NHL Expansion: markets that could be the 33rd franchise

 

  

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NHL Expansion: markets that could be the 33rd franchise 

There have been rumblings that the NHL is looking deeper into expanding once again.  Given the success of the Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken, the leaugue's most recent expandee's, Commissioner Gary Bettman is likely thinking its a good idea. Recent comments has generated interested in enthusiastic markets. 

Examining the successes of recent expansions like the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken, the prospect of further NHL expansion has garnered considerable attention. The presence of talented players and cities willing to embrace a new NHL team adds to the intrigue.

The question arises as to which city will be awarded the coveted team No. 33 and which others might follow suit. The viability of a city to support a team hinges on factors such as infrastructure, investor interest, and fan base strength, making the expansion decision a complex one.

Let's see who the potential expansion cities could be :

Salt Lake City:

Utah emerges as a promising contender due to the interest expressed by Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith in providing financial backing. With a pre-existing hockey presence through the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies, adding Utah to the NHL landscape would be significant. However, the sparse population in the region poses a challenge, requiring time to develop a consistent fan base.

Houston:

Long rumored as a potential expansion city, Houston boasts a substantial population and a pre-established interest in hockey through the AHL's Houston Aeros. The potential rivalry with the Dallas Stars adds intrigue, but a specific ownership group needs to materialize before serious expansion talks can commence.

Atlanta:

Despite previous NHL team departures, Atlanta presents an opportunity for a hockey market revival. Learning from past mistakes, strategic arena placement is crucial for success. With adequate investment, Atlanta could rejoin the NHL fold.

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Less likely options but could still be in the cards: 

Quebec City:

Persistent fan clamor for an NHL return to Quebec City, coupled with a historic rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens, suggests potential success. However, securing financial backing remains a challenge despite discussions with provincial officials.

Oklahoma City:

While not an established hockey market, Oklahoma City's aviation-based economy offers financial potential. However, cultivating fandom would be necessary, given the lack of recent exposure to hockey.

Toronto / Hamilton

The idea of a second Toronto club has been proposed to expand the Maple Leafs' fan base and increase revenues. However, splitting the historic hockey market's fan base poses challenges, and the feasibility of supporting two teams simultaneously is questionable.

In summary, while NHL expansion is not an immediate focus, several cities exhibit potential for future franchises, each with its unique set of challenges and opportunities.