6 NEW Cities The NHL Is Expanding To?! 

What cities did we miss on this list? Do you think the NHL is going to keep expanding in the near future?

Bring back the Hartford Whalers! Their merchandise still sells like crazy!

Quebec Nordiques would be the best addition to the league.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH...for including Kansas City on your list of 6-potential expansion cities!!! It's about time SOMEONE put together a video like this. I was one of those people who went to Scouts games as a young man and was heartbroken when they left town for Denver in the summer of 1976. Kansas City NEVER got a fair shot at NHL success. During the 1970's the WHA was actively stealing players who could've played for the Scouts and helped them become a competitive team, but instead, those players took increased pay from the WHA teams (many of them weren't worth what they were paid but it helped the WHA become competitive for a few seasons) but as a consequence, the Scouts were stricken with a ridiculously increased salary structure that kept them from being competitive. At the same time, the Economy during the 1970's was bad-to-terrible and this caused an inflationary spiral that ended many businesses all across North America. For the 2-seasons the Kansas City Scouts were in the NHL they averaged 7,450 for the 1st season, then 7,800-plus in the 2nd with all games played at Kemper Arena. Crowds were climbing at the end of their tenure but they weren't given a chance to gain a fan-foothold the way the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes have been by current NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHL partner teams who have kept the Coyotes alive financially for the past 10-seasons. During the 1970's Clarence Cambell was the commissioner and his "sink-or-swim" attitude left the Scouts with very little chance at survival. Kansas City deserves another chance, the same way Atlanta (seriously, a 3rd chance?!!!), the Bay Area, Winnipeg, Minnesota and Denver have been allowed. And I think Quebec City needs another chance too! C'mon Gary! Get rid of your attitude about markets like Kansas City being inferior to other markets and give them another shot! MSA population of Kansas City is 2.25 to 2.5 million people, which is larger that 7-current NHL cities! The money is there, the Corporate Sponsorship potential is there, the fans are there, the building is there, the geographical fit for the NHL's Central Division is PERFECT! Make it happen before you retire and had the torch off to Bill Daly!

Atlanta is not the only city to have lost two NHL teams. Montreal (Maroons and Wanderers) and Quebec City (Nordiques and Bulldogs) have also done that.

Nordiques must be added next. I'm not Canadian and I live nowhere near Quebec. Yes, the franchise will be successful and it will sell-out the stadium immediately, which Betman and the owners most understand - BUT more importantly, the NHL needs to consider it an investment in the culture, long history and soul of hockey. The Nordiques represent this. Besides being an exciting game, fans want to be a part of long and storied Canadian history and culture of the NHL

The Flames did not leave from lack of support. The owner made some bad real estate bets and needed quick cash. I was there.

Milwaukee Wisconsin. Because cheering for the back hawks or the wild is just too awkward.

add enough teams in the west so that Nashville can move to the Eastern Conference and not have to travel so damn much

Houston is the largest market without a team

Hamilton, Ontario…already has an NHL ready arena Copps Coliseum (or whatever it’s likely been renamed) that has a capacity exceeding 17,000. The Greater Toronto Area needs a team that doesn’t suck… the most profitable team in NHL, the Leafs, suck so bad that they haven’t won a cup since the original 6 era….pathetic.

Atlanta is not the only city to lose 2 teams. Montreal lost the Wanderers and Maroons.

2:54 why is there a photo of Portland Oregon during a discussion about Houston?

the league wants American markets. Quebec City or Hamilton are good picks, but far less media funding possibilities.

Quebec Nordiques and Hartford Whalers. that Whalers uniform is one of my favorite uniforms in all of sports.

Tronoto??? (8:28)

The league’s expansion planes. Airplanes?

Oklahoma won’t get an NHL team despite both the Paycom center (OKC) and BOK Center (Tulsa) having the capacity to host games.

36 teams. Salt Lake City, Houston, Atlanta & Quebec City

No to Atlanta. Seriously, don't do it. We all want Quebec Nordiques back. Give Canada a chance to compete and give Toronto someone else to root for. Maple Leafs are just a dumpster fire and maybe a good metro rivalry will give them a reason to not suck.

They will not even play Dallas Stars on the NHL Network!!!

My guy, proofread your video before posting. It’s a good piece but I counted at least 3 obvious spelling mistakes. Sloppiness makes the whole thing look off.

The one thing the NHL that makes it different from other pro sports league, is that there is an abundance of quality players between North America and Europe. Expansion will have only minimal drop in talent per team. Six teams is a lot of teams, but placed in the right markets, it could work!

I still say bring the Hartford Whalers back

There are also talks about Salt Lake City as a expension team as well, surprised you didn't mention them

As a loyal Seattle sports fan, I would be happy to see Portland get a team. I've lived in Oregon for 22 1/2 years, but I still root for the Seattle teams.

I'll add my two cents here. Expansion has only ever worked when overall population increases can support the added number of teams. Case in point: MLB. It did not expand until the early 1960s. The US population grew from 76 million, mostly concentrated in the Northeast to 180 million by 1960. Much of the growth was in the south and west but still only the same 16 teams you had in 1901. Yeah, there were a few moves in the early 1950s but not out to the west or south, the infrastructure for rapid travel across the continent didn't exist yet. By the 1950s the reality was California had no teams and was already one of the largest states. The South also had no teams - the rail network the teams relied on to travel wasn't as robust in the South. At first, expansion into the West and South was a non-starter because of logistics, so there was a push to make the Pacific Coast League a major league. Jet air travel, making it possible to travel from the East to California in hours instead of a week, ended that idea and the Dodgers and Giants, escaping bad stadium situations in New York, moved out west which cemented the PCL's place as just another minor league. But, NYC no longer had a National League team, so the Continental League was proposed, a third major league which, of course, would have a second MLB team placed in NYC (No way would someone in Brooklyn or Queens EVER root for the Yankees) MLB finally decided to expand in 1961 and 1962 so the reason for the Continental League vanished. Football as well, the NFL was concentrated in the northeast with on or two outliers, possible only because pro football teams only play once a week. But the point is that the NFL didn't keep up with population trends and the AFL came along because Lamar Hunt wanted a team and he found many more people who wanted teams. The AFL became so strong the NFL had to accept them to survive. But the point is, the league HAD to expand because of greater demographic trends. The WHA succeeded as much as it did because NHL owners wanted to keep their slice of the pie. That's also why the 1967 expansion happened as it did, the NHL expanded kicking and screaming. This situation is OVER for now, in all sports, until the US population reaches a billion and cities like Kokomo can support teams. If Quebec wants a team, wait until there are 100 million people in Canada. 32 teams is enough given North America's current population distribution. Sports leagues and teams have to make money, y'know

After the successes of the last two teams, I am so excited to imagine any of these teams 😊 I would like to see Quebec and Houston 🙂

My opinion: Atlanta, Houston, Hamilton, Quebec City

Bring back the Quebec Nordiques

Welcome salt lake City

I use to work for a minor hockey team in Amarillo several years back. Hockey fans are fantastic and loyal. That said as a native Houstonian hockey is not that big here in Houston. Those that love hockey have their favorite teams from “back home”. Houston will suffer from attendance drop off like the Aeros did in the past after 3-5 years unless they have a perennial playoff team. I like hockey, but not enough to watch it on tv. Attending a game would be more of novelty for most Houstonians. Our MLS team only gets decent attendance (actual butts in seats not sold seats #s) only when the team is winning.

Atlanta is a terrible idea for ANOTHER NHL failure! I personally like Atlanta, and the city does very well for national-level events---like the Super Bowl, Final Four, Olympics, etc---but there have been times when the Braves (MLB) and Falcons (NFL) could not even sell out their respective stadiums for playoff games. Seems that good choices in the US would be (besides SLC) Kansas City, Cincinnati or Houston. In Canada perhaps Sakatoon or Quebec City?

Would be so excited about Portland! Currently it’s an 8hour drive to Seattle or San Jose from Central Oregon so going to a game is all but off the table

Don’t need another team in Toronto I’d rather have Salt Lake City

As an Atlanta native of 60 years, let me tell you, the Flames were doomed to begin with because at that time, Atlanta wasn't an International city, just a big city in the South with not that many Northern transplants. The owner did make some bad business deals, too. Secondly, the Thrashers were great and we loved them. I had season tickets and the place was crowded. It was the ownership that wrecked the team, not the city, not the fans. If another team was to be brought here with good management, the team would thrive.

Apparently you don’t know where Ottawa is located. You had the Sens logo in northern Ontario and they are located in eastern Ontario.

The league wants USA markets I think Houston is a good prospect bye the way you misspelled Toronto not Tronoto

lmfao at toronto having another garbage team

6:44 Come on dude lol

6:44 Just a heads up . . . the word PLANS is not spelled with an E :-(

Stan Kroenke wants to put an NHL team in San Diego

Quebec City didn't lose its team because of attendance but it's old arena. I think it's the best bet for a new team. Atlanta wow didn't the NHL learn anything from the first two mistakes.

Unless those cities are Hartford or Quebec I don’t wanna hear it.

Atlanta Flames was never WHL they started NHL. The 4 teams who came out of the NHL was Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, Quebec Nordiques and Hartford Whalers already wrong.

Seravalli said on his show Phoenix will eventually get another team.

Atlanta has a basketball team, the Hawks

Quebec would be the best choice for the next expansion nhl team but ill keep say as long as bettmen is commissioner of the nhl that won't happen cuz hes very anti Canadian its why I'm shocked when he approved the Atlanta team to move back to Winnipeg he won't ever approve another Canadian city 2 another nhl team!!!

HARTFORD WHALERS

I always wanted to visit " Downtown, Kansas|.

Well, as of April 24, the ex-Coyote players attended a huge event at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. 13k++ fans in the building (fire capacity hit, doors locked - 7-8k more outside). Note: This is considering a quarter of the arena was nonaccessible, given the stage setup etc. considering those outside, the arena would have hit full capacity of 18K for this event.. It was love at first sight both ways. I feel terrible for PHX fans, but you must get a different owner if you want a fresh start. That man has burned every bridge in existence at this point.

Couple of things. Hamilton doesn’t have an OHL team the bulldogs play on Brantford. The First Ontario Place ( Copps coliseum) is undergoing a renovation that might make it NHL ready. It was built for an NHL team which the Leafs put an end too decades ago over territorial rights. That has changed so it would be a good option now. The Nordiques always had solid attendance but the Colisee was outdated and I think the whole Lindros bullshi& gave QC a black eye. Although Quebec is the obvious choice it might not happen with that little Smurf from the NBA running the show. Houston I think would do well. A lot bigger than Dallas and would create a good rivalry. Even KC might work well. But… Atlanta. Could Bettman really be that stupid? Oh wait based on that question Atlanta just became the leader. I’m sure there will also be a team back in Phoenix. I mean 7 owners and 3 arenas for the coyotes …. Sounds like a Bettman winner. Phoenix fans keep saying it was bad owners. All 7 ownership groups ( 8 if you include the NHL) were bad? I doubt it considering Gretzky was part owner for a while. Pretty sure WG might be a decent owner. Problem is you cant fix what was never working to begin with. I’m sure there are some great hockey fans but considering the last couple of years they had many games which were not sold out in an arena smaller than most CHL arenas. In fact the top 3 teams in the QMJHL regularly outdrew the coyotes. Same as the OHL and WHL. In fact the average attendance at the international Pee Wee tournament in QC outdrew the yotes.

I like Atlanta, Houston, Quebec, Kansas City

As a Stars fan I’m hoping for Houston so we can finally have a clear rival

If I had to pick 6: Quebec City (the fans passionately supported the mismanaged Nordiques and there's a natural rivalry with the Canadiens), Kansas City (arena already existing, would be only indoor pro sport in town), Milwaukee (hockey mad state, strong youth hockey programmes), San Diego (would be the only pro team in the city playing between October and April), Hamilton (just far enough away from Toronto to develop its own fan base), Minnegadishu (the hockey mad Twin Cities can support 2 teams).

Quebec City's metro area is over 800,000 people.

Bring back the Quebec nordiques

Milwaukee should be in the discussion too

32 teams. It's perfect. We're good.

What about Knoxville Tennessee??

Utah rocks!

Just when you thought they couldn't water down the league anymore, Bettman the criminal says hold my beer.

Hamilton used 2 have an nhl team

Houston Aeros. If not, how about Apollos or Stallions? Houston is long overdue to have an expansion team right now.

Did you say Barry Gettman? Enunciate!

THE NORDIQUES WHERE THEN SOLD TO BECOME THE AVALANCHE AND THE SAME PLAYERS WON THE STANLEY CUP WITH THE AVALANCHE! IF NORDIQUES WOULD HAVE STAYED IN QC THEY WOULD HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP!

"Tronoto???"

THINK GARY HOCKEY ALWAYS SELLS IN CANADA

Quebec et Houston

Not sure what the LA Sharks had to do with Atlanta.

Omaha would be the most CHALLENGING

But as long as Bettman is the commissioner a Canadian city will never win our cup

Super Ball champion KC Chiefs. I love the NFL championship called the Super Ball

Toronto probably should get a new team

Figures Hartford don't even get mentioned.

Too many teams as it is. Adding six more just waters it down even more.

I think another city worth considering is Milwaukee which have supported their Admirals for many years. I don’t see the NHL expanding to 38 teams for a very long time, although 36 teams, six divisions of six teams each, are possible in my opinion within 5 to 10 years. I think the four most likely cities for expansion are Houston, Atlanta, Hamilton, and Phoenix or Kansas City, depending on if a suitable NHL arena is built in the desert.

Why not Hartford CT?

I’m glad salt lake is getting the coyotes I think winter sports are much more popular in salt lake. You know, since they actually have a winter compared to phoenix.

we need a team near Toronto

Quebec. There, I fixed the list.

GOOD GAWD, NOT talk of Atlanta AGAIN!

Wait. Houston tried to get the Cleveland Browns to move there in 1978??? That's wierd.

Nah, Indianapolis won't get one- Indiana is starting to be like Southeastern culture in a Midwestern state, and they wouldn't care much about hockey despite Notre Dame has an NCAA hockey team. I know Gainbridge Fieldhouse can host hockey, but will the fans come? It is in a quandry between the Blackhawks and their so-called twin that has the Blue Jackets.

Where is tronoto?

Atlanta Flames gets best logo vote for me

Wheres Tronoto? Id prefer the Hartford Whalers for real.

Why show Portland Trailblazers fans when talking about Houston?

Atlanta's third time will be the charm!!

Quebec and Hamilton

Houston! Give us hockey!!!

Great Video. From what I have heard, The Quebec Nordiques had the bad luck & were on the way to winning A Stanley Cup, which they did, but, I believe it was their first season after the move, The Colorado Avalanche - somebody let me know if I'm right - I'm pretty sure that it's in their first or second season in Colorado. Therefore, they likely deserve another shot. I think that the Third Time's A Charm might bring opposite results, if Atlanta is given another shot. I think that they'll likely go with Salt Lake City, especially since The Arizona Coyotes may or may not relocate there.

HOUSTON SHOULD'VE ALEEADY HAD AN NHL TEAM LONG AGO

Why not Milwaukee

Kansas City, Houston, Quebec City, Hartford, SLC, Portland, Hamilton, Indianapolis,..

Quebec 1 and Houston 2

Quebec, Houston and maybe somewhere like Madison or Milwaukee

Hamilton lost out to Phill Esposito and his outrageous claims about the Tampa area. Tampa got a team with no arena. It wasn’t built until 25 years later. They played their games in a makeshift rink in a football stadium. While Hamilton had three times the metro population and an NHL rink ready and waiting!

nhl needs to explore untapped markets like houston, or markets with little competition like slc, sd. or return to hockey mad cities like qc. Or try saskatoon. No need trying to shove atl. 3.0 into nhl to fail again. Or continuously prop up az. because bettman has a hard on for az. kc, cincy, omaha have no ownerships groups named so bettman just throwing cities out there to get expansion bidding/price for expansion set.

A few points. Quebec isn’t a television market so the NHL would stiff any bid from them again. Toronto isn’t the 1950-60s city anymore. The city is so multicultural and with basketball, soccer, and baseball all completing for the sports dollar it is unlikely that there will be enough money to go around. And what of territorial rights when it comes to television and marketing? Sorry folks, but expansion to Canada will get shafted again.