Insider Gives Hint At Next NHL Expansion Teams
The NHL has been rumored in the past few years to new expansion teams, and there's some new, yet familiar names being floated by NHL writers yet again.
Potential For Relocation May Be Close
With the success of the Vegas Golden Knights as quick Stanley Cup contenders, and the Seattle Kraken quickly becoming playoff contenders last season, there's optimism for growth with recent teams nicking the trend of struggling expansion cities.
In an article for The Athletic, NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun shares that, while there's no concrete plans for expansion yet, that Gary Bettman will likely respond to questions at the upcoming Board of Governors meeting about expansion by making clear no concrete plans exist, but LeBrun lays out the teams of interest.
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There is no formal agenda item dealing with potential expansion, but there is leeway for Bettman to be asked about it from inquisitive governors as far as the latest on that front. If that's the case, the expectation is that Bettman would reiterate what he's told the media in recent months, that the NHL continues to get expressions of interest from places like Salt Lake City, Houston, Atlanta and Quebec City but doesn't currently have a pinpoint plan to expand again. Most people around the league do expect that to happen at some point in the next few years. There's just too much money at play not to expand again.
All 4 cities have been reported previously in potential expansion and relocation talks, and continue to engage in talks over potential interest to join the NHL. The league, already at 32 teams, has signaled it's willingness to listen to adding, but keeping tight-lipped on interest from their end. 2 of the 4 cities (Atlanta, Quebec) have had NHL teams, and Houston has previously had WHA and AHL franchises. Salt Lake City currently has an ECHL team, the Utah Grizzlies.
Read More At Markerzone - MAJOR: Insider Provides Update on Imminent NHL Expansion
| POLL | ||
4 DECEMBRE | 316 ANSWERS Insider Gives Hint At Next NHL Expansion Teams Which city deserves an NHL team the most? | ||
| Houston | 34 | 10.8 % |
| Salt Lake City | 34 | 10.8 % |
| Atalanta | 31 | 9.8 % |
| Quebec City | 217 | 68.7 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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