The Stanley Cup is awarded annually to the champion of the NHL, determined by a best-of-seven playoff series. Named after Lord Stanley of Preston, the trophy was originally intended for the best Canadian hockey team. From 1892–93 to 1916–17, it was awarded to Canadian teams, but in 1917, it was won by the Seattle Metropolitans, the first U.S. team. Since 1926, the Cup has been exclusive to the NHL.
As of the end of the 2023–24 season, the Stanley Cup has been awarded 108 times. It has been won by 27 teams, with 22 still active in the NHL. The Montreal Canadiens have won the Cup 24 times. The trophy was not awarded in 1919 due to the Spanish flu pandemic, and in 2005 because of the NHL lockout. The most recent winners of the Stanley Cup are the Florida Panthers, who won in 2024.
How many American captains have won the Stanley Cup
Two American-born captains have won the Stanley Cup. Derian Hatcher was the first, leading the Dallas Stars to the title in 1999. Dustin Brown won twice as captain of the Los Angeles Kings, in 2012 and 2014, as per The Hockey Writers.
| Player | Country | Year(s) Won | Team |
| Dustin Brown | USA | 2012, 2014 | Los Angeles Kings |
| Derian Hatcher | USA | 1999 | Dallas Stars |
Derian Hatcher (1999)
Derian Hatcher was drafted eighth overall in 1990 by the Minnesota North Stars. He became captain of the Dallas Stars in 1995 and led the team to its only Stanley Cup championship in 1999. He became the first American-born captain to hoist the Stanley Cup with this victory. Hatcher played 12 years with the North Stars/Stars franchise.
Dustin Brown (2012, 2014)
Dustin Brown was drafted 13th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2003. He became the Kings' captain and led them to two Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014. Brown is the only non-Canadian-born captain to win the Cup more than once. He retired after the 2022 season, and the Kings honored him by retiring his number and unveiling a statue of him hoisting the Stanley Cup outside Crypto.com Arena. Brown also won the Mark Messier Leadership Award in the 2013–14 season.
FAQs on how many American captains have won the Stanley Cup
A. Derian Hatcher was the first American-born captain to win the Stanley Cup, leading the Dallas Stars to victory in 1999.
A. Countries like Finland and Switzerland have not had an NHL captain win the Stanley Cup.
A. Henri Richard holds the record for the most Stanley Cup championships, with 11 wins.
A. Jean Béliveau holds the record for the most Stanley Cup wins as a captain, with five championships between 1961 and 1971.
A. Jonathan Toews captained the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup victories in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
