Canadian teams top Forbes' list of NHL franchise value; Leafs lead at $1.15 billion

Toronto Maple Leafs right winger David Clarkson, left, celebrates with Maple Leafs centre Nazem Kadri after scoring against the Washington Capitals during second period NHL hockey action in Toronto on Saturday, November 23 , 2013. (Chris Young / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

NEW YORK -- Three of the NHL's top five most valuable teams are based in Canada for the first time since Forbes started tracking the value of teams in the league 15 years ago.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are worth an NHL-high $1.15 billion, followed by the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks and the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks, according to Forbes' annual valuations announced on Monday.

Forbes says Canadian teams usually have higher attendance, helping them generate more revenue from their arenas as compared to U.S.-based franchises.

NHL teams are valued at an average of $413 million, Forbes estimates.

The Boston Bruins rank sixth on the list followed by the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings.