Going to an NHL game can be an exciting experience for any hockey fan. However, NHL tickets do not come cheap, with average ticket prices ranging from around $50 to well over $100 depending on the team and seat location. For budget-conscious fans who still want to catch some live NHL action, finding the teams with the most affordable ticket options can make a big difference.
So which NHL team has the cheapest tickets on average? The answer may depend on a few factors, including the team’s market size, on-ice performance, and venue. Smaller market teams in less marquee hockey cities tend to have lower average ticket prices given weaker demand. Perennial losing teams also tend to have cheaper tickets than perennial contenders and Original Six clubs. A team’s venue can also impact prices, with newer arenas typically commanding higher ticket prices.
When accounting for all these factors, a few NHL teams stand out for having the most affordable ticket prices for the 2022-23 season.
The Cheapest NHL Teams by Average Ticket Price
According to data from TicketIQ on secondary market averages, the NHL teams with the cheapest average ticket prices this season are:
Arizona Coyotes – $63
The Coyotes have the lowest average ticket price in the NHL this season at just $63. As a smaller market team that has missed the playoffs eight straight seasons, demand for Coyotes tickets is weak. The Coyotes also play in Mullett Arena this season, an older 5,000 seat college arena, after leaving the larger Gila River Arena. With lower demand and a tiny new venue, getting into a Coyotes game is cheap. Upper deck tickets can be found for around $25-30 per TicketIQ.
Columbus Blue Jackets – $66
With home games at the 19,500 seat Nationwide Arena, the Blue Jackets have the second cheapest NHL tickets with a $66 average. Located in the smaller market of Columbus, the Blue Jackets miss the playoffs more often than not. But the team has a devoted fanbase given their lack of competition for the sports market in Columbus. Upper deck seats can be had for under $40 per game.
New Jersey Devils – $76
Despite playing in the large New York City metro area, the Devils have some of the NHL’s cheapest tickets with a $76 average. The Devils rank near the bottom in attendance and have just one playoff berth in the last 10 seasons. Prudential Center also has one of the larger capacities in the NHL at over 17,000 seats. With ample inventory, upper deck tickets can be found for around $30-40 per TicketIQ.
Team | Average Ticket Price | Venue | Seating Capacity |
---|---|---|---|
Arizona Coyotes | $63 | Mullett Arena | 5,000 |
Columbus Blue Jackets | $66 | Nationwide Arena | 19,500 |
New Jersey Devils | $76 | Prudential Center | 17,773 |
Other NHL Teams With Cheap Tickets
While the Coyotes, Blue Jackets, and Devils have the lowest average ticket prices in the NHL, a few other teams also offer affordable prices for fans on a budget:
Ottawa Senators – $77
As a Canadian team in a smaller market, the Senators have some of the cheapest tickets in the league just above New Jersey. The Senators play at the 19,500 seat Canadian Tire Centre and have missed the playoffs four straight seasons. Upper deck seats can be found for around $40 per game.
Buffalo Sabres – $84
Located in the Buffalo market and playing at the 19,200 seat KeyBank Center, the Sabres have average ticket prices of $84. The team’s decade-long playoff drought and small market have weakened demand. Upper deck seats can be purchased for as low as $25-35 each.
Detroit Red Wings – $87
Despite a long history of success, the rebuilding Red Wings have seen demand cool in recent years. With average tickets at $87, getting into Little Caesars Arena in Hockeytown is reasonable these days. Upper deck tickets can cost as little as $40 per seat.
Anaheim Ducks – $88
In the large Southern California market, the Ducks have average ticket prices of just $88. Playing at the over 17,000 seat Honda Center contributes to more affordable inventory. Upper deck tickets can be had for around $40 per seat.
Team | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Ottawa Senators | $77 |
Buffalo Sabres | $84 |
Detroit Red Wings | $87 |
Anaheim Ducks | $88 |
Most Expensive NHL Tickets
To compare the cheapest NHL tickets, it also helps to look at which teams have the most expensive ticket prices:
Toronto Maple Leafs – $ descriptions=”_874_”>
The Maple Leafs have the highest average ticket prices in the NHL by far at $874. Toronto has a huge hockey fanbase as an Original Six team in Canada’s largest market. They also play at the smaller 19,800 seat Scotiabank Arena driving up demand. Glass seats can cost thousands per game.
New York Rangers – $625
As another Original Six team in a huge market, the Rangers have the 2nd most expensive NHL tickets at an average of $625. The Rangers play at Madison Square Garden which drives up prices. Lower bowl tickets can easily exceed $1,000 per game.
Boston Bruins – $240
With Original Six prestige and a devoted fanbase, Bruins tickets average $240 per game. The team also plays at the 17,850 seat TD Garden with high demand for seats. Lower bowl seats cost between $200-400 typically.
Chicago Blackhawks – $224
The Blackhawks have experienced a huge resurgence in popularity in recent decades. NHL tickets at the United Center now average $224. Lower bowl seats range from $175-350 each.
Team | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Toronto Maple Leafs | $874 |
New York Rangers | $625 |
Boston Bruins | $240 |
Chicago Blackhawks | $224 |
Getting Cheap NHL Tickets
For fans of the Coyotes, Blue Jackets, Devils and other teams with affordable prices, landing cheap NHL tickets is fairly straightforward. Buying upper deck seats directly from the team website or box office is the simplest way to pay the lowest prices. Going through a resale site like Ticketmaster, Stubhub, or SeatGeek can also unlock cheap ticket deals, especially closer to game day.
Flex or partial season ticket packages can also lead to discounts off individual game face values, giving fans even more inexpensive options. Those willing to attend less popular weekday matchups will generally pay even lower prices.
While cheap NHL tickets are attainable, budgets may need to increase for fans of marquee teams like the Maple Leafs or Rangers. But for followers of the Coyotes, Blue Jackets, Devils and similar clubs, cheap seats are plentiful.
Conclusion
The NHL teams with the cheapest average ticket prices provide budget options for hockey fans. The Coyotes, Blue Jackets, and Devils have struggled on the ice and play in smaller markets, leading to low demand and cheap tickets. Even upper deck seats run less than $50 per game for these clubs.
For frugal fans priced out of seeing top teams like the Maple Leafs and Rangers, the Coyotes, Blue Jackets, Devils, and similar clubs offer an affordable way to enjoy the NHL live. Savvy shoppers can land great deals on seats by buying early, scouring resale sites, and attending low-demand games. While the best teams command premium prices, cheap NHL tickets are out there for the more economical fan.