TheNHL The NHL has seen its number of teams grow twice recently, welcoming the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 and the Seattle Kraken in 2021. Though it has only been a few short years since Vegas joined and just two years for Seattle, the results so far have been incredibly positive for both teams.
Given their impressive performance, it is understandable that other regions without NHL representation would start to show interest. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged during the General Manager's meeting in March that several markets and potential investors have indeed expressed their desire to secure an NHL team.Ontario sports betting While Bettman made it clear that the NHL is not currently looking to add new teams, the conversation remains relevant. Where there is interest, there may be potential, and it’s only natural to speculate about possible new locations should the NHL reconsider its stance on expansion.
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A Trip Down Memory Lane
Expansion in the NHL has unfolded in phases. The first major wave in 1967 saw the league double in size from six to twelve teams. This was followed by the incorporation of four teams from the WHA in 1979, as well as two periods in the 1990s where another four teams were added during both 1992-93 and between 1998-2000.
Currently, the NHL stands shoulder to shoulder with the NFL, each boasting the highest number of teams in professional sports. However, it seems unlikely that they would lead the way in surpassing this number, although unexpected outcomes have occurred in sports history.
Should the NHL pursue further expansion, several cities—including Houston, Atlanta, and Quebec City—have shown interest in acquiring a franchise. Among these, the potential for a new team in Canada is particularly fascinating, with the Toronto area showing promise for an additional franchise, and Quebec expressing eagerness to welcome a team back.
There are speculative odds posted regarding the potential placement of the next NHL franchise. These probabilities are not officially recognized, but in the realm of NHL movements or expansions, it feels more like a question of 'when' rather than 'if.' To clarify, the following odds are tied to both the likelihood of an expansion team and the potential relocation of existing teams.
With this in mind,deereplanet.com Chances for the Next NHL Franchise (Be It an Expansion or Relocation)Ontario sports betting apps Flexible Options for Parlays, A Wide Variety of Futures, and Generous Limits
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Could Quebec 2.0 Work For All?
Another contender from Canada is the Toronto region, specifically Hamilton, which has a population nearing 800,000—sufficient to support another NHL team akin to how New York supports both the Rangers and Islanders, along with Chicago and Los Angeles in other leagues.
Although there is clear interest from fans and the financial foundations are strong enough, the Toronto Maple Leafs are apprehensive about a portion of their fanbase potentially switching allegiance, as are the Buffalo Sabres, who are located less than 70 miles away from Hamilton. This opposition from the two franchises renders Hamilton a less favorable choice for expansion, with speculative odds of +1595.
There is a genuine desire for a franchise in both of these regions, but they face significant hurdles, especially considering Bettman’s current position that expansion is not on the table.
Several other locations are also in contention for a team, with Houston appearing to be the most logical choice due to its market size and the preparedness of its arena, which places them as the favorite with odds of +300.
Is there a possibility that Canada will gain an eighth NHL team in the near future? It seems unlikely at this moment, but it could become a reality should the NHL's perspective shift.
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