The Tampa Bay Lightning were ranked as the 23rd most valuable franchise after the 2012 season according to Forbes magazine.

The Lightning were given a valuation of $174 million last year, which is the same valuation given to them as last year. Forbes also said that the Lightning ended the year with a $13.1 million loss, but had an operating income of $88 million, which according to Damian Christodero of the Tampa Bay Times was tied for the best in franchise history.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were ranked as the most valuable franchise with a valuation of $1 billion, followed by Original Six members New York, Montreal, Chicago, Boston and Detroit. The St. Louis Blues were the least valuable franchise in the NHL with a valuation of $130 million.

The Lightning also have two of the highest 10 paid players when combining players salaries and endorsements, with Vincent Lecavalier in eighth with $7.9 million and Steven Stamkos in fifth with $8.3 million in earnings last year. Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby was listed as the top NHL earner, totaling $12.7 million last year.