Arek Dvornechuck
Branding Expert
12 Best NHL Logos of All Time
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Today, I'm going to the New York Rangers vs. Vegas Golden Knights game and as a logo designer—I couldn't help but analyzed the logo designs of NHL teams.
Great logos tell a story: they capture local culture, team history, and the spirit of the sport in just a few shapes and colors.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite NHL team logos—from timeless classics to newer, cutting-edge designs.
I've broken them down by design elements together with my personal opinion on what makes each one stand out.
Founded in 1926, the New York Rangers quickly became one of the NHL’s “Original Six” franchises.
Their success in 1928 made them the first American team to win the Stanley Cup, planting hockey’s roots firmly in New York City.
Over the decades, they’ve built fierce rivalries with neighbors like the Islanders and Devils, and continue to be an iconic presence at Madison Square Garden.
The Vegas Golden Knights are one of the NHL’s newest teams, joining the league in the 2017–18 season.
They shocked fans and pundits alike by reaching the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural year.
Named to reflect Nevada’s historical ties to precious metals and the valor of medieval knights, they’ve quickly developed a loyal and passionate fan base.
Established in 1993, the Florida Panthers were part of the NHL’s push to expand hockey’s footprint in the Sunshine State—Florida.
Their name honors the endangered Florida panther, native to the region.
They made an early splash by reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 1996, endearing themselves to the local sports scene.
The Nashville Predators joined the NHL as an expansion team in 1998, bringing top-tier hockey to Tennessee.
Their name and mascot were inspired by a prehistoric saber-toothed cat fossil found under a Nashville building site.
Over the years, they’ve cultivated a passionate fan base famous for country music–themed traditions.
Originally the Minnesota North Stars (1967), the franchise relocated to Dallas in 1993, dropping the “North” from their name.
They achieved a major milestone by winning the Stanley Cup in 1999, solidifying hockey’s presence in Texas.
The team’s identity continues to blend Lone Star State pride with a modern aesthetic.
Joining the league in 1992, the Tampa Bay Lightning helped introduce hockey to central Florida.
They’re nicknamed the “Bolts,” tying in with Florida’s reputation for frequent thunderstorms.
The franchise has captured multiple Stanley Cups, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the modern NHL era.
The Pittsburgh Penguins were part of the NHL’s 1967 expansion.
Their name was chosen to tie in with the icy conditions of the Civic Arena, nicknamed “The Igloo.”
A series of star players—Mario Lemieux, Jaromír Jágr, and Sidney Crosby—helped the team secure multiple Stanley Cup wins, endearing them to fans worldwide.
Joining the NHL in the 1967 expansion, the Philadelphia Flyers quickly made a name for themselves by winning consecutive Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975.
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Known as the “Broad Street Bullies” for their rough-and-tumble play, they have remained a notable force in the Eastern Conference.
Their rabid fan base and storied history make them a quintessential Philly team.
The Whalers franchise began in the World Hockey Association (WHA) as the New England Whalers in 1972.
Note that this is a Historic/Defunct team, which now became the Carolina Hurricanes, but the logo is so iconic—so I decided to describe it.
When the WHA merged with the NHL, the team moved to Hartford and became the Hartford Whalers.
Although they relocated in 1997 (becoming the Carolina Hurricanes), the Whalers’ brand endures as a nostalgic fan favorite.
As one of the NHL’s Original Six teams, the Chicago Blackhawks date back to 1926.
They were named after the “Blackhawk Division” of the owner’s Army Infantry Division.
They have won multiple Stanley Cups and are considered one of the league’s most storied franchises.
The Seattle Kraken joined the NHL for the 2021–22 season, introducing top-tier hockey to the Pacific Northwest.
Their name references the mythical sea creature, nodding to the region’s maritime culture and folklore.
Despite being new to the league, they’ve quickly cultivated a dedicated following with their unique brand.
Founded in 1917, the Toronto Maple Leafs are an Original Six franchise and a cornerstone of Canadian hockey.
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The name pays tribute to Canada’s national symbol, the maple leaf, emphasizing national pride.
Despite a long championship drought, the team’s fervent fan base remains one of the largest in the league.
Hockey logos blend team identity with local culture and a dash of creative flair.
From the timeless, shield-based design of the New York Rangers to the imaginative letter-art of the Seattle Kraken, each crest reflects a franchise’s unique heritage and aspirations.
Even historical gems like the Hartford Whalers continue to captivate design enthusiasts and fans decades after relocation.
But let’s not forget the NHL Shield itself—a monochrome emblem featuring a shield outline and diagonal lettering.
Originally introduced in 1917, it’s undergone a few updates, with the most recent version leaning into a sleek black-and-silver color scheme.
The league’s logo embodies the overarching spirit of hockey, providing a clean, authoritative backdrop for all these team identities we’ve explored.
It’s a fitting symbol for a sport whose branding can be as intense and dynamic as the action on the ice.
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I'm a branding expert and graphic designer based in NY. I specialize in the development of brands: brand strategy, identity & web design. Need help with your project?—Get in touch
