The NationalHockeyLeague began with 6 franchises, commonly known as the Original 6. This era lasted until expansion in 1967. Not all franchises were charter members of the NHL from its inception, but they were the teams that formed the lasting foundation of the NHL as it exists today.

Original 6 Franchises - Year of entry into the NHL

• TorontoMapleLeafs - 1917
• MontrealCanadiens - 1909
• BostonBruins - 1924
• DetroitRedWings - 1926
• ChicagoBlackhawks - 1926
• NewYorkRangers - 1926

The small size of the league resulted in heated rivalries developing between these franchises, some lasting to the present day. Games between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens are still highly anticipated events in spite of the massive expansion in the NHL. These franchises all maintain very large and widespread fan bases.

The Original 6 is a popular era for hockey history and collectors. Vintage cards from this era have a strong following, as do modern sets released around the Original 6 theme.

Original 6 Themed Products

• 1991-1992 Ultimate Original 6
• 2003-2004 Parkhurst Original 6 Boston
• 2003-2004 Parkhurst Original 6 Chicago
• 2003-2004 Parkhurst Original 6 Detroit
• 2003-2004 Parkhurst Original 6 Montreal
• 2003-2004 Parkhurst Original 6 New York
• 2003-2004 Parkhurst Original 6 Toronto

There are also many subsets and inserts based around these 6 franchises, and they are very popular with collectors.