Hockey fans in Canada have shown plenty of patience waiting for the Stanley Cup to return north of the border. It's been 33 years since a Canadian team hoisted hockey's ultimate prize, but that drought could finally end in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
On June 9, 1993, the Montreal Canadiens passed around the Stanley Cup after beating the Los Angeles Kings in five games. Since then, the Cup has taken up residence in the United States for 32 straight seasons following the Panthers' latest championship in 2025.
Canadiens: Last Canadian Team to Raise the Cup
The Montreal Canadiens are the most recent Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup. They are a young and electric roster led by Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, who have formed one of hockey's most lethal duos.
Former No. 1 pick Juraj Slafkovsky is finally living up to his draft pedigree, and Lane Hutson looks like a future Norris Trophy winner on the blue line. However, depth concerns remain, and a first-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning presents a daunting challenge.
Oilers: Falling Just Short
The Edmonton Oilers are back and looking to finish the job after falling just short of a Cup in each of the last two seasons. Fortunately for the Oilers, the Panthers did not make the playoffs this season.
Unfortunately, Leon Draisaitl's injury status remains unknown. He's resumed skating with the team but isn't quite ready for game action. That puts even more pressure on Connor McDavid, but if anyone can drag a team to a Cup, it's him.
Senators: Second Straight Playoff Appearance
Following a late-season surge, the Ottawa Senators are in the playoffs for the second straight year. They endured a first-round exit last season, and while their first-round matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes will be tough, they have the goods to pull off an upset.
Ottawa is an incredibly stingy team on defense and has enough offense to do damage with Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk leading the charge. The question is whether the goaltending will hold up after an uneven regular season.
Canadian Team Stanley Cup Droughts
Montreal Canadiens: 33 years
Years won: 1993, 1986, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1973, 1971, 1969, 1968, 1966, 1965, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1953, 1946, 1944, 1931, 1930, 1924, 1926
Edmonton Oilers: 36 years
Years won: 1990, 1988, 1987, 1985, 1984
Ottawa Senators: 34 years
Winnipeg Jets: 15 years
Years won: 1967, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1951, 1949, 1948, 1947, 1945, 1942, 1932, 1922, 1918