Most people are surprised to hear that the Minnesota Wild are one of the more successful NHL franchises when it comes to profits. This comes as a surprise of many of us who still remember the last days of the North Stars before they moved south to Dallas. But as per Forbes magazine it seems that even a small market team can make money as long as it keeps control over player salaries, has some corporate support, a new arena and an unexpected run in the playoffs. The net result is a four year old franchise worth $166 million, with an operating profit of around $20 million, from revenues of $79 million. At the opposite end of the specutrum were the St Louis Blues, $29.4 million in the red.

The Forbes article also listed the values of all NHL franchises, with the top five being; New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, and Detroit Red Wings. Bringing up the rear are the Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, and Edmonton Oilers.