The Edmonton Oilers , Winnipeg Jets , New England Whalers ( later renamed `` Hartford Whalers '' at the insistence of the Boston Bruins ) , and Quebec Nordiques joined the NHL , bringing the total to 21 teams .
The Edmonton Oilers , Winnipeg Jets , New England Whalers ( later renamed `` Hartford Whalers '' at the insistence of the Boston Bruins ) , and Quebec Nordiques joined the NHL bringing a new total of 21 teams .