Maple Leafs are most valuable NHL team at $2 billion

Despite being stuck in a Stanley Cup drought of over half a century, the Toronto Maple Leafs are No. 1 among all NHL franchises in one category.

According to data compiled by Sportico, the Maple Leafs are worth an NHL-high $2 billion. According to ESPN's Emily Kaplan, each of the top-five most valuable NHL franchises is a member of the league's "Original Six."

The New York Rangers place second on the list at $1.87 billion, the Montreal Canadiens are third at $1.5 billion, the Chicago Blackhawks are fourth at $1.36 billion and the Boston Bruins are fifth at $1.31 billion.

"The average worth of an NHL team is $934 million, and the combined market value of the 32 teams is $30 billion," Kaplan wrote. "The (Seattle) Kraken are already boosting the league's profile, ranking 14th on Sportico's list, valued at $860 million. The Vegas Golden Knights, who joined the NHL as the 31st team in 2017-18, are 12th on the list, valued at $890 million."

Kaplan notes that although the Florida Panthers — led by Aleksander Barkov, among others — are expected to be a top team this season, they rank 31st on Sportico's list at $520 million. The Arizona Coyotes are last in the NHL at $410 million.

The Maple Leafs began their 104th season with a 2-1 victory over the Canadiens on Wednesday. Toronto has won 13 Stanley Cups but none since 1967.