from Kevin Allen of USA TODAY,

Some time between now and the March 2 trade deadline, some NHL player will say he is happy to be moving to Toronto, Detroit, New York, Boston, Chicago or Montreal because he has always wanted to play for an Original Six franchise.

But do the Original Six franchises still carry the same aura and might they once had?

Numbers say they do:

– Five of the Original Six franchises are in the top 12 places in the NHL standings this morning, with Detroit and Montreal leading the way tied for fifth. Only slumping Toronto is out of that group.

– All six of the Original Six franchises have 100% home attendance or better. Chicago leads the NHL in attendance, and Montreal and Detroit are second and third, respectively. The Blackhawks are drawing at 109% of capacity, meaning they are selling out their standing room.

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