
- Conference titles: 3 (1971, 1992, 2010)
- Stanley Cup titles: 6 (1934, 1938, 1961, 2010, 2013, 2015)
- Greatest Players: Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Jonathan Toews
The Blackhawks have a rich history, known for periods of success and strong support from the city of Chicago.
Colorado Avalanche
- Conference titles: 2 (1996, 2001)
- Stanley Cup titles: 2 (1996, 2001)
- Greatest Players: Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Patrick Roy
The Colorado Avalanche are another of the field hockey teams that have changed cities, having started out as the Quebec Nordiques before moving to Denver in 1995. The Avalanche won two Stanley Cup titles in their first years in Denver, but have suffered from a lack of titles in recent years!
Dallas Stars
- Conference titles: 2 (1999, 2000)
- Stanley Cup titles: 1 (1999)
- Greatest Players: Mike Modano, Brett Hull, Ed Belfour
Originally Minnesota North Stars, they moved to Dallas in 1993. The Stars won the Stanley Cup in 1999 and continue to be a competitive force, even with few titles to their name.
Minnesota Wild
- Conference titles: 0
- Stanley Cup titles: 0
- Greatest Players: Mikko Koivu, Zach Parise, Marian Gaborik
Founded in 2000 as an NHL expansion, the Wild have a defensive style of play and are looking to consolidate their place in the league.
Nashville Predators
- Conference titles: 1 (2017)
- Stanley Cup titles: 0
- Greatest Players: Shea Weber, Pekka Rinne, Filip Forsberg
They entered the NHL in 1998 and have grown into a force in the Western Conference, with a strong fan base in Nashville.
St. Louis Blues
- Conference titles: 4 (1968, 1969, 1970, 2019)
- Stanley Cup titles: 1 (2019)
- Greatest Players: Brett Hull, Bernie Federko, Al MacInnis
The St. Louis Blues were known for their long quest for their first Stanley Cup title, which came in 2019 after decades of playoff appearances.
Winnipeg Jets
- Conference titles: 0 (current franchise)
- Stanley Cup titles: 0
- Greatest Players: Teemu Selanne, Dale Hawerchuk, Blake Wheeler
The current Jets were founded in 2011 after the Thrashers moved from Atlanta. They are building their identity in Winnipeg.
Anaheim Ducks
- Conference titles: 3 (2003, 2007, 2017)
- Stanley Cup titles: 1 (2007)
- Greatest Players: Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya, Ryan Getzlaf
Originally the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, they won the Stanley Cup in 2007 and continue to be a force in the Western Conference.
Calgary Flames
- Conference titles: 3 (1986, 1989, 2004)
- Stanley Cup titles: 1 (1989)
- Greatest Players: Jarome Iginla, Lanny McDonald, Miikka Kiprusoff
They are among the NHL’s original field hockey teams, with a strong presence in Calgary, but they haven’t won the Stanley Cup in over 35 years.
Edmonton Oilers
- Conference titles: 7 (1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990)
- Stanley Cup titles: 5 (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990)
- Greatest Players: Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Connor McDavid
Known as the “Gretzky Era”, they dominated the NHL in the 1980s. And even with their decline in performance, they remain a top team in the league.
Los Angeles Kings
- Conference titles: 3 (1993, 2012, 2014)
- Stanley Cup titles: 2 (2012, 2014)
- Greatest Players: Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, Drew Doughty
Popular in Los Angeles, they won the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014.
The Kings were founded in 1967 as one of the NHL’s six expansion teams that year. In the early years, the team faced challenges and failed to achieve immediate success. However, in the 1992-1993 season, led by Wayne Gretzky, the Kings advanced to the Stanley Cup finals, losing to the Montreal Canadiens.
The Kings’ big moment came in 2012, when they won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Under coach Darryl Sutter, they beat the New Jersey Devils in the final in six games.
Two years later, in 2014, the Kings repeated the feat, winning the Stanley Cup again. This time, they faced the New York Rangers
San Jose Sharks
- Conference titles: 1 (2016)
- Stanley Cup titles: 0
- Greatest Players: Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Brent Burns
They entered the NHL in 1991, known for their competitive presence in the Western Conference.
In their second season, 1993/1994, they reached the playoffs for the first time, signaling a promising start for the young franchise. They advanced to the Western Conference finals in 2004, but were defeated by the Calgary Flames.
The most remarkable moment in the Sharks’ history came in the 2015/2016 season, when they won their first Western Conference title by beating the St. Louis Blues. Unfortunately, in the Stanley Cup final, they were beaten by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Seattle Kraken
- Conference titles: 0 (new franchise in 2021)
- Stanley Cup titles: 0
- Major Players: The franchise is in the process of building its identity.
The Seattle Kraken is the NHL’s newest team, debuting in the 2021-2022 season as the first expansion franchise since the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017.
The team represents the city of Seattle, Washington, and was announced as the league’s 32nd team in December 2018.
The name “Kraken” was chosen in honor of the maritime legend of a giant sea monster that “inhabits” the waters of the North Pacific.
Vancouver Canucks
- Conference titles: 3 (1982, 1994, 2011)
- Stanley Cup titles: 0
- Greatest Players: Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Pavel Bure
Known for their passionate fan base in Vancouver, they have reached the Stanley Cup finals three times, but won none of them.
Despite not winning the Stanley Cup so far, the Canucks remain a vibrant and important part of Vancouver’s and the NHL’s sporting culture, with a loyal fan base that supports the team through its ups and downs over the years.
Vegas Golden Knights
- Conference titles: 2 (2018, 2022)
- Stanley Cup titles: 0
- Greatest Players: Marc-André Fleury, William Karlsson, Mark Stone
The Vegas Golden Knights surprised the league by reaching the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season. Even though the team didn’t win, it set a record in the history of the sport.
Since their inaugural season, the Golden Knights have been a constant presence in the playoffs, reaching the conference finals on multiple occasions. They won the Western Conference title in 2022, demonstrating consistency and competitiveness.
These are the 32 field hockey teams that make up the NHL this season, divided into four divisions within the two main conferences. Each team represents a specific city or region and competes throughout the regular season and in the playoffs for the Stanley Cup, the NHL’s ultimate trophy. Do you know who to support?
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