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Toronto Maple Leafs miss out again on top spot in Forbes’ NHL valuations

By Paul Taylor

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 6: Fans pass the Leaf flag during the national anthems prior to a game between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 6, 2013 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Bruins defeated the Maple Leafs 5-2 to take a 2-1 series lead. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 6: Fans pass the Leaf flag during the national anthems prior to a game between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 6, 2013 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Bruins defeated the Maple Leafs 5-2 to take a 2-1 series lead. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs were beaten to first place yet again by the New York Rangers, in Forbes’ 20th annual NHL valuations.

Until recent seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs were one of the poorer teams in the NHL. At one point they held the longest playoff drought in the league, before ending it in the strike-shortened 2012-13 campaign.

Off the ice its been a different story for many years, at least in terms of worth. The Leafs were the first NHL team to be valued at $1 billion. (Ironically in late 2012, before they ended their playoff drought, thus proving the loyalty and passion of the fan base.)

The Leafs held the distinction of being the NHL’s most valuable franchise for 10 consecutive years, between 2005-2014. Finally the streak ended in 2015, when they were overtaken by the New York Rangers.

On Wednesday, Forbes released their 20th annual valuations, and the Leafs once again found themselves in second place behind the Rangers.  New York was valued at $1.55 billion (US), while Toronto came in at $1.45 billion.

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Understandably, some Leafs fans will wonder why the finished behind the Rangers? Two of the biggest contributing factors are the size of the respective markets and the value of the US dollar compared to its Canadian counterpart.

However, there are other factors which also play a significant role in the overall valuations. As per Forbes, these include revenue, operating income and sponsorship.

It’s entirely possible the Leafs will one day reclaim their place as the NHL’s most valuable franchise. For now, however, they will have to settle for being second best.

In terms of the league as a whole, history plays a big role, specifically being a member of the Original Six. The top five were rounded out by the Montreal Canadiens ($1.30 billion), Chicago Blackhawks ($1.05 billion) and Boston Bruins ($925 billion).

The Detroit Red Wings, the other Original Six team, ranked eighth ($775 million). In terms of Canadian teams specifically, the Vancouver Canucks ranked ninth ($735 million) and the Edmonton Oilers ranked 13th ($540 million).

The remaining Canadian teams didn’t do quite as well. The Calgary Flames ranked 20th ($450 million), the Ottawa Senators ranked 23rd ($435 million) and the Winnipeg Jets ranked 27th ($415 million).

As per the Canadian Press via Sportsnet, the average NHL team rose six percent during the last year. As such, the average value of an NHL franchise is now at a record $630 million.

Overall, it’s a great time to be involved in professional hockey in North America, whether you’re an owner, a coach, a player or a fan. Long may it continue.

Next. Impact of next season's salary cap on the Leafs. dark

Do you place any value (no pun intended) in Forbes’ annual NHL rankings? Or are you not particularly concerned either way? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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