NHL: 5 Potential Cities for Expansion or Relocation

 

Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said there are many people from different markets interested in an NHL franchise. Which cities could we see take on a team in the future?

It's easy to wish for NHL expansion when you consider the success of teams like the Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights. There are many gifted players available, so skill dilution should not be an issue. It appears that many cities would welcome an NHL team with open arms as well.

In March, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stated that while there is interest from several cities, the league is not currently looking to expand. Adding to the excitement, he stated in his yearly news conference at the Stanley Cup final alongside deputy commissioner Bill Daly that, although not a priority, they don't seem to be ruling it out in the long run.

That raises the questions of who else will follow suit and what fortunate city will acquire team No. 33. Cities that have the resources—infrastructure, investors, and supporters—to sustain a team are very different from those that are still exploring their options. However, it appears that NHL expansion is imminent, and that means some challenging

Let’s break down the scenarios:

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

Utah appears destined to enter the NHL scene sooner rather than later when compared to other cities on this list. Owner of the Utah Jazz Ryan Smith has already expressed interest in providing financial support to the league. Additionally, the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL have contributed to the region's familiarity with hockey. Utah's addition would be extremely beneficial to the league, as it would complete a significant blank space in the western plains of the US.

However, the great emptiness of that area causes problems in addition to opportunities. With 1.26 million people living in the metro area, Salt Lake City has about 200,000 residents, but there aren't many smaller cities to foster fandom. The larger cities in the area support their own teams, such as the Avalanche and Golden Knights. Therefore, it might take some time to develop this new market and consistently draw fans.

Team name ideas: Utah Copper Miners, Salt Lake Mudsharks, Utah Cougars

HOUSTON, TEXAS

Even before Seattle was added as the 32nd team, Houston was being mentioned as a possible expansion city for a long time. Houston, the fourth-biggest city in the United States, has already cultivated a strong hockey fan base thanks to the World Hockey Association and the AHL's Houston Aeros. The rivalry that Houston and the Dallas Stars could develop is unfathomable, and it would undoubtedly spark interest.

But popularity isn't always determined by the number of people. Phoenix has the fifth-largest American population, including many retired northerners who enjoy hockey, but the greater Phoenix area has had difficulty maintaining its team. Not to mention, before serious expansion discussions can start, a particular Houston ownership group must emerge. Houston is headed in the right direction, but growth is not assured.

Team name ideas: Houston Rockets, Houston Renegades, Houston Cowboys, Houston Aeros

HAMILTON, ONTARIO

It's no secret that southern Ontario has been the target of Canadian businessman Jim Balsillie's attempts to bring an NHL franchise. Although plans have been made to construct a second arena in Toronto, Copps Coliseum in Hamilton already has NHL readiness. Also present here is a devoted hockey fan base.

Then why is Hamilton without a team? The Buffalo Sabres believe that having another team so close to them would be an invasion of their territory, so they have vetoed any proposed NHL relocations to the city. As the crow flies, Hamilton is less than 50 miles from Buffalo; by car, it's 72 miles. The Maple Leafs and Toronto are also only 45 miles away.

Team name ideas: Hamilton Bulldogs, Hamilton Tigers, Hamilton Steel

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

There are NFL, NBA, and MLB teams in Wisconsin. In addition, it has a cold climate and a sizable hockey fan base. Popular AHL teams are the Milwaukee Admirals and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Badgers.

Why does Wisconsin not have an NHL team? First of all, for an arena large enough to support an NHL team, Bradley Center is a terrible place to play. Second, it's been reported that in the 1990s, Milwaukee rejected the idea of adding a team. A team's ranking should rise if it is in dire need of a new home, like the Coyotes are, or if Milwaukee eventually gets a new arena.

Team name Ideas: Milwaukee Hogs, Milwaukee Badgers, Milwaukee Millers

TORONTO, ONTARIO (TWO)

Pierre LeBrun of the Athletics stirred up a lot of discussion when he suggested dropping a second Toronto team as a means of growth. By dividing up the Maple Leafs' fan base between two teams, hockey-related revenues—a trade term for the money that determines the salary cap and league performance—may increase. That might greatly increase the NHL's financial resources and enable it to more effectively compete with leagues like the NBA and NFL.

Toronto can definitely support two teams, but dividing the fan base of a historically significant hockey market is a big ask. By no means are Leafs supporters bandwagoners, and you can be sure that some would shudder at the idea of rooting for a different team. A two-team option would mean that the new Toronto club would have to compete with the old almost right away, even though markets like New York and Los Angeles demonstrate that it is feasible. That sounds very high.

Team name ideas: Toronto Shamrocks, Toronto Titans, Toronto Tower, Toronto Mounties