In today's Colorado Avalanche history lesson, we are going to look at some of the most successful NHL franchises AFTER they have relocated. My hope is that most of you are fully aware that the Avs were once a very proud Canadian franchise called the Quebec Nordiques.

To me, the Nords scream old-time hockey. I have very fond memories of watching the Devils, Rangers, Islanders, and Bruins play them through my grainy tube TV. I grew up in New Jersey and had access to all kinds of local hockey on TV and it was glorious. It hit different when I found out Quebec was closing up shop and heading to the states. It definitely marked the end of an era in our sport.

Sadly. this wasn't the first time a team was forced to move and it wouldn't be the last. Poor economics have plagued the NHL for decades forcing teams from one city to another; some have moved multiple times. My guess is that hockey has one of the highest relocation rates among the big pro sports leagues; except for maybe the NHL and more specifically the Raiders. Those guys are basically nomads.

Since 1917, 19 NHL franchises have either folded or relocated; since 1980 seven franchises have moved and still operate today, including the Avalanche. But, who among these lucky seven have had the most success since moving? I'll give you a hint: One of them plays where the "Columbine Grow."

- In 1980 the Atlanta Flames ran into money issues and the team was sold to a group from Calgary, Alberta Canada. The Calgary Flames have had their ups and downs, but remain a strong NHL franchise. In 1988-89 the club won its one and only Stanley Cup. Overall success has been slim-pickings since then with just five division titles and one conference finals since.

- In 1982 the Colorado Rockies were only six seasons into a relocation from Kansas City when they loaded up the moving trucks again.

New Jersey native John McCullen purchased the struggling Colorado franchise and brought it home to the Garden State. The newly formed New Jersey Devils had some lean years early before becoming one of the game's most successful franchises of the modern era. The Devils have the most Stanley Cup wins among the relocated franchises. Since 1995 the Devils have had three Stanley Cup wins, five conference titles, and nine division titles.

- The wildly popular Minnesota North Stars abandoned the State of Hockey for a stronger financial future in the Lone Star State.

The Dallas Stars were in the Stanley Cup Final two seasons ago and continue to make Texas proud. They too took home Lord Stanley in 1998-99. Who can forget Brett Hull and the famous skate in the crease?

Along with the Cup, the Stars have three conference championships, two Presidents' Trophies, and eight division titles. They've done alright for themselves.

Meanwhile, Minnesota has a new team in town and they've been living somewhere between mediocre and meh.

- In 1996 the Jets left Winnipeg and headed to the deserts of Arizona. Success has been limited since the move. The 'Yotes have one division title and countless battles with finding a permanent home within Arizona. The NHL's been forced to step in on occasion to help keep the franchise afloat. Just days ago we learned that Glendale will not renew the teams' lease with Gila River Arena. Sadly, they may be on this list again very soon.

- The loveable Hartford Whalers just couldn't make it work in Connecticut. It was another black day in the NHL. When the dust settled the club had a new home in North Carolina. The newly named "Hurricanes" brought hockey down south. They too had a few bumps along the way before finally settling in Raleigh.

The Canes won the Cup in 2005-06, nabbed a couple of conference titles and four division crowns along the way.

unlike most of the teams on this least, the Canes embrace their roots and pay homage to the Whalers with special jerseys and events. Good times.

- Lastly, Atlanta lost the Flames to Calgary years ago because they weren't financially viable. So, they decided to give it a go again in 1999 with the Thrashers and the end result was the same. By 2011 the viability was gone again. Reenter the Winnipeg Jets 2.0.

So far, so good with the second coming of the Jets. The team is competitive and nobody doubts the team's local support. Let's hope they don't follow in Atlanta's footsteps with two failed NHL franchises.

The Avs ranked second in Stanley Cup wins since relocating with two. They, along with the Devils enjoyed great success in the last '90s and early 2000s. Today the Avs remain one of the game's best-run franchises and are on the cusp of another great run of success.

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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