In the fast-paced world of the National Hockey League, popularity is not only measured by victories on the ice but also by the size and engagement of fanbases interacting with teams on social media.
While historic teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks dominate the numbers, newer franchises such as the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken have also made their mark.
But who truly leads in followers? Let’s dive into the 32 NHL teams ranked by fan support to discover who holds the most power and popularity on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter as of November 2024…
The 32 NHL teams by social media popularity
| Rank | Team | Followers |
| 1 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 4.9M |
| 2 | Chicago Blackhawks | 4.7M |
| 3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4.1M |
| 4 | Boston Bruins | 3.8M |
| 5 | New York Rangers | 3.5M |
| 6 | Montreal Canadiens | 3M |
| 7 | Vancouver Canucks | 2.9M |
| 8 | Detroit Red Wings | 2.6M |
| 9 | Philadelphia Flyers | 2.4M |
| 10 | Edmonton Oilers | 2.2M |
| 11 | Washington Capitals | 2.1M |
| 12 | Tampa Bay Lightning | 1.9M |
| 13 | Los Angeles Kings | 1.9M |
| 14 | Dallas Stars | 1.9M |
| 15 | Colorado Avalanche | 1.7M |
| 16 | Vegas Golden Knights | 1.6M |
| 17 | St. Louis Blues | 1.6M |
| 18 | Minnesota Wild | 1.6M |
| 19 | New Jersey Devils | 1.6M |
| 20 | San Jose Sharks | 1.5M |
| 21 | Buffalo Sabres | 1.5M |
| 22 | Winnipeg Jets | 1.4M |
| 23 | Seattle Kraken | 1.3M |
| 24 | Carolina Hurricanes | 1.3M |
| 25 | Anaheim Ducks | 1.3M |
| 26 | Calgary Flames | 1.3M |
| 27 | New York Islanders | 1.3M |
| 28 | Nashville Predators | 1.1M |
| 29 | Columbus Blue Jackets | 1.1M |
| 30 | Florida Panthers | 1.1M |
| 31 | Ottawa Senators | 1M |
| 32 | Utah Hockey Club | 286K |
32. Utah Hockey Club – 286K
The Utah Hockey Club are navigating both opportunities and obstacles as they work to establish a strong presence in their region. Competing in a market where hockey is still gaining traction, the team’s dedication to growing the sport and building a loyal fanbase is admirable. Through community outreach, consistent performance and a commitment to development, they are steadily solidifying their place in the hockey world.
31. Ottawa Senators – 1M
Despite recent challenges, the Senators have a loyal fanbase and a legacy that includes a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2007. With a young core and developing talent, they are on the path to regaining relevance.
30. Florida Panthers – 1.1M
The Florida Panthers won their first ever Stanley Cup Final in 2024, earning them a prominent place in NHL conversations. This achievement boosted their popularity in South Florida, where they are forging a competitive identity.
29. Columbus Blue Jackets – 1.1M
Although they are still seeking their first major success in the NHL, the Blue Jackets have a growing fanbase. Representing Ohio, their passion for hockey continues to increase thanks to a young and promising team.
28. Nashville Predators – 1.1M
The Predators have grown significantly in popularity since their 2017 Stanley Cup Final appearance. Their unique atmosphere at Bridgestone Arena, combined with Nashville’s musical spirit, makes them one of the most vibrant teams in the league.
27. New York Islanders – 1.3M
With a dynasty of four consecutive championships between 1980 and 1983, the Islanders are a legendary team. Although their glory days are behind them, their history remains a point of pride for a passionate fanbase on Long Island.
26. Calgary Flames – 1.3M
The Flames, Stanley Cup champions in 1989, have a fiercely loyal fanbase, especially during matchups with their Alberta rivals, the Oilers. Calgary lives and breathes hockey, and their team is a symbol of local pride.
25. Anaheim Ducks – 1.3M
Although their only Stanley Cup championship was in 2007, the Ducks are an iconic team due to their connection with the movie The Mighty Ducks. Their history and fanbase in Southern California keep them as a prominent franchise.
24. Carolina Hurricanes – 1.3M
The Hurricanes, Stanley Cup champions in 2006, have had a resurgence in recent years. With a mix of young talent and an enthusiastic fanbase, they have shown that hockey can thrive in markets traditionally not associated with the sport.
23. Seattle Kraken – 1.3M
In just two seasons in the NHL, the Kraken have managed to generate a large following thanks to their fresh and modern image. Their 2023 playoff appearance solidified their place as a competitive team, attracting new fans and establishing a solid base in the Pacific Northwest.
22. Winnipeg Jets – 1.4M
Re-established in 2011 after a long absence, the Jets have revived the love for hockey in Manitoba. With one of the most passionate and loudest fanbases in the league, especially during the playoffs, they exemplify the fervor this sport generates in Canada.
21. Buffalo Sabres – 1.5M
The Sabres, while still seeking their first championship, have one of the most loyal fanbases in the NHL. With a rich history that includes iconic moments and legendary players, they remain a cornerstone of hockey in the northeastern United States.
20. San Jose Sharks – 1.5M
Although the Sharks have yet to win a Stanley Cup, they are one of the most consistent teams in terms of playoff appearances over the past decades. Their bold colors and dynamic playing style have earned them a solid fanbase in Silicon Valley and internationally.
19. New Jersey Devils – 1.6M
With three Stanley Cups won between 1995 and 2003, the Devils are a franchise with a rich tradition of success. Known for their dominant defensive style at their peak, their legacy continues to attract loyal followers in New Jersey and beyond.
18. Minnesota Wild – 1.6M
Representing the “State of Hockey”, the Wild have a passionate fanbase that fills the Xcel Energy Center season after season. Although they are still seeking their first Stanley Cup championship, their strong connection with the Minnesota community ensures their continued popularity.
17. St. Louis Blues – 1.6M
The Blues crowned themselves Stanley Cup champions in 2019, a historic milestone for the franchise that ended over 50 years of waiting. This triumph revitalized their fanbase, solidifying their position as one of the most beloved teams in the heart of the United States.
16. Vegas Golden Knights – 1.6M
As one of the youngest franchises in the NHL, the Golden Knights have made an immediate impact on the league. From reaching the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season in 2018 to winning the championship in 2023, their rapid success has captured the attention of fans in Las Vegas and beyond, becoming a sports phenomenon.
15. Colorado Avalanche – 1.7M
The Avalanche have won three Stanley Cups, the most recent in 2022, demonstrating their ability to maintain excellence over the years. Their history, which includes legendary players like Joe Sakic, makes them a beloved team among fans worldwide.
14. Dallas Stars – 1.9M
Winners of the Stanley Cup in 1999, the Stars have been a pillar of hockey in the southern United States. With an expanding fanbase and exciting gameplay, they remain relevant both on and off the ice.
13. Los Angeles Kings – 1.9M
The Kings, with two Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014, are one of the most recognized franchises in the NHL. Their recent success, combined with the glamorous atmosphere of Los Angeles, has helped build a diverse and loyal fanbase.
12. Tampa Bay Lightning – 1.9M
With recent dominance that includes back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021, the Lightning have established themselves as a force in the NHL. Their success has attracted a rapidly growing fanbase in Florida, proving that hockey can thrive in non-traditional markets.
11. Washington Capitals – 2.1M
The Capitals experienced their greatest moment of glory in 2018 when they won their first Stanley Cup, led by Alex Ovechkin, one of the best players in the history of the sport. This achievement solidified their popularity in Washington and across the United States, ensuring them a prominent place in the recent history of the NHL.
10. Edmonton Oilers – 2.2M
The Oilers are synonymous with greatness in the 1980s, when Wayne Gretzky led the team to five Stanley Cups in a seven-year span. Although they have had ups and downs since then, modern stars like Connor McDavid have revitalized the franchise, bringing it back into the spotlight and capturing a new generation of followers.
9. Philadelphia Flyers – 2.4M
The Flyers are one of the most iconic and physical teams in the NHL, with two consecutive Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975. With a passionate fanbase known as the “Broad Street Bullies,” their aggressive style on the ice reflects the hardworking spirit of Philadelphia, ensuring them popularity that transcends generations.
8. Detroit Red Wings – 2.6M
Known as the “City of Hockey,” the Red Wings have won 11 Stanley Cups, making them one of the most successful teams in the NHL. Their dominance in the modern era, led by legends like Steve Yzerman and Nicklas Lidström, solidified their status as an elite franchise. Their fans, known for filling the Little Caesars Arena, are some of the most loyal in the sport.
7. Vancouver Canucks – 2.9M
Although they are still searching for their first Stanley Cup, the Canucks have an incredibly passionate fanbase, especially on the west coast of Canada. Their appearances in the finals in 1994 and 2011 are remembered as moments of glory, and their identity as a resilient team has made them a symbol of perseverance in the league.
6. Montreal Canadiens – 3M
With a record of 24 Stanley Cup championships, the Canadiens are the most successful team in NHL history. Their legacy transcends generations, and hockey in Montreal is more than just a sport; it’s an integral part of their cultural identity. Their history is filled with memorable moments, from Maurice Richard’s feats to their last cup in 1993.
5. New York Rangers – 3.5M
Located in the heart of New York, the Rangers are a historic franchise with four Stanley Cups, the last one in 1994. Their popularity extends beyond the city’s borders, attracting fans from around the world thanks to their prestige and tradition. Playing in the iconic Madison Square Garden only amplifies their relevance in the NHL.
4. Boston Bruins – 3.8M
Founded in 1924, the Bruins have won six Stanley Cup championships, the latest one in 2011, and are a symbol of sporting excellence in Boston. Their physical and competitive style of play, combined with historical rivalries such as the one with the Canadiens, has solidified a fanbase that is as tough and loyal as the team itself.
3. Toronto Maple Leafs – 4.1M
The Maple Leafs, one of the oldest teams in the NHL, have a guaranteed place in the history of the sport. Although their last championship so far came in 1967, their legacy, tradition, and passionate fanbase make them a cultural powerhouse in Canada. Every season, “Leafs Nation” holds on to hope for a new title, displaying an unwavering passion that makes them unique.
2. Chicago Blackhawks – 4.7M
With a rich history that includes six Stanley Cup championships, the Blackhawks are a giant in the NHL. Their recent dynasty, with titles in 2010, 2013, and 2015, marked a golden era that rejuvenated their global popularity. In Chicago, hockey is synonymous with the Blackhawks, and their fans fill the United Center night after night, proving that this team is a true sports icon.
1. Pittsburgh Penguins – 4.9M
The Penguins are a symbol of success in modern NHL, with five Stanley Cups in their history, including three during the Sidney Crosby era (2009, 2016, and 2017). This team has reinvented itself over the decades, and its dominance over the last 20 years has solidified a loyal fanbase that extends beyond Pittsburgh. Their combination of legendary stars and historic moments ensures them a special place in the collective memory of hockey.