Rangers still most valuable NHL team, first worth $2 billion; Flyers No. 6

The New York Rangers are the National Hockey League’s most valuable franchise for a seventh consecutive year and the first worth $2 billion, according to the annual list published by business magazine Forbes on Wednesday.

The Rangers have missed the playoffs in three of the last four NHL seasons but their value shot up 21% compared to last year and they are worth more than double the average value of the league’s 32 teams.

The Toronto Maple Leafs ($1.8 billion), Montreal Canadiens ($1.6 billion), Chicago Blackhawks ($1.4 billion), and Boston Bruins ($1.3 billion) rounded out the top five.

Forbes said the average NHL team is now worth $865 million, an increase of 32% from last year that marks the biggest year-over-year rise since the 50% gain in 2013.

The jump in average team value is due in large part to seven-year U.S. media deals with ESPN and Turner that began this season and will pay the NHL an average of $625 million a year, according to Forbes.

The expansion Seattle Kraken, who paid a $650 million fee to enter the NHL, is 13th on the list and valued at $875 million on the back of strong ticket sales in their inaugural season.

The reigning Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning ($650 million) was 20th on the list and the Arizona Coyotes ($400 million) were the lowest-valued team.

NHL team values: 2021-22

1. New York Rangers: $2 billion
2. Toronto Maple Leafs: $1.8 billion
3. Montreal Canadiens: $1.6 billion
4. Chicago Blackhawks: $1.4 billion
5. Boston Bruins: $1.3 billion
6. Philadelphia Flyers: $1.2 billion
7. Edmonton Oilers: $1.1 billion
8. Los Angeles Kings: $1.025 billion
9. Detroit Red Wings: $990 million
10. New York Islanders: $950 million
11. Washington Capitals: $930 million
12. Pittsburgh Penguins: $900 million
13. Seattle Kraken: $875 million
14. Vancouver Canucks: $825 million
15. New Jersey Devils: $775 million
16. Dallas Stars: $720 million
17. Vegas Golden Knights: $710 million
18. Calgary Fames: $680 million
19. Minnesota Wild: $675 million
20. Tampa Bay Lightning: $650 million
21. St. Louis Blues: $640 million
22. Colorado Avalanche: $630 million
23. San Jose Sharks: $625 million
24. Anaheim Ducks: $620 million
25. Nashville Predators: $600 million
26. Winnipeg Jets: $575 million
27. Carolina Hurricanes: $550 million
28. Ottawa Senators: $525 million
29. Buffalo Sabres: $500 million
30. Columbus Blue Jackets: $475 million
31. Florida Panthers: $450 million
32. Arizona Coyotes: $400 million