Hockey is a sport rich in history and tradition, and its logos are a significant part of its identity. A great logo not only represents a team but also captures the essence of its city and fanbase. With the help of the folks at All-Star Trading Pins, a company that designs and manufactures custom hockey trading pins, we are counting down the ten best logos in the NHL, considering factors like aesthetic appeal, uniqueness, and historical significance.

10 Nashville Predators

The Predators’ logo features a fierce saber-toothed tiger, reflecting the prehistoric history of the region where a skeleton of a saber-toothed tiger was discovered back in 1971. The bold yellow and blue colors make it one of the most recognizable and modern logos in the NHL. They’re one of the newest teams to make the list, having been founded in 1997. But with such a bold look, it feels like a logo that will never go extinct.

9 San Jose Sharks

The Sharks’ logo, with a shark biting through a hockey stick, is both dynamic and intimidating. The teal, black, and white color scheme is unique in the league, making the San Jose Sharks stand out. It’s also a bit of a throwback to the 90s when teal was all the rage in sports (most teams have shed their teal colors, unfortunately) and teenagers all around the country were wearing pullover Starter jackets with this logo. The aggressive design perfectly captures the spirit of the team and its fanbase.

An interesting tidbit about the Sharks logo is that it almost wasn’t to be. The team debated using the name Tiger Sharks, and the original idea was to use a lime green color. Red was also almost chosen as the designer felt it needed a blood element. Thankfully, an executive with the franchise was a huge Miami Dolphins fan and opted for the teal we love today. We’d say they made the right choice.

8 Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ logo is a classic symbol of Canadian pride. The stylized maple leaf has evolved over the years but has always maintained its core elements. The blue and white color scheme is clean and elegant, making it a timeless emblem of one of hockey’s most storied franchises. It’s a perfect encapsulation for an original 6 team and the most iconic team in Canada.

7 Minnesota Wild

It may be a controversial pick, but the Minnesota Wild’s logo is one of the most creative and artistic in the NHL. It features a bear head (or is it a wild cat?) with a wilderness scene inside, using negative space to create a hidden image. The green, red, and gold colors reflect the natural beauty of Minnesota, making it a logo that resonates with fans.

Beyond being a beautiful design, it works as an optical illusion as well. And some fans may notice that the eye of the wild animal is a star, a nod to their roots as the Minnesota North Stars.

6 Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens’ “CH” logo is one of the oldest and most iconic in the NHL. The red, white, and blue colors represent the team’s storied history and connection to the French-speaking community in Montreal. It’s a logo that stands the test of time and embodies the rich tradition of the franchise.

Fun fact, the H in the CH stands for hockey, not habitants (or habs as their commonly used nickname). This is a common misconception amongst fans and even some players.

5 Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings’ logo is a brilliant blend of a wheel and a wing, symbolizing the Motor City and the speed of the sport. The red and white colors are bold and striking, and the logo’s design has remained virtually unchanged since the team changed their name from the Cougars in 1932. It reflects the team’s deep-rooted heritage to the city and its groundbreaking achievements in the automotive industry.

4 Hartford Whalers

Although the Hartford Whalers are no longer an active NHL team, their logo remains one of the most beloved and well-designed in hockey history. Designed by area native Johnny Hart, the green and blue whale tail forming a “W” with the hidden “H” in the negative space is a masterclass in design. It’s clever, memorable, and continues to be celebrated by hockey fans everywhere. While the play on the ice wasn’t that great, they at least looked good.

3 New York Rangers

The New York Rangers’ logo, with its shield and diagonal lettering, exudes a classic, old-school charm that almost feels a bit out of place among modern designs. The red, white, and blue colors represent the team’s patriotic roots, and the design is simple yet effective. It’s a logo that has remained consistent and beloved through the decades. In 1996, the team added a secondary logo that features an image of the Statue of Liberty, which is worn on the sleeves of their jersey.

2 Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers’ logo is a perfect example of effective simplicity. The flying “P” with a wing suggests speed and agility, while the orange and black color scheme (a nod to their predecessors in the city, the Quakers) is bold and distinctive. Designed by artist Sam Ciccone, it captures the spirit of Philadelphia hockey and remains one of the most recognized sports logos in the entire world.

1 Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks’ logo is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in sports. And the fact they are near the top of the league in jersey sales each season is a testament to that. Featuring a Native American chief’s head in profile, the logo is colorful, detailed, and respectful of the team’s namesake. It’s a work of art that stands out on the ice and in the annals of sports history. It is a truly iconic logo that may never be matched again in the sport.

Honorable Mentions

NHL fans are a bit spoiled with the quality of logos around the league. And while we did our best to narrow down the top 10, it doesn’t feel right without including a few honorable mentions.

St. Louis Blues: We love it when a team embraces their city and designs a logo that represents it. The simple, yet stylized musical note has deeper meaning than you’d think. It’s shaped like the 64th note in sheet music, which symbolizes the founding of the city in 1764.

Calgary Flames: The flaming “C” is bold and dynamic, perfectly capturing the team’s fiery spirit. But it wasn’t always this way. The team used to use a fiery A to symbolize Alberta. But fans in Calgary didn’t feel a strong connection to it, so it was changed to what we see today in 1980.

In the world of hockey, logos are more than just symbols; they are emblems of pride, history, and community. Some capture elements of the city they play in while others pay homage to a rich history. With 32 creative options in the league, hockey fans are blessed with an array of unique and meaningful choices.