The NHL has been successful with its new expansion teams over the past few years. In 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights debuted and won their first Stanley Cup in 2023. Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken make their 2021 debut and continue to push for another playoff berth. In fact, another city has emerged as an unexpected candidate.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said that Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry spoke to him regarding a potential team in New Orleans, as reported by Frank Serravalli on The Big Show with Rusik & Rose. Landry reportedly said there is a group of investors in New Orleans that are "really interested" in joining the league.
This is a shocking report, as New Orleans is not a very popular destination for hockey. Actually, there are no permanent hockey rinks in the metro area. There's Baton Rouge Zydeco and Monroe Moccasins in Louisiana, but nothing based on the Big Easy.
If the NHL expands by 30 teams, they will likely add two more organizations instead of just one. So, who else could be a potential candidate for NHL expansion?
Potential NHL expansion destinations beyond New Orleans
The NHL is considering expansion, but they won't rush the process. A group in New Orleans has expressed a desire to bring a professional hockey team; However, what other cities could join the mix? Two more southern cities in the United States are also mentioned.
Houston and Atlanta are two more destinations mentioned beyond New Orleans. Houston 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.
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. Both cities would be good options for the NHL regarding expansion.
As far as Canada goes, one stands out among the rest. Quebec is a destination that fans want for an NHL team. Quebec's last NHL team was the Nordiques, who played in the league from 1979 to 1995 before moving to Denver to become the Colorado Avalanche. The city also had the Bulldogs during the 1919–20 NHL season.
All four of these options would be excellent for the NHL. 32 teams likely to arrive soon; However, don't be shocked to see New Orleans in the mix to become an NHL organization.
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