History of Montreal Canadiens in Timeline

The Montreal Canadiens, nicknamed the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. They are members of the NHL's Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. Since 1996, their home games have been played at the Bell Centre after a long tenure at the Montreal Forum, where they won most of their Stanley Cups. The Canadiens are a significant part of Montreal's identity and a storied franchise in NHL history.

December 4, 1909: Team Founded by J. Ambrose O'Brien

On December 4, 1909, J. Ambrose O'Brien founded the Montreal Canadiens as a charter member of the National Hockey Association (NHA), aiming to create a team for the francophone community in Montreal.

1909: Canadiens Founded

In 1909, the Montreal Canadiens were founded, marking the beginning of the oldest continuously operating professional ice hockey team worldwide and one of the earliest North American professional sports franchises.

1909: Original Shirt Design

In the 1909-10 season, the original shirt of the Montreal Canadiens was blue with a white C, marking the team's inaugural look.

1911: Adoption of Team Colours

Since 1911, the Montreal Canadiens' primary colours are blue, white, and red, establishing a consistent visual identity for the team.

February 1914: Nickname Habitants

On 9 February 1914, the nickname "Habitants" for the Montreal Canadiens was first attested in French in a report in Le Devoir.

1914: Adoption of Aforementioned Design

In 1914, the Canadiens adopted the aforementioned design, which is the team's current design.

1914: Basic Jersey Design in Use

Since 1914, the basic jersey design for the Montreal Canadiens has been in use, with the main road sweater being white with a red and blue stripe across the waist.

1915: John McCrae Poem

In 1915, John McCrae wrote the poem "In Flanders Fields", the year before the Montreal Canadiens won their first Stanley Cup championship, with a motto appearing on the wall of the Canadiens' dressing room.

1915: First Stanley Cup Championship

In 1915, the Montreal Canadiens won their first Stanley Cup championship, marking an early milestone in the team's history.

1917: First game against Toronto

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

1917: Formation of the NHL

In 1917, the Montreal Canadiens, along with four other NHA teams, formed the National Hockey League (NHL), a pivotal moment in the league's establishment.

1917: Adoption of Classic Logo

In the 1917–18 season, the classic 'C' and 'H' logo of the Montreal Canadiens was first used together, marking a significant design change for the club.

1923: First NHL Stanley Cup

In 1923, the Montreal Canadiens won their first NHL Stanley Cup, led by Howie Morenz, solidifying their position in the newly formed league.

1924: American Tex Rickard Refers to the Habs

In 1924, American Tex Rickard, owner of Madison Square Garden, referred to the Montreal Canadiens as "the Habs," mistakenly believing the "H" stood for "Habitants."

1924: Bruins NHL debut

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

1925: Current Jersey Design

In 1925, the Montreal Canadiens' jersey design took its current form, evolving as materials changed while maintaining its core elements.

1925: Third Worst Point Percentage Ever

In the 1925-26 campaign, the Montreal Canadiens had their third-worst point percentage ever.

1926: Move to the Montreal Forum

In 1926, the Montreal Canadiens moved from the Mount Royal Arena to the Montreal Forum, beginning a long and storied tenure at the iconic venue.

1927: Exclusive Stanley Cup Competition

In 1927, NHL teams became the only ones to compete for the Stanley Cup, solidifying the Canadiens' place in hockey history.

1930: Stanley Cup Win

In 1930, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup, starting a successful decade for the club.

1931: Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Win

In 1931, the Montreal Canadiens won their second consecutive Stanley Cup, continuing their dominance in the league.

November 2, 1937: Howie Morenz First Honouree

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

1937: Montreal Maroons' Last Season

In 1937, following the 1937-38 season, the Montreal Maroons suspended operations, and several of their players joined the Montreal Canadiens, impacting the team's roster.

1938: Canadiens and Maple Leafs Only Canadian Teams

From 1938, the Canadiens and 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, foreshadowing the struggles of the 2021-22 season.

1942: Original Six

In 1942, the Montreal Canadiens became one of the "Original Six" teams that made up the NHL, a significant part of the league's history.

1945: Howie Morenz and Georges Vezina First Inductees

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

1952: Current Logo Form

In the 1952–53 season, the Canadiens' logo evolved to its current form.

1953: Stanley Cup Win

In 1953, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup, marking the beginning of a dominant era.

1955: Canadiens Dynasty

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

1956: Start of Five Straight Stanley Cups

In 1956, the Montreal Canadiens began a record-setting streak of five consecutive Stanley Cup wins, showcasing their unparalleled dominance.

1960: End of Five Straight Stanley Cups

In 1960, the Montreal Canadiens concluded their unprecedented run of five consecutive Stanley Cup victories, cementing their legacy in NHL history.

1960: Canadiens Dynasty

Until 1960, 12 players of Montreal Canadiens were inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1964: Canadiens Dynasty

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

1965: Canadiens Win Stanley Cup

In 1965, the Montreal Canadiens added to their championship legacy by winning the Stanley Cup, continuing their period of success.

1967: NHL Expansion

In 1967, the Montreal Canadiens were one of the "Original Six" teams at the time of the NHL expansion, marking a significant part of the league's history.

1969: Canadiens Dynasty

Until 1969, 11 players of Montreal Canadiens were inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1970: Canadiens and Maple Leafs Only Canadian Teams

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

1975: Canadiens Dynasty

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

1976: Start of Four Straight Stanley Cups

In 1976, the Montreal Canadiens started another dynastic run, winning four consecutive Stanley Cups and establishing themselves as a dominant force in the NHL.

1977: Team Records Set

In the 1976–77 season, the Montreal Canadiens set three still-standing team records – fewest losses (8), longest home unbeaten streak (34), and best goal differential (+216) – and an additional record for most points (132).

1979: Start of the "Battle of Quebec"

In 1979, the Canadiens began an intraprovincial rivalry with the Quebec Nordiques, nicknamed the "Battle of Quebec".

1979: End of Four Straight Stanley Cups

In 1979, the Montreal Canadiens won their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup, concluding their dynastic run and solidifying their place in NHL history.

1979: Canadiens Dynasty

Until 1979, 13 players of Montreal Canadiens were inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1984: Danny Gallivan and Rene Lecavalier awarded the 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 awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

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

1986: Stanley Cup Win Led by Patrick Roy

In 1986, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup, led by rookie star goaltender Patrick Roy, marking a significant achievement for the team.

1988: Dick Irvin Jr. awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

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

1992: Last Stanley Cup Win by a Canadian Team

In 1992, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup, marking the last time a Canadian team won the championship.

1993: Stanley Cup Win

In 1993, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup, continuing their streak of winning at least one championship in every decade from the 1910s to the 1990s.

1995: Departure of Patrick Roy

In 1995, following Roy's departure, the Montreal Canadiens entered an extended period of mediocrity, struggling to maintain their previous success.

1995: End of the "Battle of Quebec"

In 1995, the Canadiens intraprovincial rivalry with the Quebec Nordiques, nicknamed the "Battle of Quebec" ended.

1996: Move to Molson Centre

In 1996, the Montreal Canadiens moved from the Montreal Forum, their home for 70 seasons and 22 Stanley Cups, to the Molson Centre (now called Bell Centre).

1999: Richard Garneau awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

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

1999: New York Yankees' 25th World Series Title

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

2000: Wayne Gretzky's Number Retired League-Wide

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

2001: Sale to George N. Gillett Jr.

In 2001, team owner Molson Brewery sold control of the Montreal Canadiens franchise and the Molson Centre to American businessman George N. Gillett Jr., amid concerns about the team's financial stability and potential relocation.

2002: Gilles Tremblay awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

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

2002: Five-Dollar Bill

In 2002, a passage from Roch Carrier's short story "The Hockey Sweater" appeared on the Canadian five-dollar bill, highlighting the cultural significance of the Montreal Canadiens.

2004: Youppi! adopted as official mascot

In 2004, the Canadiens adopted Youppi! as their official mascot.

2005: Youppi! becomes mascot for Montreal Canadiens

In 2005, Youppi! became the first mascot in professional sports to switch leagues, joining the Montreal Canadiens after previously being with the Montreal Expos.

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 win over the Florida Panthers.

2008: Centennial Celebrations

In 2008, the Montreal Canadiens began celebrating their 100th anniversary with various events, including preparations for the 2009 NHL All-Star Game.

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, more than double his initial investment, ensuring the team's continued presence in Montreal.

2009: 100th Anniversary Events

In 2009, the Montreal Canadiens hosted the 2009 NHL All-Star Game and the 2009 NHL entry draft as part of their 100th anniversary celebrations.

2009: Centenary Jersey Designs

In 2009, the Montreal Canadiens wore all three designs used prior to the current design as part of their centenary celebrations, showcasing the team's historical looks.

2010: TSN held English-language regional rights

From 2010, TSN held the English-language regional rights for the Montreal Canadiens games.

2010: Playoff Advancement

In 2010, the Montreal Canadiens advanced past the second round of the playoffs for the first time since Roy's departure in 1995, ending a period of playoff struggles.

2011: CKGM Acquires English-Language Radio Rights

In 2011, CKGM, TSN Radio 690, became the English-language radio flagship for the Montreal Canadiens, acquiring the rights 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.

2011: Last Canadian Team to Reach the Finals

In 2021, the Montreal Canadiens became the first Canadian team to reach the Stanley Cup Final since the Vancouver Canucks in 2011.

2014: Pat Burns inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

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

2014: TVA Sports becomes the national French rightsholder

In the 2014-15 season TVA Sports became the national French rightsholder for Canadiens games.

2014: RDS holds French regional television rights

Réseau des sports (RDS) acquired the French-language regional television rights in the 2014–15 season under a 12-year deal.

2014: TSN English-language regional rights expired

Through 2014 TSN held the English-language regional rights for the Montreal Canadiens games.

2015: French NHL Shield Logo

As of 2015, the Montreal Canadiens' home red sweater features the French language version of the NHL shield logo (LNH) on the neck collar, acknowledging Montreal's French Canadian heritage.

2016: Sportsnet East English-language regional rights expired

Following the 2016–17 season, Sportsnet East's three-year deal for English-language regional rights to the Montreal Canadiens games expired.

June 2017: Bell Media Extends Rights Deal

In June 2017, Bell Media reached a five-year extension for the English-language radio rights for Montreal Canadiens games.

2017: Adidas Adizero

In 2017, the motto from "In Flanders Fields" appeared on the inside collar of the new Adidas Adizero jerseys introduced by the Montreal Canadiens.

2017: TSN2 assumed English regional television rights

In the 2017–18 season, TSN2 assumed the English-language regional television rights for the Montreal Canadiens games.

2018: Bryan Mudryk succeeds John Bartlett

During the 2018 off-season, Bryan Mudryk succeeded John Bartlett as the play-by-play commentator for the Montreal Canadiens games on Sportsnet.

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: Reverse Retro Uniform

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.

2020: Moved to the North Division

In the 2020–21 season, the Montreal Canadiens were moved to the North Division due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 2021, the Montreal Canadiens advanced to the Stanley Cup Final after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Vegas Golden Knights, marking their first appearance in 28 years but ultimately losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2021: Team Struggles in 2021-22 Season

In the 2021–22 season, the Montreal Canadiens failed to replicate their success from the prior season, finishing last in the league for the first time since the 1939–40 season.

November 2022: METAL! introduced as "unofficial official mascot"

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

2022: Roster Rebuild Authorized

In 2022, following a historically poor season, Geoff Molson authorized a "rebuild" of the Montreal Canadiens roster, marking a significant shift in the franchise's direction.

2022: Boston Bruins Surpass Canadiens' Record

In the 2022–23 season, the Boston Bruins surpassed the Montreal Canadiens' record for most points in an 80-game season, which had stood for almost half a century.

2022: Second Iteration of Reverse Retro

In the 2022–23 season, the Montreal Canadiens released a second iteration of the "Reverse Retro" uniform, featuring a light blue base with white/dark blue/white stripes and red relegated to the logo only.