At the time, the league had extended up to 10 teams, but the great depression took its toll on the NHL, reducing its clubs to only six. There were only four, in the beginning, all of which were Canadian, and American teams were introduced in 1924. With the NHA ceasing to be, the NHL founders continued the traditions and structure of the NHL’s predecessor.Īlthough the original six teams are of great significance to the league, it did not have six teams originally.
It was founded in 1917 as a result of disputes between the owners of the then major National Hockey Association league, the NHA.
