Who will be the richest NHL team by 2025?
Anthony Scultore
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The NHL as a league has been dealing with financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic that cut the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons short. Playoff teams lost more revenue playing in the bubble in 2020 and limited attendance in 2021. Those games are house money for every franchise since all players’ salaries are paid before they start.
While some teams struggled, many of the already profitable ones did fine. Looking ahead, Bookies.com analyzed data from all teams to forecast their financial futures. Here’s whom they project to be the richest franchises by 2025.
NHL’s Richest Teams by 2025
Based on their analysis, Bookies.com projects the Montreal Canadiens will be the richest team by revenue in 2025 with $327 million per year. They are followed closely by the New York Rangers who are projected to be the top U.S. based team at $325 million earned per year.
The Bruins ($296M), Maple Leafs ($295M) and Blackhawks ($285M) round out the top five. All are Original Six franchises. Meanwhile the Detroit Red Wings come in at 12th ($233M).
Due to limited financial data the Vegas Golden Knights came in last with just $89M in projected revenue for 2025. The Seattle Kraken did not qualify for this analysis.
Oddly enough, the New York Islanders despite a brand new arena are projected to come in 23rd at $170M. That’s behind the New Jersey Devils who came in at 11 with $241M and the hapless Buffalo Sabres ranking 21st with $178M.
Finally, the defending Stanley Cup Champion, Tampa Bay Lightning are in at 16 with $208M and the Colorado Avalanche come in at 22 with $172M. The Avs are oddsmakers favorite to win the Cup in 2022.
