The NHL used to have 30 teams before expanding to 32 in the last decade. In 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights debuted and won their first Stanley Cup in 2023. Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken head into 2021 as they continue to work toward their second playoff berth. However, the NHL is looking to expand even further, and two destinations have emerged.
As Jeff Marek reports at The Sheet, Atlanta and Houston are considered top-2 NHL expansion destinations. Atlanta fielded two NHL teams, but they never lasted. The Flames were in Atlanta from 1972 to 1980 before moving to Calgary. Then, the Thrashers came to the city from 1999 to 2011 before becoming the Winnipeg Jets.
The city lost NHL teams twice due to poor performance on the ice, weak attendance, and ownership instability. They also faced financial losses, an inability to build a dedicated fan base, and management problems. However, could the third time be a charm?
Houston, meanwhile, has never had an NHL team, but has hosted minor league and World Hockey Association teams. Most notably, hockey legend Gordie Howe was a member of the Houston Eros during the 1970s. Despite not having an NHL team, Houston has always been mentioned as a potential expansion city.
The NHL won't force an expansion to 34 teams, but it's clearly something that could happen in the next few seasons. Thirty-two teams have been great for the game and hockey is growing even more in North America. If the league is to expand, it would make sense to bring in two new cities at the same time.
Houston and Atlanta have different hockey histories; However, both may find an NHL team in the next few years.
Read more: New rumor reveals NHL's stance on play-in tournament for Stanley Cup Playoffs
