The NHL's most dominant era was defined by just six teams

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Between 1942 and 1967, the National Hockey League operated with a remarkably static membership. This era, known as the Original Six, saw the same six franchises compete for 25 seasons, creating a period of unprecedented stability and monopolistic control that shaped the league's history forever.

Spanning 1942 through 1967, the 'Original Six' era saw the NHL comprised only of the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks, and Boston Bruins. Despite the name, they were not the league's founding members; only the Canadiens and Maple Leafs were charter members from the 1917–18 season. The era began after the suspension of operations by the New York/Brooklyn Americans in 1942, following a period of contraction caused by the Great Depression and World War II.

This 25-season span remains the longest period in NHL history without expansion, team moves, or contraction. During this time, the league was characterized by extreme dominance from a few clubs and absolute control by owners. For instance, Detroit's Red Wings owner, James E. Norris, held significant influence over the Bruins and was also a major stockholder in the Rangers. This concentration of power allowed owners to unilaterally decide pension payments and control player movement, often leading to labor disputes and the eventual formation of the NHLPA in 1967.

The era was also defined by geographic recruiting advantages. A rule allowed teams exclusive rights to negotiate with local players within a 50-mile radius. This gave Canadian teams like Montreal and Toronto a massive advantage in scouting talent, while American-based teams struggled to find local prospects. The era finally concluded in 1967 when the league expanded by six new franchises, ending a period of stability that saw the Maple Leafs win the final championship of the era.

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