Which NHL team won the first Stanley Cup of the expansion era in 1968?

The Montreal Canadiens won the first Stanley Cup of the NHL expansion era in 1968.

The league doubled from six teams to 12 for the 1967–68 season by adding the California Seals, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues. The new clubs formed a separate division and could not meet the established teams until the playoffs.

Montreal defeated the expansion St. Louis Blues in the 1968 Stanley Cup Final. The Canadiens swept the series four games to none, completing the championship on May 11, 1968. Jean Béliveau led Montreal in playoff scoring, while goaltender Rogatien Vachon shared the crease during the run.

St. Louis also reached the Final in 1969 and 1970, but lost both times. The expansion format was later reorganized, and the new teams gradually became competitive contenders in their own right.