Despite the financial struggles of several franchises in the National Hockey League, the average value of NHL teams has increased, according to Forbes magazine.
Forbes released its annual report on Wednesday and found a two per cent increase in the average franchise worth which now registers at US$228 million. The rise in average comes despite 14 of 30 NHL teams declining in value.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, which are rumoured to be included in a Rogers bid to purchase Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment, still hold down top spot on the list, coming in at US$505 million.
The Edmonton Oilers have the lowest franchise value of all Canadian NHL teams worth a reported US$183 million.
With files from Associated Press
| NHL Team Values (Forbes Magazine) | |||
| Rank | Team | Value (US) | |
| 1. | Toronto Maple Leafs | $505 million | |
| 2. | New York Rangers | $461 million | |
| 3. | Montreal Canadiens | $408 million | |
| 4. | Detroit Red Wings | $315 million | |
| 5. | Boston Bruins | $302 million | |
| 6. | Philadelphia Flyers | $301 million | |
| 7. | Chicago Blackhawks | $300 million | |
| 8. | Vancouver Canucks | $262 million | |
| 9. | Pittsburgh Penguins | $235 million | |
| 10. | Dallas Stars | $227 million | |
| 11. | New Jersey Devils | $218 million | |
| 12. | Los Angeles Kings | $215 million | |
| 13. | Calgary Flames | $206 million | |
| 14. | Minnesota Wild | $202 million | |
| 15. | Colorado Avalanche | $198 million | |
| 16. | Washington Capitals | $197 million | |
| 17. | Ottawa Senators | $196 million | |
| 18. | San Jose Sharks | $194 million | |
| 19. | Anaheim Ducks | $188 million | |
| 20. | Edmonton Oilers | $183 million | |
| 21. | Buffalo Sabres | $169 million | |
| 22. | Florida Panthers | $168 million | |
| 23. | St. Louis Blues | $165 million | |
| 24. | Carolina Hurricanes | $162 million | |
| 25. | Columbus Blue Jackets | $153 million | |
| 26. | New York Islanders | $151 million | |
| 27. | Nashville Predators | $148 million | |
| 28. | Tampa Bay Lightning | $145 million | |
| 29. | Atlanta Thrashers | $135 million | |
| 30. | Phoenix Coyotes | $134 million | |
