Nhl
In short
The National Hockey League is the premier professional ice hockey league in North America, consisting of 32 teams across Canada and the United States.
In plain words
It is the highest level of ice hockey in the world. Teams compete throughout the season to win the Stanley Cup, which is the oldest professional sports trophy in North America.
A simple example
A player might be traded from a Canadian team like the Toronto Maple Leafs to an American team like the New York Rangers to help their team win the championship.
Why it matters
It sets the global standard for ice hockey skill and popularity. Winning the Stanley Cup is considered one of the greatest achievements in all of professional sports.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse the NHL with the IIHF, which is the international governing body for ice hockey.