League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

NHL expansion teams ranked including Vegas Golden Knights' success

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 7:02 PM

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

NHL expansion teams ranked including Vegas Golden Knights' success

Summary

The Vegas Golden Knights have set a high standard for NHL expansion teams, achieving a Stanley Cup championship in 2023 and reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in nine years. They join notable expansion success stories, including the 1979-80 Edmonton Oilers and the 1967-68 St. Louis Blues, both of which showcased impressive early performances in the league. The article reviews the greatest expansion teams in NHL history and positions the Golden Knights among them, highlighting their quick rise in a new market. Future assessments of expansion teams are likely to be compared against Vegas's rapid achievements.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup in 2023.
•Vegas reached the Stanley Cup Final three times in nine seasons.
•The team leads the discussion on successful NHL expansions.
•Oilers and Blues recognized for significant early success.
•Expansion teams reshaped competition in the NHL.

Latest Updates

7:02 PMYahoo Sports — 7 greatest expansion success stories in NHL history and where the Golden Knights rank

What they're saying

"
The Vegas Golden Knights set a high bar for NHL expansion teams, but they are not the first new kids who crashed the league’s party ahead of schedule. From early Original Six challengers to Sun Belt success stories, expansion clubs…
— Yahoo Sports

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Carolina Hurricanes Edmonton Oilers Los Angeles Kings San Jose Sharks St. Louis Blues Vegas Golden Knights NHL Hockey