If you enjoy NHL Hockey, most likely you know they have their team names. Did you ever wonder where they came up with these?
THE NICKNAMES OF NHL TEAMS OFTEN HAVE FASCINATING ORIGINS, ROOTED IN LOCAL HISTORY, CULTURE, GEOGRAPHY, OR EVEN OWNERSHIP PREFERENCES. HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF THE ORIGINS AND HISTORY BEHIND THE CURRENT NHL TEAM NICKNAMES, GROUPED BY DIVISION:
🟦 EASTERN CONFERENCE
ATLANTIC DIVISION
Boston Bruins (1924)
“Bruin” is an old English term for a bear, taken from medieval tales.
Chosen by owner Charles Adams to reflect strength and toughness, matching the team’s brown and yellow grocery store brand colors.
Buffalo Sabres (1970)
A naming contest was held; “Sabres” was chosen to reflect a weapon symbolizing leadership and defense.
Detroit Red Wings (1932)
Originally the “Cougars” and then “Falcons.”
Owner James Norris renamed them after the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association’s “Winged Wheelers,” paying homage to Detroit’s automotive industry and Norris’s playing past.
Florida Panthers (1993)
Named for the endangered Florida panther, native to the state, to highlight conservation efforts and state pride.
Montreal Canadiens (1917)
Officially “Club de Hockey Canadien.”
Nickname “Habs” comes from “Les Habitants,” early French settlers in Quebec. It was popularized by a misinterpretation from a sportswriter in the 1920s.
Ottawa Senators (1992; original 1917–1934)
Revived in 1992 as a tribute to the original Senators, a dominant team in early NHL history.
The name reflects Ottawa’s political role as Canada’s capital.
Tampa Bay Lightning (1992)
Inspired by Tampa’s frequent thunderstorms.
Chosen by owner Phil Esposito to represent speed and power.
Toronto Maple Leafs (1917)
Originally the Arenas and then St. Patricks.
Renamed in 1927 by Conn Smythe to honor the Maple Leaf Regiment of WWI; the leaf is a strong Canadian symbol.
METROPOLITAN DIVISION
Carolina Hurricanes (1997)
The Hartford Whalers relocated to North Carolina.
“Hurricanes” was chosen for the region’s exposure to tropical storms.
Columbus Blue Jackets (2000)
Named to honor Ohio’s Civil War history.
“Blue Jackets” refers to Union Army uniforms and local patriotism.
New Jersey Devils (1982)
A naming contest led to “Devils,” referencing the Jersey Devil, a local legend from the Pine Barrens.
New York Islanders (1972)
Straightforward: refers to the team’s location on Long Island.
New York Rangers (1926)
Owner Tex Rickard was nicknamed “Tex’s Rangers” by the press, playing off the Texas Rangers and the owner’s name.
Philadelphia Flyers (1967)
Chosen through a name-the-team contest.
“Flyers” was picked for its speed and alliteration.
Pittsburgh Penguins (1967)
Another contest winner.
Penguins tied into the icy theme, and their original arena was nicknamed “The Igloo.”
Washington Capitals (1974)
A direct nod to Washington, D.C., as the U.S. capital.
🟥 WESTERN CONFERENCE
CENTRAL DIVISION
Arizona Coyotes (1996; renamed from Phoenix in 2014)
Originally the Winnipeg Jets.
Chose “Coyotes” through a fan vote; native to the Arizona desert.
Chicago Blackhawks (1926)
Named by owner Frederic McLaughlin after the 86th Infantry Division he served in during WWI—nicknamed the “Blackhawk Division,” itself honoring a Native American leader.
Colorado Avalanche (1995)
Moved from Quebec as the Nordiques.
“Avalanche” symbolizes power and the Rocky Mountain environment.
Dallas Stars (1993)
Relocated from Minnesota (North Stars).
Dropped “North” but kept “Stars,” a nod to Texas as the “Lone Star State.”
Minnesota Wild (2000)
Chosen after a name-the-team contest.
Reflects the untamed nature of the northern wilderness.
Nashville Predators (1998)
A saber-toothed cat fossil found in downtown Nashville inspired the name.
St. Louis Blues (1967)
Named for W.C. Handy’s classic song “St. Louis Blues.”
Reflects the city’s deep music roots.
Winnipeg Jets (2011)
The original Jets moved to Phoenix in 1996.
The name was revived in honor of the original franchise and reflects Winnipeg’s connection to aviation and the nearby RCAF base.
PACIFIC DIVISION
Anaheim Ducks (1993)
Originally the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, named after the Disney movie.
Dropped “Mighty” in 2006 after Disney sold the team.
Calgary Flames (1980)
Moved from Atlanta.
“Flames” was originally tied to Atlanta’s Civil War history (burning of the city).
Retained the name post-relocation.
Edmonton Oilers (1972)
Reflects Alberta’s oil industry.
Originally part of the WHA before joining the NHL in 1979.
Los Angeles Kings (1967)
Owner Jack Kent Cooke chose “Kings” to suggest royalty and glamour fitting for L.A.
San Jose Sharks (1991)
A fan contest chose “Sharks,” fitting for the Pacific Ocean and the many shark species off California.
Seattle Kraken (2021)
Named for the mythical sea monster.
Emphasizes Seattle’s maritime culture and mystery.
Vancouver Canucks (1970)
“Canuck” is a slang term for a Canadian.
Reflects Canadian identity; their original WHL logo featured Johnny Canuck, a Canadian folk hero.
Vegas Golden Knights (2017)
Owner Bill Foley, a West Point graduate, chose “Golden Knights” to embody valor and excellence.
Also ties into Nevada’s nickname as the “Silver State”—gold was a related twist.
AS OF THE 2024–2025 SEASON, THE NHL (NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE) HAS:
32 TEAMS TOTAL
The league is structured into 2 conferences, and each conference contains 2 divisions, with 8 teams per division.
EASTERN CONFERENCE (16 TEAMS)
ATLANTIC DIVISION
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Detroit Red Wings
Florida Panthers
Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa Senators
Tampa Bay Lightning
Toronto Maple Leafs
METROPOLITAN DIVISION
Carolina Hurricanes
Columbus Blue Jackets
New Jersey Devils
New York Islanders
New York Rangers
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins
Washington Capitals
WESTERN CONFERENCE (16 TEAMS)
CENTRAL DIVISION
Arizona Coyotes
Chicago Blackhawks
Colorado Avalanche
Dallas Stars
Minnesota Wild
Nashville Predators
St. Louis Blues
Winnipeg Jets
PACIFIC DIVISION
Anaheim Ducks
Calgary Flames
Edmonton Oilers
Los Angeles Kings
San Jose Sharks
Seattle Kraken
Vancouver Canucks
Vegas Golden Knights
HERE ARE SEVERAL INTERESTING AND LESSER-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT NHL TEAM NICKNAMES THAT CAN HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE LEAGUE’S IDENTITY, TRADITIONS, AND THE DEEPER CULTURE BEHIND THE TEAMS:
SOME NICKNAMES ARE OLDER THAN THE NHL ITSELF
The Montreal Canadiens were founded in 1909—eight years before the NHL began.
Their nickname, “Habs”, is derived from “Les Habitants,” referring to early French settlers in Quebec. This nickname is often misunderstood, but it has become one of the most iconic in all of hockey.
MANY NAMES REFLECT LOCAL IDENTITY AND HISTORY
The St. Louis Blues are named after the famous W.C. Handy song, which connects directly to the city’s deep jazz and blues music heritage.
The Edmonton Oilers highlight Alberta’s role in Canada’s oil industry.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a tribute to Ohio’s Civil War history and the Union Army.
NAMING CONTESTS WERE A COMMON THEME
Several team names were chosen through fan contests, including:
Buffalo Sabres
Pittsburgh Penguins
San Jose Sharks
Minnesota Wild
New Jersey Devils
These contests helped build local excitement and gave fans a sense of ownership in the team from the start.
SOME NICKNAMES WERE RETAINED AFTER RELOCATION
Calgary Flames kept the “Flames” name after moving from Atlanta, where it originally referenced the burning of the city during the Civil War.
Dallas Stars retained “Stars” after moving from Minnesota, where the team was originally the “North Stars.”
A FEW NAMES ARE DIRECTLY TIED TO OWNERSHIP
The New York Rangers were humorously dubbed “Tex’s Rangers” after owner Tex Rickard, a name that stuck.
The Vegas Golden Knights were named by owner Bill Foley, a West Point graduate who wanted a name that reflected military values and excellence.
THE SHARKS NAME WAS ALMOST SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY
Before settling on “Sharks,” San Jose’s ownership considered names like the Blades, Screaming Squids, and Rubber Puckies.
“Sharks” won a fan vote and was seen as fitting, given California’s coastal waters are home to many shark species.
THE DUCKS WERE ONCE NAMED AFTER A MOVIE
The Anaheim Ducks were originally the “Mighty Ducks of Anaheim,” named after the Disney movie The Mighty Ducks (1992).
Disney owned the team until 2005, after which the name was shortened to just “Ducks.”
MILITARY AND AVIATION THEMES ARE COMMON
Winnipeg Jets pay tribute to Canada’s Royal Canadian Air Force.
Vegas Golden Knights and Columbus Blue Jackets reflect military pride.
Even the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to Conn Smythe, were named to honor Canadian soldiers who wore the maple leaf insignia during World War I.
THE KRAKEN NAME WAS A BIG MOMENT FOR NHL BRANDING
Seattle’s Kraken name (introduced in 2021) became a viral sensation.
It was one of the few modern names to lean heavily into mythology and mystery, rather than geography or history.
SOME FANS STILL USE HISTORIC OR INFORMAL NICKNAMES
Fans might refer to the Toronto Maple Leafs as “The Buds” or “The Leafs.”
The Canucks’ early WHL mascot, Johnny Canuck, remains a fan favorite and appears on alternate logos.
The Chicago Blackhawks were once called the “Hawks” by fans and broadcasters, and the abbreviation stuck.
These facts are great conversation starters and show that NHL team nicknames often go much deeper than they first appear.
Some fans, especially more casual ones or those newer to hockey, often recognize or remember NHL teams by their nickname more than the city they’re based in. This is a common phenomenon in all major sports, but it can be especially true in the NHL for a few reasons:
UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE NICKNAMES
Certain NHL team names stand out so much that people remember the nickname first:
Kraken, Penguins, Golden Knights, and Maple Leafs are distinctive and often evoke a strong visual or emotional response.
These names are catchy and easy to remember, even if someone forgets the city they’re tied to.
MARKETING AND BRANDING EMPHASIZE NICKNAMES
Teams like the San Jose Sharks and Vegas Golden Knights heavily promote the nickname in their branding, social media, and merchandise.
Fans may regularly wear “Sharks” or “Knights” gear with little or no reference to “San Jose” or “Vegas.”
BROAD MEDIA COVERAGE OFTEN USES JUST THE NICKNAME
Sports media, fantasy hockey apps, and commentators often shorten teams to just their nickname: “The Bruins are on a hot streak,” “The Canucks got shut out.”
This builds recognition of the name, sometimes more than the city.
TEAMS WITH SIMILAR OR CONFUSING CITY NAMES
New York Rangers and New York Islanders can be confused unless you know the difference.
Arizona Coyotes and Dallas Stars both being in the Southwest can lead to confusion for those less familiar with team geography.
HOCKEY FANS OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA
Fans in Europe or Asia may know the Red Wings, Oilers, or Maple Leafs purely from legacy and nickname recognition, not from understanding their city or regional location.
Some know “Maple Leafs” but aren’t quite sure where in Canada they are.
YOUTH AND NEW FANS
Younger fans or those who grew up with video games like NHL 24, hockey cards, or merchandise may grow familiar with the team brand (logo, mascot, nickname) before learning or remembering the city.
EXAMPLES OF COMMON CONFUSION:
Some might know the Penguins but not know they are in Pittsburgh.
The Canucks nickname doesn’t easily connect to Vancouver unless someone knows Canadian slang.
Jets could be mistaken for a football team unless context clarifies “Winnipeg.”
This nickname-over-city pattern actually makes team branding even more important. That’s why the NHL invests heavily in building unique team identities.
HERE’S A LIST OF NHL TEAM NICKNAMES THAT ARE MOST RECOGNIZABLE AMONG CASUAL FANS, OFTEN REMEMBERED EVEN WHEN PEOPLE DON’T KNOW (OR FORGET) WHAT CITY THEY’RE FROM. THESE NAMES TEND TO BE DISTINCT, UNUSUAL, OR STRONGLY BRANDED.
MOST RECOGNIZABLE NHL NICKNAMES AMONG CASUAL FANS
Penguins
Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Why: Penguins are iconic animals, and the team’s success (including multiple Stanley Cups) keeps the name in pop culture.
Kraken
Team: Seattle Kraken
Why: A rare and mythical name, plus a recent viral launch helped brand recognition skyrocket.
Golden Knights
Team: Vegas Golden Knights
Why: Unique and flashy name, tied to Vegas flair and early success (Stanley Cup win in 2023).
Maple Leafs
Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Why: Deep history, frequent media coverage, and a symbol (the maple leaf) strongly tied to Canada’s identity.
Rangers
Team: New York Rangers
Why: The nickname is common in other sports (like the Texas Rangers in MLB), so the name sticks, even if people confuse the location.
Bruins
Team: Boston Bruins
Why: A bold, tough-sounding name; “Bruin” is an old term for a bear, and it’s unique in modern sports.
Oilers
Team: Edmonton Oilers
Why: Known due to Wayne Gretzky’s dynasty years, the name has strong historical weight and uniqueness.
Blackhawks
Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Why: A well-known franchise with a distinct name and logo; long playoff runs helped with exposure.
Sharks
Team: San Jose Sharks
Why: Sharks are intimidating and well-branded. The logo and teal uniforms are instantly recognizable.
Red Wings
Team: Detroit Red Wings
Why: One of the “Original Six” NHL teams. The name is legendary among sports fans, even outside hockey.
OTHER NAMES CASUAL FANS OFTEN REMEMBER (EVEN IF VAGUELY)
Devils (New Jersey Devils) – catchy and a little edgy.
Canucks (Vancouver Canucks) – unique Canadian slang, memorable once you learn it.
Blues (St. Louis Blues) – amazingly simple, associated with the music genre.
Ducks (Anaheim Ducks) – remembered due to the Mighty Ducks movies.
Sabres (Buffalo Sabres) – uncommon name; people recall it but may not know what it is.
Capitals (Washington Capitals) – easy to associate with D.C., but the name stands on its own.
Nicknames are central to how people form emotional connections with teams. That’s why branding often leans heavily into the mascot, colors, and name—sometimes more than the geography.
Understanding the origins and history of NHL team nicknames offers a deeper appreciation for the culture and storytelling that surrounds professional hockey. These names are more than just labels—they carry the spirit of the cities, the legacy of the game, and the identity of the fans.
From military and regional pride to mythological creatures and fan-driven contests, each nickname reveals something unique about the franchise’s values and the time in which it was formed.
It’s also fascinating how some team names have transcended the sport itself. Many fans, especially casual ones, or newcomers to hockey, remember teams more by their nicknames than by the cities they represent.
This is a testament to strong branding, memorable mascots, and powerful associations—like the intimidation factor of a “Shark” or the mystique of a “Kraken.”
In some cases, teams have been so effective in building these identities that people around the world recognize the nickname without needing to know the geography.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just starting to follow hockey, knowing the stories behind these nicknames adds richness to the viewing experience. It creates more meaningful rivalries, deeper fan loyalty, and a stronger sense of tradition.
NHL team names aren’t random—they’re carefully chosen symbols of history, identity, and pride that continue to evolve along with the sport itself.
TO EXPLORE MORE ABOUT NHL TEAM NICKNAMES, THEIR HISTORY, AND RELATED TOPICS, HERE ARE SOME EXCELLENT SOURCES YOU CAN USE:
1. Official NHL Resources
- NHL.com – Team Pages
Each team’s official page offers historical background, logo evolution, and nickname origins. - NHL History Section
Visit: https://www.nhl.com/info/teams
2. Books and Encyclopedias
- Total Hockey: The Official Encyclopedia of the National Hockey League
A comprehensive book filled with team histories and trivia. - The NHL: 100 Years of On-Ice Action and Boardroom Battles by D’Arcy Jenish
Covers team creation, naming, and league history. - Hockey Hall of Fame Book of NHL Teams
Offers insight into the story and branding of each franchise.
3. Sports History and Fan Sites
- Hockey Reference – https://www.hockey-reference.com
Great for stats, franchise timelines, and notable team facts. - ESPN NHL – https://www.espn.com/nhl/
Includes team profiles and fan-focused content. - The Hockey Writers – https://thehockeywriters.com
Articles often include deep dives into team names, logo stories, and origin myths.
4. Fan Wikis and NHL-Specific Wikis
- Wikipedia: List of NHL Team Names – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Hockey_League_teams
Helpful for seeing each team’s origin, nickname meaning, and founding information. - SportsLogos.net – https://www.sportslogos.net
View the history of team logos and how they relate to nicknames and branding.
5. YouTube and Documentaries
- Search for terms like “History of NHL team names,” “Origin of the Maple Leafs nickname”, or “Why are they called the Golden Knights?”
- NHL Network and ESPN+ often run features or short documentaries on team heritage and naming.