"Its going to drive me absolutely mental" - Greg Wyshynski on a potential NHL franchise in Houston

Several experts believe that we haven't seen an end to further NHL expansion in the future, with Houston and Atlanta being rumored to be the most likely cities for an NHL franchise. After seeing the success of organizations such as the Seattle Kraken and the Vegas Golden Knights, the league will likely want to continue its growth and success in new markets.

"If Houston and Atlanta get a NHL team then Quebec has to as well which leaves one spot open to make an even 36..... San Diego? Sacramento? If Atlanta returns to the NHL (third times a charm?) they have to be called the Thrashers again" - Terry Edelmann

While the thought of further NHL expansion may be exciting, especially given the new potential fanbase, not everyone is on board with the idea. One of the personalities who would be opposed to future expansion is Greg Wyshynski, who created the hockey blog Puck Daddy for Yahoo! Sports.

On Halford & Brough in the Morning show, Wyshynski expressed his frustration with the idea of further NHL expansion. "It's going to drive me absolutely mental if we expand by two teams. It's perfect right now."

“We’re not in an expansion mode.” - Gary Bettman, Jan. 2023" - Greg Wyshinski

He also explained the NHL's interest in an expansion team in Houston as opposed to the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes, as some people have mentioned in the past. "The NHL sees it as a very fertile market where they want to squeeze out as much expansion money as they possibly can when the timing is right. And so if the Coyotes ever move there, it doesn't do the league any good."

Could Houston, Texas be the home to the next NHL expansion team?

For years, the major Texas city has been rumored to be one of the next to benefit from NHL expansion. With a population of over 2.2 million, the fourth-most in the United States, it almost guarantees a solid fanbase.

"John @Buccigross suggests that #Atlanta and @NHLtoHouston are due for #NHLExpansion "next time around", so I'm going to re-propose my dramatic realignment concept. EVERY Canadian team grouped together w/Buffalo (and an empty slot for Quebec). Other US teams in East, West & South." - Drew Goldfarb

Given the success of the Dallas Stars, it's clear that Texas has an appetite for the NHL, which would give the city an advantage over other markets such as Kansas City. Plus, they would already have an in-state rival in the form of the Stars, which should naturally grow similar to the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros.