The two newest NHL teams are the Utah Hockey Club and the Seattle Kraken.
Recent NHL Team Additions
The National Hockey League has expanded several times in recent years, introducing new franchises to its lineup. These additions represent the league's ongoing growth and its establishment in new markets.
Based on their official entry into the league, the two most recent teams are:
| Team Name | Year Joined NHL |
|---|---|
| Utah Hockey Club | 2024 |
| Seattle Kraken | 2021 |
While the Vegas Golden Knights also joined the league relatively recently in 2017, the Seattle Kraken and the Utah Hockey Club are the subsequent and thus the newest additions to the NHL.
Understanding NHL Expansion vs. Relocation
It is important to differentiate between new expansion teams and relocated franchises when discussing new entries into the league.
- Expansion Teams: These are entirely new entities created to join the league, aiming to broaden the NHL's presence. Recent examples include the Vegas Golden Knights, Seattle Kraken, and the Utah Hockey Club.
- Relocated Franchises: This involves an existing team moving from one city to another, often rebranding with a new name. A recent instance of a relocation occurred in 2011, when the former Atlanta Thrashers moved to Winnipeg and became the current iteration of the Winnipeg Jets. The question specifically pertains to "newest NHL teams," which typically refers to expansion teams that represent new franchises rather than moved ones.
