Maple Leafs are the NHL's most valuable team, according to Forbes magazine's
annual survey.
The Leafs are worth $470 million, an increase of 5
percent over last year. They easily are worth more than the next franchise, the
New York Rangers at $416 million, up just 1 percent.
The original six franchises are in the top seven, with
only Philadelphia at No. 5 breaking that monopoly. Montreal is third ($339
million), followed by Detroit ($337 million), Philadelphia ($273 million),
Boston ($271 million) and Chicago ($258 million).
Chicago has the biggest rise in value, up 26 percent,
followed by Washington at 15 percent to $183 million.
The Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins rank 11th at
$222 million.
The average value of the 30 teams is $223 million, a
slight increase over the $220 million of 2008.
Not surprisingly, the Phoenix Coyotes, with all their
ownership issues, have the lowest worth, $138 million. And 14 teams — nearly
half the league — went down in value, ranging from Colorado decreasing by 11
percent to Philadelphia falling 1 percent.
Toronto has, by far, the most operating income, $78.9
million, Forbes reported. Second in operating income is Montreal at $31.3
million.
The Leafs are tops in revenues, too, at $168 million,
followed by the Rangers at $139 million.