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Hockey Hall of Famer Eric Duhatschek names three cities most likely to be next on NHL's expansion list
With the sale of the Arizona Coyotes and the ongoing discussions about NHL expansion, speculation is still alive about which cities might join the league next. Hockey Hall of Famer Eric Duhatschek recently shared his insights via The Athletic on the potential expansion markets in response to a fan's question. He reported:
"Officially, the NHL’s standard response on expansion is they’re not considering it imminently, but they are always willing to listen to entrepreneurs wishing to invest in their business." [H/T The Athletic]
The recent $1.2 billion transaction for the Utah HC to enter the league highlights the increasing costs of expansion, compared to Seattle’s $650 million fee three seasons ago and Vegas’ $500 million in 2017.
The three cities Duhatschek believes are most likely to be the next on the league's expansion list are Atlanta, Houston and Phoenix (because of Gary Bettman's view about the city):
"Atlanta, third time lucky? and Houston will likely be teams 33 and 34. Could Arizona be No. 35? " [H/T The Athletic]
He mentioned that potential buyers must be financially compliant. Duhatschek also believes that Commissioner Bettman would like to prove that his vision for Phoenix was right all along.
Arizona Coyotes' new name and colors after move to Utah
It's been almost three months since the Board of Governors approved the Arizona Coyotes' move to Utah. The team, now under the ownership of Ryan Smith and his Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), will be temporarily named "Utah Hockey Club" and will play at the SEG-owned Delta Center starting this season.
Smith, who also owns the NBA's Utah Jazz, acquired the Coyotes for $1.2 billion. The move to Utah comes after financial strains from operating out of the modestly sized Mullet Arena in Arizona.
Eric Duhatschek on NHL's Expansion Plans
Duhatschek believes that the league will likely remain with 32 teams for the next two seasons before considering expansion to 36 teams, similar to the league's expansion between 1998 and 2000.
"I think the NHL is going to... carry on with 32 teams for at least two more seasons and then begin a process... to 36 teams," Duhatschek wrote. [H/T The Athletic]
The potential addition of cities like Atlanta and Houston, along with a possible return to Arizona, could shape the future of the National Hockey League.
Also Read: When did the NHL Expand to 32 Teams?
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