NHL Expansion: Experts hint at two cities linked to potential NHL franchises

Several experts believe that we haven't seen an end to further NHL expansion in the future. After seeing the success of organizations such as the Seattle Kraken and the Vegas Golden Knights, the league has reportedly been linked to two cities for potential expansion franchises.

For a while now, several cities have been mentioned in rumors as potential sites for two new expansion franchises, however, following hints from prominent figures around the National Hockey League, there may be some truth to the stories.

"👀 🤐. @espn @NHL @NHLNetwork @TSNHockey @DKSportsbook #HockeyTwitter" - Kevin Weekes

If the rumors are to be believed, both Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia may be next in line to receive the NHL teams. While Atlanta has already been home to a hockey team, Houston has long been linked to rumors surrounding an NHL expansion.

From 1999-2011, the Atlanta Thrashers were members of the Southeast Division of the NHL's Eastern Conference. They won the division during the 2006-2007 season, but were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the New York Rangers.

Due to financial losses and ownership struggles, the team was frequently a target of relocation rumors linking the team to cities such as Kansas City, Quebec City, and Winnipeg.

Eventually, the team was sold to Canadian-based ownership group True North Sports & Entertainment, who moved the franchise to Winnipeg and became the second incarnation of the Winnipeg Jets.

"As we say goodbye to this decade, we say goodbye to the final decade the Atlanta Thrashers ever played in." - NBC Sports Hockey

While rumors of the return of the Atlanta Thrashers are a fun idea, fans are divided as two different NHL franchises have failed in Atlanta. Before the Thrashers were the Atlanta Flames, who eventually relocated to become the Calgary Flames in 1980.

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

For years, Houston, Texas has been rumored to be one of the next cities 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.

"With the rumors of Houston & Atlanta being possible expansion cities for the NHL. Fun Fact: the first ever @Houston_Aeros home game was against the Atlanta Knights on October 7, 1994 at the Summit in Houston,TX. #NHLtoHouston #NHLtoAtlanta" - NHL to Houston

Given the success of the Dallas Stars, it's clear that Texas has an appetite for the NHL, which would give Houston 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.