If you're a hockey fan or just getting into the NHL, you’ve probably heard a lot about the Stanley Cup—it’s the biggest prize in the league and has been around for over a century. Some teams have a long history of winning it, while others are still chasing their first big win. If you’re curious about which teams have come out on top the most, here’s a simple look at the NHL’s most successful franchises based on Stanley Cup championships. (Stats are current as of nhldb.com.)
1. Montreal Canadiens – 24 Championships
No surprise here. The Canadiens are by far the most successful team in NHL history. They haven’t won since 1993, but their long list of titles mostly came during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
2. Toronto Maple Leafs – 13 Championships
The Leafs have a proud history, but it’s been a long wait since their last Cup back in 1967. Still, their past success keeps them high on the list.
3. Detroit Red Wings – 11 Championships
Often called the most successful American-based team, the Red Wings had strong runs in the late 1990s and early 2000s that helped them climb this list.
4. Boston Bruins – 6 Championships
The Bruins are one of the NHL’s oldest teams. They’ve won Cups in multiple eras, with their most recent win in 2011.
5. Chicago Blackhawks – 6 Championships
After a long drought, the Blackhawks came back strong with three titles between 2010 and 2015.
6. Edmonton Oilers – 5 Championships
The Oilers were nearly unstoppable in the 1980s, thanks to the great Wayne Gretzky and a powerful team behind him.
7. Pittsburgh Penguins – 5 Championships
Led by stars like Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby, the Penguins have had their own periods of dominance, especially in the 1990s and 2010s.
8. New York Islanders – 4 Championships
The Islanders won all four of their Cups in a row from 1980 to 1983—a dynasty that’s still remembered today.
9. New York Rangers – 4 Championships
Though they’ve been around for a long time, the Rangers haven’t won many Cups. Their most recent was in 1994.
10. New Jersey Devils – 3 Championships
The Devils found success in the late 1990s and early 2000s with strong defense and great goaltending.
Whether your team’s on this list or still trying to get there, the Stanley Cup always brings excitement and a chance for new stories each season.