NHL: NHL Draft - Source: Imagn — NHL player agent Allan Walsh weighed in with his thoughts on the NHL expansion

Allan Walsh predicts $1.5 billion price tag for future NHL expansion teams, Canada likely to be snubbed again

Modified Sep 10, 2024 16:08 GMT

NHL agent Allan Walsh has predicted a $1.5 billion price tag for future NHL expansion teams. On the Sept. 1 episode of the "Agent Provocateur" podcast, Walsh revealed that the NHL expansion is bound to happen but it may take a few years before new teams are introduced.

During the discussion, Walsh made it clear that the price for each franchise will be more than twice what Seattle paid in 2021.

"In the next 3 years, NHL franchise values will double," Walsh said.

"Vegas expansion fee was $500 million, Seattle $650 million," Walsh explained. "The NHL is going to expand. It's not a matter of 'if, it's a matter of 'when. Two more teams; the NHL will go to 34 teams. And when it does, those two expansion teams, I predict the franchise fee will be $1.5 billion. And that's more than double what Seattle was."

Walsh believes that Houston and Atlanta are top contenders to become the 33rd and 34th teams in the NHL. That means the list of Canadian teams will remain the same. The USA currently enjoys dominance in NHL teams with 25, compared to Canada's seven.

Per Allan Walsh's statements, the NHL is focused on U.S. markets

The NHL has recently expanded, with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2018 and the Seattle Kraken in 2021. The Arizona Coyotes also relocated to Salt Lake City, with the Utah Hockey Club this upcoming season.

Houston, the fourth-largest city U.S. city, is seen as a strong option. Atlanta, which had the Thrashers before they relocated to Winnipeg in 2011, is also in the running. So, according to Allan Walsh's statements, the NHL’s focus remains on expanding in U.S. markets.