The Rangers, on top for the first time since 2004, were bolstered by generating the most revenue in the National Hockey League last season at $229 million, boosted by a $1 billion renovation of home rink Madison Square Garden and runs to the 2014 Stanley Cup finals and 2015 Eastern Conference finals.
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The Canadiens earned the largest increase in franchise value – rising 18 per cent – from $1 billion to $1.18 billion.
After topping Forbes’ annual rankings for nine years in a row, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been passed by two franchises. Washington is last on the list at $565 million.
The Leafs had been top dog since 2005, but dropped to No. 3 in the magazine’s valuation at $1.15 billion. The value increased 12 percent in the past year, according to Forbes. It pegged the Rangers’ 2014-15 operating income at $83.1 million.
The Chicago Blackhawks ($930 million) and the Boston Bruins ($750 million) rounded out the top five, followed by the Vancouver Canucks ($750 million) in sixth place. He said they were close to making money, though.
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The Rangers have been beating most comers on the ice so far this season.
