List of National Hockey League seasons

Season structure and notation

A typical season comprises a regular season followed by postseason playoffs culminating in the Stanley Cup final. Modern regular seasons use a fixed number of games per team, with points determining playoff qualification. Lists of seasons normally use the two-year format (start year–end year) because each campaign begins in autumn and finishes the following spring.

History and scope

The compilation usually begins with the league that evolved into the NHL, the National Hockey Association, and continues through the NHL’s founding and expansion eras. Early decades feature fewer teams and different playoff arrangements; later entries reflect expansion, divisional realignments, and rule changes that affected scheduling and standings.

Interrupted and altered seasons

• Labour disputes and lockouts have shortened or delayed several seasons.
• One season was cancelled entirely in modern times due to a labour impasse.
• The COVID-19 pandemic led to a suspended season, then an altered playoff format and a later shortened campaign with temporary realignment.

These exceptions are noted in comprehensive season lists because they affect totals and historical comparisons.

Uses and notable distinctions

Season lists are used by statisticians, historians, and fans to track team performance, player milestones, and rule-era contexts. Distinctions to watch for include seasons where the Stanley Cup was contested by non-league challengers in the sport’s earliest years, seasons shortened by external events, and the difference between a club’s continuous existence and seasons played under different franchise names or locations.