The Toronto Maple Leafs edged the New York Rangers twice this week after defeating them on the ice at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday and leapfrogging them to the top of a prestigious ranking.
Forbes magazine released its annual list of the financial value of National Hockey League (NHL) teams on Friday, and if the Montreal Canadiens maintain their third-place finish, there are changes at the top. For the first time since 2014, the Ontario organization is at the top. At $2.8 billion, up 40% year-on-year, it is ahead of the Big Apple concessionaire, whose eight-year reign at the top ended. The Blueshirts are worth $2.65 billion.
The value of the Habs, in turn, rose by 24% to $2.3 billion. He is ahead of the Los Angeles Kings ($2 billion) and Boston Bruins ($1.9 billion). The Californian team has made the most progress of all competitors (+54%).
Second half of the rankings
The reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights, are in 18th place with $1.3 billion. As for other Canadian clubs, the Edmonton Oilers are in seventh place ($1.85 billion), above the NHL average of $1.33 billion. The Vancouver Canucks ($1.32 billion), Calgary Flames ($1.1 billion), Ottawa Senators ($950 million) and Winnipeg Jets ($780 million) are at the top Places 12, 19, 24 and 28.
Once again the Arizona Coyotes are in 32nd and last place. Their value fluctuated slightly, increasing from $450 to $500 million. Places 29 to 31 go to the Florida Panthers ($775 million), Columbus Blue Jackets ($765 million) and Buffalo Sabers ($750 million).
According to Forbes, NHL teams have the highest financial value
1- Toronto Maple Leafs, $2.8 billion
2- New York Rangers, $2.65 billion
3- Montreal Canadiens, $2.3 billion
4- Los Angeles Kings, $2 billion
5- Boston Bruins, $1.9 billion
6- Chicago Blackhawks, $1.88 billion
7- Edmonton Oilers, $1.85 billion
8- Philadelphia Flyers, $1.65 billion
9- Washington Capitals, $1.6 billion
10- New York Islanders, $1.55 billion
24- Ottawa Senators, $950 million
32 – Arizona Coyotes, $500 million