Tonight’s visiting Colorado Avalanche joined the NHL in 1979. Of course, back then they were known as the Quebec Nordiques, part of a merger in which the NHL added four World Hockey Association franchises. The Winnipeg Jets (moved to Phoenix as the Coyotes in 1996), Hartford Whalers (relocated to Carolina as the Hurricanes in 1997 and the Edmonton Oilers also made the jump.
The Avalanche should not be confused with the NHL Colorado Rockies, who were transferred from Kansas City in 1976. Originally, the Kansas City Scouts were granted an expansion franchise by the NHL in 1972 and began play in 1974.