History of Montreal Canadiens in Timeline

The Montreal Canadiens, nicknamed the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, competing in the NHL's Eastern Conference, Atlantic Division. They have played at the Bell Centre since 1996, having previously played at the Montreal Forum for seven decades, during which they won all but their first two Stanley Cup championships.

December 4, 1909: Montreal Canadiens Founded

On December 4, 1909, the Montreal Canadiens were founded by J. Ambrose O'Brien as a charter member of the National Hockey Association (NHA).

1909: Team Founding

In 1909, the Montreal Canadiens were founded, marking the beginning of the team's long and storied history as the oldest continuously operating professional ice hockey team worldwide.

1909: Original Shirt Design

In the 1909–10 season, the Montreal Canadiens' original shirt was blue with a white C.

1911: Primary Colours

Since 1911, the Montreal Canadiens' primary colors are blue, white, and red.

1914: Nickname Habitants

In 1914, the "Habitants" nickname dates back to at least 1914, when it was printed in Le Devoir.

1914: Adoption of the Current Design

Prior to adopting the current design, the Canadiens used multiple designs before the aforementioned design in 1914.

1914: Basic Sweater Design

The basic design of the Canadiens' sweater has been in use since 1914.

1915: First Stanley Cup Championship

In 1915, the Montreal Canadiens won their first Stanley Cup championship during the 1915–16 season.

1915: Poem

In 1915, the year before the Montreal Canadiens won their first Stanley Cup championship, John McCrae wrote the poem 'In Flanders Fields'.

1917: Formation of the NHL

In 1917, the Montreal Canadiens, along with four other NHA teams, formed the National Hockey League (NHL).

1917: First Game against Toronto Arenas

In 1917, the Toronto Maple Leafs, then known as the Toronto Arenas, first faced the Montreal Canadiens, marking the beginning of a historic rivalry.

1917: First Use of C and H Logo

In the 1917–18 season, the classic 'C' and 'H' logo of the Montreal Canadiens was first used together when the club changed its name to "Club de hockey Canadien" from "Club athlétique Canadien".

1923: First NHL Stanley Cup

In 1923, the Montreal Canadiens won their first NHL Stanley Cup during the 1923–24 season, led by Howie Morenz.

1924: Origin of Habs Nickname

In 1924, American Tex Rickard, owner of Madison Square Garden, is said to be the first man to refer to the team as 'the Habs'.

1924: Bruins NHL Debut

Since their NHL debut in 1924, the Boston Bruins and the Canadiens have played each other more than any other team in both regular season play and the playoffs combined, making them Original Six rivals.

1925: Current Sweater Form

In 1925, the Canadiens' sweater took its current form.

1925: Third-Worst Point Percentage

The .319 point percentage in 1925 was the team's third-worst ever.

1926: Move to the Montreal Forum

In 1926, the Montreal Canadiens moved from the Mount Royal Arena to the Montreal Forum for the 1926–27 season.

1927: Sole Stanley Cup Competition

In 1927, NHL teams became the only ones to compete for the Stanley Cup.

1930: Stanley Cup Win

In 1930, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup.

1931: Back-to-Back Stanley Cups

In 1931, the Montreal Canadiens secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory.

November 2, 1937: Howie Morenz Honored

On November 2, 1937, Howie Morenz became the first player to have his number retired by the Montreal Canadiens.

1937: Maroons suspension

In 1937, after the 1937–38 season, the Montreal Maroons suspended operations, and several of their players joined the Canadiens.

1938: Only two Canadian teams in the league

From 1938 to 1970, the Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs were the only two Canadian teams in the league.

1939: Finishing Last in the League

In the 1939–40 season, the Montreal Canadiens finished last in the league for the first time since that season.

1942: Part of the Original Six

In 1942, the Montreal Canadiens became one of the "Original Six" teams that constituted the National Hockey League (NHL).

1945: First Canadiens inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

In 1945, Howie Morenz and Georges Vezina were the first Montreal Canadiens to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1952: Current form of the C and H logo

In 1952, the Canadiens logo evolved to its current form.

1953: Stanley Cup Victory

In 1953, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup.

1955: Dynasty Era

From 1955 to 1960, 12 players from the Montreal Canadiens dynasty were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1956: Five Straight Stanley Cups

From 1956 to 1960, the Montreal Canadiens won a record five consecutive Stanley Cups.

1960: Dynasty Era

From 1955 to 1960, 12 players from the Montreal Canadiens dynasty were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1960: Fifth Consecutive Stanley Cup Win

In 1960, the Montreal Canadiens concluded a run of five consecutive Stanley Cup victories, setting a record.

1964: Dynasty Era

From 1964 to 1969, 11 players from the Montreal Canadiens dynasty were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1965: Stanley Cup Win

In 1965, the Montreal Canadiens added another Stanley Cup to their list of championships.

1967: NHL Expansion

In 1967, the Montreal Canadiens were one of the "Original Six" teams before the league's expansion.

1969: Dynasty Era

From 1964 to 1969, 11 players from the Montreal Canadiens dynasty were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1970: Only two Canadian teams in the league

From 1938 to 1970, the Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs were the only two Canadian teams in the league.

1975: Dynasty Era

From 1975 to 1979, 13 players from the Montreal Canadiens dynasty were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1976: Dynastic Run

From 1976 to 1979, the Montreal Canadiens had a dynastic run of four-straight Stanley Cup wins.

1977: Team Records Set

During the 1976–77 season, the Montreal Canadiens set several team records, including fewest losses, longest home unbeaten streak, and best goal differential, and most points in an 80-game season.

1979: Dynasty Era

From 1975 to 1979, 13 players from the Montreal Canadiens dynasty were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1979: Start of "Battle of Quebec"

In 1979, the Montreal Canadiens began their intraprovincial rivalry with the Quebec Nordiques, a period known as the "Battle of Quebec".

1979: Stanley Cup Championship

In 1979, the Montreal Canadiens won another Stanley Cup.

1984: Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

In 1984, Danny Gallivan and Rene Lecavalier were awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1985: Doug Smith received Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

In 1985, Doug Smith was awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1986: Stanley Cup Victory

In 1986, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup, led by rookie star goaltender Patrick Roy.

1988: Dick Irvin Jr. received Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

In 1988, Dick Irvin Jr. was awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1992: Stanley Cup Victory

In 1992, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup, marking the last time a Canadian team has achieved this victory.

1993: Stanley Cup Win

In 1993, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup.

1995: Roy's Departure

Following Patrick Roy's departure in 1995, the Canadiens went into a prolonged period of mediocrity.

1995: End of "Battle of Quebec"

In 1995, the intraprovincial rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Quebec Nordiques, nicknamed the "Battle of Quebec", came to an end.

1996: Move to the Molson Centre

In 1996, the Montreal Canadiens moved from the Montreal Forum to the Molson Centre (now called Bell Centre).

1996: New Home at the Bell Centre

In 1996, the Montreal Canadiens relocated from the Montreal Forum, their home for 70 seasons and 22 Stanley Cup victories, to the Molson Centre, which is now called the Bell Centre.

1999: Richard Garneau received Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

In 1999, Richard Garneau was awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1999: Yankees' 25th World Series title

In 1999, the New York Yankees won their 25th World Series title, surpassing the Canadiens' record for most championships by a team in major North American sports leagues.

2000: Wayne Gretzky's Number Retired

At the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 was retired by the NHL for all its member teams.

2001: Sale to George N. Gillett Jr.

In 2001, team owner Molson Brewery sold control of the franchise and the Molson Centre to American businessman George N. Gillett Jr.

2002: Gilles Tremblay received Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

In 2002, Gilles Tremblay was awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame.

2002: Canadian Five-Dollar Bill

In 2002, a passage from Roch Carrier's short story 'The Hockey Sweater' appeared on the Canadian five-dollar bill.

2004: Youppi! adopted as official mascot

In 2004, the Canadiens adopted Youppi! as their official mascot. Previously, Youppi! served as the mascot for the Montreal Expos.

2005: Youppi! switches leagues

In 2005, Youppi! transitioned from being the mascot for the Montreal Expos to becoming the mascot for the Canadiens. With this changeover, Youppi! became the first mascot in professional sports to switch leagues.

December 29, 2008: 3,000th Victory

On December 29, 2008, the Montreal Canadiens became the first team in NHL history to reach 3,000 victories with their 5–2 victory over the Florida Panthers.

2008: 100th Anniversary Celebrations

During the 2008–09 season, the Montreal Canadiens commenced their 100th anniversary celebrations, including hosting the 2009 NHL All-Star Game and the 2009 NHL entry draft.

2009: Centenary Designs

During the 2009–10 season, all three of the Montreal Canadiens' pre-1914 designs were worn as part of the team's centenary celebrations.

2009: Sale to Molson Family Consortium

In 2009, Gillett sold the Montreal Canadiens franchise to a consortium led by the Molson family for $575 million.

2009: 100th Anniversary Celebrations

In 2009, the Montreal Canadiens celebrated their 100th anniversary with various events, including hosting the 2009 NHL All-Star Game and the 2009 NHL entry draft.

2010: TSN acquires English-language regional rights

In 2010, TSN acquired the English-language regional rights for Montreal Canadiens games, broadcasting them on a part-time channel with Dave Randorf on play-by-play.

2010: Playoff Advancement

In 2010, the Canadiens advanced past the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 1995.

2011: TSN Radio 690 acquires English-language radio rights

In 2011, CKGM, TSN Radio 690, acquired the English-language radio rights to Montreal Canadiens games under a seven-year deal.

2011: Launch of TVA Sports

In 2011, TVA Sports was launched as the only French-language sports channel in Canada until that date.

2011: Canucks Stanley Cup Final

In 2011, the Vancouver Canucks were the first Canadian team to reach Stanley Cup Final since Montreal.

2014: Pat Burns inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2014, Pat Burns was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

2014: RDS deal begins

In 2014, Réseau des sports (RDS) began a 12-year deal to hold regional television rights in French for Montreal Canadiens games.

2014: RDS maintains regional rights

In 2014, with TVA Sports becoming the national French rightsholder, RDS announced a 12-year deal to maintain regional rights to Canadiens games not shown on TVA Sports.

2014: TSN English-language rights end

TSN's hold on English-language regional television rights ended in 2014.

2015: French NHL Shield

As of 2015, the Montreal Canadiens' home red sweater is the only uniform in the league to feature the French language version of the NHL shield logo (LNH) on the neck collar.

2016: Expiration of Sportsnet East deal

Following the 2016-17 season, the three-year deal for English-language regional rights, held by Sportsnet East, expired.

June 2017: Bell Media Extension

In June 2017, Bell Media reached a five-year extension to hold the team's regional television in both languages, and its English-language radio rights.

2017: TSN2 assumes English-language regional television rights

In 2017, TSN2 assumed the English-language regional television rights, with John Bartlett on play-by-play, and Dave Poulin, Mike Johnson and Craig Button on colour commentary.

2017: Motto on Adidas Adizero Jerseys

In 2017, the motto from the poem "In Flanders Fields" appeared on the inside collar of the new Adidas Adizero jerseys.

2018: Bartlett returns to Sportsnet

In 2018, John Bartlett returned to Sportsnet, and was succeeded by Bryan Mudryk for play-by-play on TSN2.

June 2020: Youppi! inducted into Mascot Hall of Fame

In June 2020, Youppi! became the first mascot from a Canadian-based club to be inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame.

2020: Moved to North Division

For the 2020–21 season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the league moved the Montreal Canadiens along with the other six teams from Canada to the North Division, restricting play to teams within the division.

2020: Reverse Retro Uniform Unveiled

In the 2020–21 season, the Montreal Canadiens unveiled a "Reverse Retro" alternate uniform in collaboration with Adidas, featuring blue as the primary color and red as the stripe color.

2021: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 2021, the Montreal Canadiens advanced through the Stanley Cup playoffs, reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 28 years but eventually losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2021: Worst Season

In the 2021–22 season, the Montreal Canadiens were unable to replicate their success from the prior season, ultimately finishing last in the league.

November 2022: Introduction of METAL!

In November 2022, the Canadiens introduced METAL!, an "unofficial official mascot", for the team's Reverse Retro series of games that season.

2022: Team Rebuild

In 2022, team owner Geoff Molson authorized a "rebuild" of the roster over an extended period.

2022: Most Points Record broken by Boston Bruins

In the 2022-23 season, the Boston Bruins beat the Montreal Canadiens' record for the most points in an 80-game season, a record set in the 1976-77 season.

2022: Second Iteration of Reverse Retro Uniform

In the 2022–23 season, a second iteration of the Montreal Canadiens' "Reverse Retro" uniform was released, featuring a light blue base with white/dark blue/white stripes.