NHL
Founded in 1917, the National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier professional ice hockey league in North America, featuring 32 teams across the United States and Canada. The league’s annual Winter Classic, inaugurated in 2008 and traditionally held on New Year’s Day, showcases outdoor games at historic venues like Fenway Park in Boston and the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, highlighting the sport’s early 20th-century roots. Key figures such as Wayne Gretzky, who retired as the league’s all-time leading scorer in 1999, and current stars like Connor McDavid continue to shape the NHL’s competitive landscape. The NHL’s postseason centers around the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a grueling tournament established in 1893 that culminates in the awarding of the Stanley Cup, the oldest professional sports trophy in North America. Collectors and fans often seek memorabilia tied to iconic moments, such as the 1994 New York Rangers’ championship that ended a 54-year drought. Complex covers these milestones alongside in-depth profiles of franchises like the Montreal Canadiens, the league’s most successful team with 24 Stanley Cup titles, providing comprehensive insight into the NHL’s enduring impact on hockey culture.
Latest Stories
Claude Lemieux, Four-Time Stanley Cup Champion, Dead at 60
The NHL mourns the death of Claude Lemieux, who commissioner Gary Bettman called "one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history."
NHL Playoffs Odds: Thursday Night Betting Preview
The Canadiens will take on the Sabres in Buffalo, and the Golden Knights will face the Ducks in Anaheim.
2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview
Who will lift the Stanley Cup? Colorado, Carolina, and Tampa Bay are among the favorites.
NHL Playoffs Odds: Which Teams Are in Best Position to Make the Cut?
There's a dogfight for the final few spots in the NHL Playoffs. Which teams are in the best position to make hockey's postseason?
NFL Rams Star Puka Nacua Checked Into Rehab, Attorney Says
His attorney says the stay is meant to ‘improve his overall behavior in every aspect of his life.’
The Best Throwback Jerseys of All Time, Ranked
Ahead of the World Baseball Classic, we highlighted our picks for the 25 best throwback jerseys of all time.
Remembering the Athletes Who Died in 2025
Hulk Hogan, George Foreman, Jumbo Ozaki, and Ryne Sandberg were among the sports legends lost in 2025.
Tampa Bay Lightning Rookie Curtis Douglas Pays Homage to 42 Dugg With His Jersey Number
Douglas admitted that he thought it would be "pretty funny" if he took the jersey number.
The 25 Greatest Brothers in Sports History
Stephen Curry is now teammates with his younger brother Seth. Where do they rank among the top brother combinations in sports history?
The 25 Greatest Sports Careers Ruined by Injury
From legends like Bo Jackson to Hall of Famers like Grant Hill, some of the greats were never the same after getting hurt
Top 10 Gutsiest Performances in Sports
We've ranked the greatest injury-defying performances in sports.
NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and His Brother Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver
Johnny was 31 and his brother Matthew was 29.
Drake Loses $500,000 Bet on Edmonton Oilers as Florida Panthers Win Stanley Cup
The Boy could've gotten over $1 million if the Oilers won.
Viral TikTok Says Justin Bieber Got Contract Offers After NHL All-Star Game, Hockey Fans Aren't Buying It
The viral TikTok about Bieber getting NHL interest has already been viewed over 5 million times, even if people aren't believing it.
Tate McRae's Ex Cole Sillinger Responds To NHL All-Star Game Cheating Meme: 'All False My Guy'
Tate McRae's NHL All-Star Game appearance had the internet commenting on how she got there before her hockey playing ex Cole Sillinger.
Justin Bieber Played A Surprise Show in Toronto During NHL All-Star Week
Bieber played his SZA collab "Snooze" at History in Toronto.
Best Style Releases: Louis Vuitton, Marni, and More
From Louis Vuitton LV Super Vision sunglasses to Marni's Chinese New Year capsule, here is a closer look at all of this week's best style releases.
The Top 10 Gifts For Canadian Sports Fans
Canadians live for sports, and with the holidays coming up take a look at these gifts for that lucky sports fan in your life.