Original Six (NHL) — the six teams of 1942–1967

Teams

• Boston Bruins
• Chicago Black Hawks (now Blackhawks)
• Detroit Red Wings
• Montreal Canadiens
• New York Rangers
• Toronto Maple Leafs

History and development

Those six clubs were in place after a contraction of franchises during the early 1940s, and they remained unchanged until the league doubled in size with the 1967 expansion. Although the label "Original Six" can suggest these were the first NHL teams, several of them predated the name and the league itself had different members in earlier decades. The era is notable for stable ownership, concentrated talent pools, and schedules that produced frequent matchups between the same teams.

Legacy and significance

The Original Six period helped establish many of hockey's traditions, rivalries, and fan cultures. Long-term rivalries and classic playoff matchups were born during those years, and many players from that era are remembered as pioneers of the modern professional game. The compact league made rivalries deeper and fostered a sense of regional identity around franchises that persists today.

Rivalries, culture, and notable features

Games among Original Six teams often carried extra weight: repeated scheduling, geographic proximity, and decades-long competition built enduring rivalries. The period saw innovations in coaching, goaltending and tactics that influenced later generations. After expansion, the Original Six clubs remained central to the NHL's history and identity and continue to draw large followings and media interest.

Distinctions and modern perspective

Today the phrase "Original Six" is used both historically and commercially, appearing in retrospectives, memorabilia, and league storytelling. While the NHL now comprises many more teams, the six clubs from 1942–1967 still occupy a prominent place in the sport's heritage and are frequently discussed when tracing hockey's evolution from regional pastime to major professional sport. For a concise introduction to the league era that followed, see the NHL overview.