The quest for the Stanley Cup is the ultimate goal for every NHL team each season. However, only one team can hoist the Cup at the end of the season, leaving 31 others to reflect on what went wrong. For some teams, winning the Stanley Cup has remained an elusive dream, as they have never captured the most coveted trophy in hockey.
After the Florida Panthers secured their first championship in franchise history last season, the list of teams that have never won the Stanley Cup has dwindled heading into the current season. Let’s take a closer look at the top five NHL teams that have never won a Stanley Cup in their history.
### #5 Ottawa Senators
The original Ottawa Senators franchise, which existed from 1883 to 1954, won a total of 11 Stanley Cups, with the last victory coming in 1927. The revived Ottawa Senators, established in 1992, have yet to claim a Stanley Cup in their current form. Their closest attempt was in 2007 when they lost to the Anaheim Ducks in the Final. The Senators have made 17 playoff appearances since their inception, with their most recent one ending in a first-round loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
### #4 Winnipeg Jets
The current Winnipeg Jets are the second incarnation of the franchise, with the original Jets relocating to become the Arizona Coyotes and later the Utah Mammoth. The current Jets returned to Winnipeg in 2011 but have not reached the Stanley Cup Final in their nine playoff appearances. Despite winning the Presidents’ Trophy this season, the Jets were eliminated in the second round by the Dallas Stars.
### #3 Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild joined the NHL in 2000 after the original Minnesota North Stars moved to Dallas and won the Stanley Cup in 1999. The Wild have yet to reach the Cup Final in their 14 playoff appearances. In their most recent playoff run, the Wild were ousted in the first round by the Vegas Golden Knights.
### #2 Buffalo Sabres
Since joining the NHL in 1970, the Buffalo Sabres have made 29 playoff appearances but have been unable to capture a Stanley Cup. The Sabres have reached the Cup Final twice, falling to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1975 and the Dallas Stars in 1999 on a controversial goal. The Sabres currently hold the longest playoff drought in the NHL, having last made the postseason in 2011.
### #1 Vancouver Canucks
Also joining the league in 1970, the Vancouver Canucks have made 29 playoff appearances without winning a Stanley Cup. The Canucks reached the Cup Final in 1994 and 2011, falling to the New York Rangers and the Boston Bruins, respectively. The team has had a mix of playoff success and droughts, missing the playoffs sporadically. After missing the playoffs this season, the Canucks will be looking to bounce back under new coach Adam Foote.
In conclusion, these five NHL teams continue to chase their first Stanley Cup victory, hoping to one day join the elite clubs that have hoisted the prestigious trophy. Each season brings renewed optimism and the opportunity to rewrite their championship story.
