NHL insider leaks the Gary Bettman's reported shocking 34-team expansion plan involving a former organization
Photo credit: NHL Media
There is additional talk about expansion in the NHL, and there are a pair of cities that are reportedly the frontrunners per analyst Rob Ellis of NHL Trade Rumors.
Even though the NHL already has 32 clubs, there is talk of additional expansion that could increase the League to 33 and potentially even 34 clubs.
Much to the chagrin of residents of Quebec, Quebec City is reportedly not being considered as a location for a new expansion club despite the presence of a newer venue that could could immediately host a new NHL team.
Atlanta making NHL comeback alongside Houston in reported NHL expansion
Per insider John Shannon, Atlanta and Houston are being considered by the league for expansion.
"I think in the next five years we're gonna be at 34 teams; I suspect we're gonna see Atlanta come in let's say 2028, and then Houston or Phoenix, if Phoenix gets a new arena, in 2030.
John Shannon
John Shannon
The embarrassment to the NHL over the Arizona Coyotes having to play in a college rink during their final 2 years in Phoenix is something they're still trying to get over, and there is valid concern about the stability of a market that has already failed twice like Atlanta.
If the city of Atlanta gets another team, it would be the 3rd time that the NHL has tried it.
Both the Atlanta Flames and the Atlanta Thrashers left town to become the Calgary Flames and the 2nd edition of the Winnipeg Jets.
It would be a bold move for the NHL to try a 3rd time in a location where it had to vacate after a team failed to stay there long term.
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