Report: Rangers are most valuable team in NHL

Forbes‘ annual report valuing all 31 NHL franchises revealed that the New York Rangers are the league’s most expensive club.

Valued at $1.5 billion, the Rangers edged out four other Original Six franchises for the top spot.

With a one-year value change of 20-percent, the Blueshirts bring in the NHL’s largest revenue at $294 million and possess its highest operating cost at $94 million.

It’s easy to see why. Playing in Madison Square Garden, the world’s most famous arena, in the heart of the largest sports market in the world, the Rangers have made the postseason seven-straight times. That includes three trips to the Eastern Conference Finals and an appearance in the 2014 Stanley Cup Final.

The other team in New York City, the Islanders, are on the opposite end of the list, ranking 22nd in the league with a $395 million value. That number could go up though if the Islanders are able to secure the land near Belmont Park in Elmont, NY to build their own arena, sign John Tavares to a long-term extension and continue their ascent as competitors in the Eastern Conference.

Here is the full list from Forbes:

1. New York Rangers: $1.5 billion

2. Toronto Maple Leafs: $1.4 billion

3. Montreal Canadiens: $1.25 billion

4. Chicago Blackhawks: $1 billion

5. Boston Bruins: $890 million

6. Los Angeles Kings: $750 million

7. Philadelphia Flyers: $740 million

8. Vancouver Canucks: $730 million

9. Detroit Red Wings: $700 million

10. Pittsburgh Penguins: $650 million

11. Washington Capitals: $625 million