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
New York Rangers: $2 billion
Toronto Maple Leafs: $1.8 billion
Montreal Canadiens: $1.6 billion
Chicago Blackhawks: $1.4 billion
Boston Bruins: $1.3 billion
Philadelphia Flyers: $1.2 billion
Edmonton Oilers: $1.1 billion
Los Angeles Kings: $1.025 billion
Detroit Red Wings: $990 million
New York Islanders: $950 million
Washington Capitals: $930 million
Pittsburgh Penguins: $900 million
Seattle Kraken: $875 million
Vancouver Canucks: $825 million
New Jersey Devils: $775 million
Dallas Stars: $720 million
Vegas Golden Knights: $710 million
Calgary Fames: $680 million
Minnesota Wild: $675 million
Tampa Bay Lightning: $650 million
St. Louis Blues: $640 million
Colorado Avalanche: $630 million
San Jose Sharks: $625 million
Anaheim Ducks: $620 million
Nashville Predators: $600 million
Winnipeg Jets: $575 million
Carolina Hurricanes: $550 million
Ottawa Senators: $525 million
Buffalo Sabres: $500 million
Columbus Blue Jackets: $475 million
Florida Panthers: $450 million
Arizona Coyotes: $400 million
