How the NHL Built Itself: A Century of Expansion and Reinvention

The NHL's footprint across North America didn't happen by accident - it's the result of calculated risks, bold relocations, and strategic expansion that fundamentally reshaped professional hockey. From the league's earliest days to its modern era, each move tells a story about where hockey was headed and what markets were ready to embrace the sport. Understanding this history reveals why certain franchises thrive in unexpected places while others struggle in traditional hockey strongholds.