What year was the NHL founded?

The National Hockey League (NHL) was founded in the year 1917. This marked a significant moment in professional ice hockey history as it emerged from the dissolution of the National Hockey Association (NHA). The league began with just four teams: the Montreal Canadiens, the Montreal Wanderers, the Ottawa Senators, and the Toronto Arenas. Over the years, the NHL has grown in both size and popularity, becoming the premier professional ice hockey league in the world.

In contrast, the other years presented do not correspond to the establishment of the NHL. For instance, 1952, 1934, and 1967 all denote pivotal moments in the league's history, such as expansions and changes in team compositions, but none signifies its founding date. Therefore, 1917 is the correct year that marks the inception of the NHL.