The Best NHL Logos Ranked

In the realm of sports, few symbols captivate fans and represent teams as powerfully as logos do. In the National Hockey League, a league with a storied past and an international fan base, logos are more than mere graphics—they are badges of honor, emblems of regional pride, and, often, works of art. Here, we’ll rank the best NHL logos from worst to first.
From the vintage allure of the Original Six to the modern magnetism of the league’s newest additions, hockey logos mirror both the spirit of the times and the enduring values of the best sport in the world. The best NHL logos tell a compelling story, not just about a team but about a community, a culture, or even a nation.
They embody attributes such as speed, power, and agility—qualities that resonate deeply with the fast-paced nature of ice hockey. Whether it’s the prestigious shield of the LA Kings, the timeless maple leaf of the Toronto franchise symbolizing Canada’s love for the game, or the electric bolt of the Tampa Bay Lightning capturing the essence of raw energy, a great logo transcends the sport. It becomes a symbol that fans rally around, a point of connection that goes beyond words.
32. Anaheim Ducks

If any team needs an updated logo, it’s the Anaheim Ducks; they’ve been using it since 2013. The webbed duck’s foot in the shape of a D is pretty simple. It’s not bad, but it just doesn’t stand out, and the team colors leavde something to desired. We wish they’d return to the old-school logo of the duck in the hockey mask.
31. Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars logo is minimalist but impactful. A green star is set behind the letter “D,” capturing the team’s name and Texan roots. The dominant colors of green and black are unusual in the NHL, helping the team stand out. The logo’s simplicity lends itself to various applications, from jerseys to merchandise, making it an instantly recognizable team symbol going back to the days of legendary center Mike Modono.
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30. Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks logo features an orca whale, an indigenous art-inspired design that pays homage to the Pacific Northwest. The navy, blue, and white color palette evoke the sea and sky, anchoring the team in its regional setting. The orca symbolizes power and agility, aligning well with the demands of the sport.
29. Florida Panthers

Yes, there are actually panthers in Florida, and The Florida Panthers NHL logo showcases a ferocious panther leaping forward, evoking speed and aggression. The color scheme, featuring navy blue, red, and gold, gives the logo a rich, vibrant feel. The panther symbolizes the local wildlife and embodies the qualities of strength and agility relevant to the animal and the sport of hockey.
28. Arizona Coyotes

We’re not quite sure what’s going on here with the Arizona Coyotes NHL logo. We definitely respect the homage to the Southwestern culture and Pueblo heritage, but it looks like the coyote just escaped from a Pablo Picasso painting. We think the Kachina logo isn’t as good as the howling wolf it replaced.
27. Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals logo is pretty simplistic. The hockey stick hitting the puck kind of gets lost and doesn’t really look like the letter “T”. We like that it’s patriotic, but the old logo with the eagle is much better. It looks good when Alexander Ovechkin is racking up the goals.
26. Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators logo depicts a Roman Senator, connecting the team to the grandeur and history of ancient Rome. The gold and red color scheme adds a touch of regality, while the overall design ties into the team’s name elegantly. It serves as an imposing and culturally rich emblem that distinguishes the team.
25. Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes team logo vividly represents the team’s name, conveying both force and motion. Featuring a swirling hurricane pattern, the logo masterfully captures the turbulence and dynamism one would associate with a hurricane and ice hockey.
24. New York Islanders

The New York Islanders NHL logo combines several elements—Long Island, a hockey stick, a hockey puck, and the initials “NY”—into a cohesive design. The blue and orange colors are vibrant and attention-grabbing, reflecting the energy of the team and its fan base. The logo encompasses geographical, sport-specific, and local identity elements in one streamlined design.
23. Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets NHL logo features a fighter jet superimposed over a maple leaf set against a circle. The navy, silver, and white color scheme lends a modern feel to the design. The jet symbolizes speed and agility, while the maple leaf nods to the team’s Canadian roots, making it a powerful national and sport-specific symbol.
22. Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken logo evokes the depths of mythology, featuring a stylized “S” that subtly incorporates a tentacle and a menacing eye. The navy and light blue color scheme conjures up images of the sea, perfectly aligning with the fabled sea hurmonster from which the team draws its name. It’s a contemporary and edgy design that captivates attention.
21. Calgary Flames

Overall, the Calgary Flames NHL team logo serves as a powerful rallying symbol for fans and players alike, embodying both geographical and thematic elements in a visually captivating way. Consisting of a flaming “C,” the logo is both simple and dynamic, embodying the essence of the name “Flames.” It perfectly captures the team’s spirit and locale.
20. Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets logo features a star-spangled ribbon wrapped around a gray star. The Civil War-inspired design pays homage to Ohio’s military history, adding layers of meaning to the team’s identity. Its modern yet timeless design encapsulates the franchise’s spirit and connection to local history.
19. Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche logo masterfully merges the natural elements with the dynamism of the sport. The letter “A” is enveloped by an avalanche snow trail, set against a deep burgundy backdrop, representing both the state’s mountainous terrain and the team’s name. The design conjures images of unstoppable force and momentum, fitting for a team that plays a fast-paced game.
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18. Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers logo is straightforward yet effective—a simple oil drop sits above the team’s name. The bold blue and orange colors stand out and pay homage to the team’s storied past. The design captures the essence of the city’s oil industry, anchoring the team’s identity to its local economy and history.
17. Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators’ team logo is a striking emblem that aptly embodies the spirit of the team and the ferocity of the predator it depicts—a saber-toothed tiger. The logo features the fierce face of the extinct creature with its sharp fangs and predatory eyes; the image effectively captures the essence of aggression and competitiveness.
16. New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils’ logo features the letters “N” and “J” fused together to create devil horns and a tail, capturing the team’s name imaginatively and directly. The color scheme of red, black, and white adds to the striking visual impact of the design. It’s a modern, edgy logo that encapsulates the team’s aggressive playing style and regional identity.
15. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning logo is as direct as it gets—a lightning bolt set against a circle. The color scheme of blue, black, and white creates a clean, modern aesthetic. The symbol is immediate in its meaning, highlighting speed and intensity, qualities integral to ice hockey.
14. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ logo is one of the most iconic in the NHL, featuring a maple leaf and the team’s name. The blue and white color scheme is simple yet effective, tapping into Canadian nationalism and the franchise’s rich history. It’s a timeless emblem that has captivated generations of fans.
13. New York Rangers

The New York Rangers’ shield logo is a timeless classic that features the team’s initials in a diagonal layout across a shield. The red, white, and blue color scheme pays homage to the American flag, emphasizing the team’s New York roots. The design is straightforward and instantly recognizable, serving as a unifying symbol for fans.
12. San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks logo is a dynamic depiction of a shark chomping a hockey stick, perfectly encapsulating the ferocity and speed the team is known for. The teal, black, and white color scheme sets it apart in the league, lending the team a unique identity that resonates with fans.
11. Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild NHL logo is a multi-layered dsabeesign masterpiece that cleverly incorporates natural elements to represent the state’s wilderness. At first glance, it appears to be a wild animal, but upon closer inspection, you notice the river, trees, and shooting star integrated within. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking logo that captures the state’s essence while symbolizing the sport’s ruggedness.
10. Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins NHL team logo is a masterclass in simplicity and impact. Utilizing the iconic “B” enclosed within a black and gold circle, the design perfectly captures the essence of a franchise steeped in tradition and history. The color scheme, rooted in the team’s long-standing identity, elicits feelings of grit, determination, and excellence—traits synonymous with Boston’s hockey culture.
9. Montreal Canadiens

Using essentially the same logo since 1926, The Montreal Canadiens logo is one of the most iconic in hockey history, boasting a simple yet highly symbolic design that mirrors the legendary hockey arena they play in. Its red, white, and blue color scheme reflects the French tricolor, reinforcing the team’s deep ties to Quebec’s French-Canadian heritage.
8. Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers logo is straightforward yet iconic, featuring a stylized “P” with a flying wing attached. The orange, black, and white color scheme is both eye-catching and symbolic of the team’s gritty (pun intended), high-energy play dating back to The Broadstreet Bullies. The flying wing signifies speed and agility, key attributes in ice hockey.
7. Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights logo is a knight’s helmet set against a black and gold backdrop. It exudes a sense of nobility and bravery, reflecting the team’s name. The design is modern yet timeless, effectively capturing the glitz and glamour associated with Las Vegas.
6. Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings NHL logo features a shield with a crown underneath the initials “LA,” a straightforward yet effective design that captures the essence of royalty and prestige you would expect from the team Wayne Gretzky played for. The black, silver, and white color scheme lends an air of sophistication and elegance, aligning well with a city known for its glamour and entertainment industry.
5. Buffalo Sabres

We’re big fans of the Buffalo Sabres taking their logo back to the old-school roots. Featuring two crossed sabers below a leaping buffalo, the emblem is a direct nod to the team’s name and the city it calls home. The crossed sabers evoke a sense of action and combativeness, qualities that resonate with the great sport of hockey itself.
4. St Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues’ logo is a musical note fusedc with a wing, paying tribute to the city’s rich blues music heritage. The blue, yellow, and white colors evoke a sense of tradition and regional identity. Its logo serves as a unique bridge between sport and local culture, striking a chord with young and old fans.
3. Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks’ NHL team logo is among the most iconic in sports, steeped in a long tradition that dates back to the Original Six franchise’s founding. The intricate design of the Native American head, complete with detailed feathering, adds a layer of complexity that reflects the team’s rich history. The logo has a vintage feel, serving as a testament to the Blackhawks’ enduring legacy in the league.
2. Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ logo showcases a playful yet poised penguin, hockey stick in hand, skating atop a golden triangle representing the city of Pittsburgh. The black, white, and gold color scheme aligns perfectly with the city’s other major sports franchises, which all use the same color scheme. The logo masterfully balances charm with competitive spirit, embodying the energetic nature of the team and its fan base.
1. Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings boast one of the most iconic logos in all sports—a red wheel with wings. This design is deeply rooted in the city’s automotive history and symbolizes speed, movement, and agility. The red and white color scheme is as classic as the legendary players that wore the jersey; from Lidstrom to Yzerman to Scotty Bowman, the logo has timeless appeal. It’s more than just a logo; it’s a symbol of the city’s industrial spirit and legacy.
FINAL THOUGHTS on THE BEST NHL LOGOS
As we wrap up our journey through the artistry and symbolism behind the NHL’s best logos, it’s clear that these emblems are far more than simple graphics on a jersey. They are powerful expressions of identity, each crafted to resonate with fans, players, and the culture surrounding the team. Through varying shades of color, complex layers of design, and keen attention to regional and historical elements, these logos captivate our imaginations and become an integral part of our experience as fans.
Just as each NHL team brings its own unique flair and technique to the ice, so too do their logos add depth and dimension to the league’s rich tapestry. The logos we’ve explored represent the best of hockey’s visual spectrum, from classic icons that have stood the test of time to modern designs that break the mold. They demonstrate how design can encapsulate the essence of a sport that’s about much more than goals and penalties—it’s about community, pride, and a love for the game that binds us all.