The National Hockey League (NHL) currently consists of 32 teams. These teams are divided into two conferences, the Eastern and Western Conferences, each containing two divisions. The NHL includes 25 teams based in the United States and 7 in Canada
. The most recent expansions brought the league to 32 teams with the addition of the Seattle Kraken in the 2021–22 season and the Utah Hockey Club (Utah Mammoth) in 2024–25
. In summary:
- Total NHL teams: 32
- U.S.-based teams: 25
- Canada-based teams: 7
- Conferences: 2 (Eastern and Western)
- Divisions: 4 (Atlantic, Metropolitan, Central, Pacific)
This structure has been stable since the 2021–22 season, with 32 teams competing for the Stanley Cup
