History of NHL Relocation

Since its inaugural season in 1917, the NHL has blessed the relocation of 13 teams. Only twice has a team name (Flames, Stars) traveled to their new town. A complete list of relocated clubs lies below.

1920: Quebec Bulldogs => Hamilton Tigers
1925: Hamilton Tigers => New York Americans
1930: Pittsburgh Pirates => Philadelphia Quakers
1934: Ottawa Senators => St. Louis Eagles
1976: California Golden Seals => Cleveland Barons
1976: Kansas City Scouts => Colorado Rockies
1980: Atlanta Flames => Calgary Flames
1982: Colorado Rockies => New Jersey Devils
1993: Minnesota North Stars => Dallas Stars
1995: Quebec Nordiques => Colorado Avalanche
1996: Winnipeg Jets => Phoenix Coyotes
1997: Hartford Whalers => Carolina Hurricanes
2011: Atlanta Thrashers => Winnipeg Jets

The most recent relocation saw Atlanta lose their 2nd NHL team in 31 years and Winnipeg land their 2nd in 32 years. With several southern franchises struggling, don't expect another 14 year drought before Bettman approves the next northern migration of a Sun Belt sibling.