Determining the 10 NHL teams, in history poses a task considering various factors like Stanley Cup wins, overall success rate, sustained excellence, and player talent. Here is a subjective ranking based on opinion up to the year 2024:
- Montreal Canadiens (1950s-1970s): Renowned for their 24 Stanley Cup triumphs, the Canadiens’s dominance during the 1950s to the 1970s era with players like Jean Beliveau, Maurice “Rocket” Richard, and Guy Lafleur stands out.
- Edmonton Oilers (1980s): The Oiler’s reign in the 1980s showcased hockey legends such as Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Jari Kurri leading them to five Stanley Cup victories from 1984 to 1990.
- New York Islanders (1980s): With four consecutive Stanley Cup wins from 1980 to 1983 the Islanders achieved a feat spearheaded by talents like Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, and Denis Potvin.
- Detroit Red Wings (1990s-2000s): The Red Wings successful period, in the late ’90s and early ’00s saw them clinching four Stanley Cups. Teams, like the ones including Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Sergei Fedorov were notable for their talent.
- Pittsburgh Penguins (1990s and 2010s): During the 1990s and 2010s the Pittsburgh Penguins clinched Stanley Cups twice. Firstly in the 1990s with Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr again in 2016 and 2017 led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
- Boston Bruins (1970s): In the 1970s the Boston Bruins, with stars like Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito had a successful run winning two Stanley Cups.
- Chicago Blackhawks (2010s): The Chicago Blackhawks had a resurgence in the 2010s by capturing three Stanley Cups within six years (2010, 2013, and 2015) thanks to players like Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Duncan Keith.
- Toronto Maple Leafs (1940s-1960s): Although the Toronto Maple Leafs have not claimed a Stanley Cup since 1967 their dominance from the 1940s to the 1960s resulted in championships.
- Philadelphia Flyers (1970s): The Philadelphia Flyers of the 1970s known as “Broad Street Bullies” secured Stanley Cup victories in both 1974 and 1975 while establishing themselves as one of that eras formidable teams.
- New Jersey Devils (1990s-2000s): In the late ’90s, to early ’00s era, New Jersey Devils’ success was driven by their strategy which led them to win three Stanley Cups. Some of the figures were Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, and Scott Niedermayer.
It’s worth noting that this lineup might have shifted after this year and a different approach or focus on elements could lead to a revised ranking.