The Chicago Blackhawks are winning more than just hockey games lately.
Chi-town’s hockey franchise, one of the original six teams in the league, scored a 26-percent boost in its value this year, according to Forbes magazine, which follows such things.
Rocky Wirtz’s team is now the 7th most valuable squad in the NHL with, valued at $258 million. It’s a considerable jump from their position in 2007-08 when they ranked No. 14 at $205 million.
The jump is attributable to an increase in quality play. Fans are actually watching the Blackhawks now that they have a roster of young stars -- including Golden Local Winner Patrick Kane -- and a playoff series win under their belts.
The NHL in general experienced resurgence, too, with team values rising by about $3 million on average. New deals with advertisers like Honda, McDonalds and Cisco Systems helped boost revenues.
Toronto host the league’s most valuable team, the Maple Leafs, which is valued at $470. Rounding out the top four are the New York Rangers ($416 million), Montreal Candiens ($339 million), the Detroit Red Wings ($337 million.)
