Panthers ranked 24th on Forbes NHL team values

The Florida Panthers were ranked as the 24th most valuable NHL franchise according to Forbes Magazine.

The Panthers moved up two spots from 26th last year with the franchise valued at $170 million. This was an increase of five percent when compared to last season, which Forbes said was helped by the team's first playoff appearance since 2000. Even with the playoff appearance, the Panthers operated with a $12 million loss last season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were ranked as the most valuable NHL franchise with a $1 billion valuation according to Forbes. The other five members of the Original Six are right behind the Maple Leafs, with New York, Montreal, Chicago, Boston, and Detroit rounding out the top six. The Maple Leafs were also the most profitable club, operating with a $81.9 million profit for the 2012 season.

The St. Louis Blues were the least valuable franchise with a valuation of $130 million.