Numerous analysts anticipate that additional NHL growth will continue in the future.
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With the success of organizations like the Seattle Kraken and the Vegas Golden Knights, the league is said to be considering two locations for possible expansion clubs. For some time, various towns have been suggested in rumors as prospective locations for two new expansion clubs; however, after suggestions from significant individuals in the National Hockey League, the stories may have some validity.
If reports are to be believed, Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia might be the next cities to obtain NHL clubs. While Atlanta already has a hockey franchise, Houston has long been associated with NHL expansion speculations. The Atlanta Thrashers were a part of the NHL’s Eastern Conference’s Southeast Division from 1999 to 2011. Despite winning the division in 2006-2007, they were destroyed in the first round of the playoffs by the New York Rangers.
Owing to financial problems and ownership issues, the team was frequently the focus of relocation speculations, with destinations such as Kansas City, Quebec City, and Winnipeg being mentioned. The team was eventually sold to the Canadian-based ownership group True North Sports & Entertainment, who relocated the franchise to Winnipeg and renamed it the Winnipeg Jets.
While rumors of the Atlanta Thrashers’ comeback are exciting, fans are split because two separate NHL clubs have failed in Georgia. Before the Thrashers, there was the Atlanta Flames, who moved to Calgary in 1980 to become the Calgary Flames.
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Houston, Texas has been predicted for years to be one of the next destinations to gain from NHL expansion. With a population of nearly 2.2 million people, the fourth largest in the United States, it almost ensures a loyal following.
Considering the success of the Dallas Stars, it’s evident that Texas is hungry for NHL action, giving Houston an advantage over other locations like Kansas City. Furthermore, they would already have an in-state opponent in the form of the Dallas Stars, who should naturally flourish in the same manner as the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros.
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