National Hockey League

The National Hockey League is a North American professional ice hockey league founded in 1917, with teams in the United States and Canada.

Stanley Cup playoffs: The NHL postseason tournament that determines which team wins the Stanley Cup. NHL teams qualify through the regular season and compete in this elimination tournament.
National Hockey Association: A Canadian professional ice hockey league that operated from 1909 to 1917 and preceded the NHL. The NHL emerged in 1917 after conflict within this league led its owners to form a new association.
NHL Entry Draft: The annual process through which NHL teams select eligible players, principally from junior and collegiate hockey. It gives teams a structured way to acquire young playing talent.
NHL commissioner: The chief executive who leads the National Hockey League's central administration. The commissioner oversees league operations and represents the NHL in major decisions.
American Hockey League: A professional ice hockey league that serves as the primary development league for many NHL teams. It is closely linked to the NHL but operates below it in professional hockey's structure.
NHL regular season: The portion of the NHL schedule in which teams accumulate points toward playoff qualification. Its games establish the standings that shape playoff seeding and qualification.
Montreal Canadiens: A professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, founded in 1909 and a member of the NHL since its founding. The Canadiens are the only current NHL franchise that predates the league's formation.
NHL free agency: The system allowing eligible hockey players to negotiate contracts with NHL teams. Free agency lets franchises add experienced players outside the draft.
Gary Bettman: The NHL commissioner since 1993 and the league's first commissioner. His long tenure has encompassed major expansion, labor disputes, and policy changes.
Kontinental Hockey League: A professional ice hockey league founded in Russia that includes teams across Eurasia. It is a major league outside North America, with a different regional and institutional setting.

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