When it comes to the league, NHL expansion has ramped up. The NHL has had an innovative past few years, with the introduction of teams in both Las Vegas, and Seattle. Recently, the NHL has had growing interest in two unlikely markets; Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia.
NHL Expansion Talks Grow in Atlanta and Houston
👀 🤐.@espn @NHL @NHLNetwork @TSNHockey @DKSportsbook #HockeyTwitter https://t.co/g8aLnSVQgJ
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) March 5, 2023
Stirring the pot even more regarding NHL expansion, Kevin Weekes quote tweeted a post which showcased the Houston Aeros and the Atlanta Thrashers as the NHL’s 33rd and 34th teams.
Hopes aren’t high quite yet though. In an email to Daily Faceoff, Deputy Executive Bill Daly said “Expansion isn’t our top priority right now, but it doesn’t mean we won’t listen to people or groups that have interest. That happens to include both Atlanta and Houston, but it includes other cities as well.”
Although Daly’s comments are implying that that have heard from markets like Quebec City, the NHL most likely wants to avoid causing a massive spike in pr attention regarding these discussions.
What This Means
Despite the fact that both cities have lost top tier teams at least once, they are both extremely promising markets. Both are the largest cities in the southern United States. They also have support of the other three major leagues with their own franchises.
Both also have had recent success; the Astros have been dominant. The Braves won in 2022, and Atlanta United claimed their first title ever.
It would only make sense for the NHL to put expansion teams that are guaranteed some success in these markets. It is where they can capture some market share off the bat.
Although arena issues will be a struggle, it won’t be too much of an issue to sort out. Houston would most likely use the Toyota Center downtown, and the Atlanta ownership group has pitched building a new arena out in Alpharetta, according to @/Buccigross on Twitter.
NHL team coming to Atlanta again…stay tuned. Alpharetta. #wafflehouse #thirdtimeisacharm #like pic.twitter.com/VXHicgV1xa
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) March 3, 2023
Main Photo: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
