With news this morning that Seattle will approve a plan for a new arena, expansion and relocation talk has ramped up around the league once again. The NHL will head into next season with 31 teams, and though that’s not impossible to carry forward is far from ideal. A 32nd franchise is expected at some point, and Seattle now will have a new, privately funded arena and a backer—billionaire David Bonderman—who according to John Shannon of Sportsnet has privately expressed interest in a team.
The question now is whether expansion or relocation is right for Seattle (if they are to get a team at all) and if there are any other markets that could be in the running for the 32nd franchise. Obviously, Quebec City has long been rumored as a potential expansion location and even put in a bid in the last round. Houston, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Portland and Hamilton have all been mentioned as possible fits, along with a potential second team in Toronto. Nothing is imminent in any of these markets, but the idea of expansion is at least interesting in each of them.
Where do you think will be the next city with an NHL franchise, either through expansion or relocation? We’ve listed some options below, but feel free to comment with others you feel could be a good market for a growing US hockey base. Whatever you choose, make sure to tell us which method it will be, and if relocation which franchise you see packing up and leaving.
[Mobile users click here to vote!]
I just want a 32 team league ASAP. Having a prime number of teams in a schedule is painful for me to even think about.
Thank you for not putting Hartford on this list!
I think Seattle would sustain one the best, but the east needs another team, don’t they?
Expansion team to Seattle. Florida Panthers move to Quebec City. Buffalo and Carolina switch divisions.
I really wish Milwaukee would get a team, I don’t think I can think of many other cities that support their minor league team like Milwaukee does. Who cares if it’s close to Chicago, nobody from Milwaukee is rooting for the Blackhawks.
Houston or Portland
I think they need relocation some team locations make no sense. Florida doesn’t need 2 teams, Arizona can barely support the Coyotes, and the Hurricanes should be moved(probably from Raleigh to Charlotte would make the most sense).
Atlanta needs a team!
I think Milwaukee makes the most sense along with Seattle and KC. Milwaukee already has a new arena being built for the Bucks and it can obviously be utilized as a hockey arena. With suites and what is expected to be over 17K seats (unsure the hockey configuration), it should be able to produce serious revenue quickly.
I know Milwaukee/Wisconsin has supported minor league hockey and their support of the Bucks has been 80% attendance over the last 3 years in what is considered one of the worst arenas in the league.
One city that doesn’t ever get mentioned is Indianapolis, they def. have the population metro area and the GDP you’d want to see to support the team.
north dakota. im a huge sioux fan. not fighting hawks. they would be a huge success there.
Denver hasn’t had an NHL team for a few years.
Add that R between the T and the O like someone suggested when you commented on the baseball forum.
That’s kind compared to what Sakic and Company deserve.
They are beyond a joke.
Great hockey players rarely make great executives.Give Sakic a break and blame Colorado ownership for their problems. It took Patrick Roy a bit to see what was going on and he did the smart thing and RAN out of Denver.
Outstanding information Gavin. I am a big fan.