This is a list of teams that once played in the National Hockey League but no longer exist. This includes franchises which have relocated to different cities. The years of operation only reflect the time in which that team was in the NHL. It does not take into account any time in which the franchise operated in another league (such as the World Hockey Association).
Defunct teams before the Original Six Era
Team | Seasons | Relocated to |
Montreal Wanderers | 1917-1918 | Disbanded after Montreal Arena fire during the 1917-18 NHL season |
Ottawa Senators (original era) |
1917-1934 | Became St. Louis Eagles |
Quebec Bulldogs | 1919-1920 | Became Hamilton Tigers |
Hamilton Tigers | 1920-1925 | Formed nucleus of New York Americans |
Montreal Maroons | 1924-1938 | Suspended operations; franchise formally cancelled in 1947 |
New York Americans | 1925-1942 | Suspended operations; franchise formally cancelled in 1946 |
Pittsburgh Pirates | 1925-1930 |
Became Philadelphia Quakers |
Philadelphia Quakers | 1930-1931 | Suspended operations; franchise formally cancelled in 1936 |
St. Louis Eagles | 1934-1935 | League purchased team and dispersed players through draft |
Relocated teams after 1967 Expansion
Team | Seasons | Relocated to |
California Golden Seals | 1967-1976 | Cleveland Barons |
Kansas City Scouts | 1974-1976 | Colorado Rockies |
Cleveland Barons | 1976-1978 |
Merged with Minnesota North Stars; would later end merger to form San Jose Sharks |
Atlanta Flames | 1972-1980 | Calgary Flames |
Colorado Rockies | 1976-1982 | New Jersey Devils |
Minnesota North Stars | 1967-1993 | Dallas Stars |
Quebec Nordiques | 1979-1995 | Colorado Avalanche |
Winnipeg Jets | 1979-1996 | Phoenix Coyotes |
Hartford Whalers | 1979-1997 | Carolina Hurricanes |
Atlanta Thrashers | 1999-2011 | Winnipeg Jets |