Yes, there are currently five NHL teams that have never appeared in the Stanley Cup Final since their inception. Despite many seasons of play, these franchises have yet to reach the championship series.
The Quest for the Cup: Teams Yet to Reach the Final
Reaching the Stanley Cup Final is a monumental achievement in professional hockey, requiring consistent excellence through four grueling rounds of playoff competition. While many teams have celebrated reaching this pinnacle, a select few are still striving for their first appearance.
The five NHL teams that have never advanced to the Stanley Cup Final are:
| Team Name | Current Conference | Playoff History Highlight (Highest Round Reached) |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Coyotes | Western | Conference Final (1 appearance) |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | Eastern | Second Round (2 appearances) |
| Minnesota Wild | Western | Conference Final (1 appearance) |
| Seattle Kraken | Western | Second Round (1 appearance) |
| Winnipeg Jets | Western | Conference Final (1 appearance) |
Note: The current Winnipeg Jets franchise originated as the Atlanta Thrashers, relocating in 2011. The original Winnipeg Jets franchise relocated to become the Arizona Coyotes in 1996.
Playoff Journeys of Undefeated Finalists
Among these five teams, three have demonstrated significant playoff success by advancing to at least the Conference Finals. This indicates that while they haven't made it to the ultimate stage, they've been just one series away from competing for the Stanley Cup. For instance, teams like the Arizona Coyotes (in 2012), Minnesota Wild (in 2003), and the current Winnipeg Jets (in 2018) each made deep runs into the third round of the playoffs before being eliminated.
In contrast, the other two teams – the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Seattle Kraken – have yet to advance past the second round of the playoffs. The Seattle Kraken, being one of the league's newest franchises, still has a relatively short history, making their journey to the final a future aspiration.
The Challenge of the Stanley Cup Playoffs
The path to the Stanley Cup Final is notoriously difficult. It involves overcoming multiple rounds against top-tier opponents, often requiring resilience, strategic depth, and a bit of luck. For these five teams, the pursuit continues, as they aim to etch their name into the league's championship history. Every season brings renewed hope and the chance to break the streak of never appearing in the Stanley Cup Final.
