The NHL has seen several expansions and relocations throughout its history, most recently with the Utah Mammoth in 2024 after the Arizona Coyotes were deactivated. This move has reignited the discussion about potential future locations for NHL teams. While NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has stated that the league isn't formally pursuing expansion, he has acknowledged interest from several cities. He also noted that the expansion fee would likely be around $2 billion USD. Here are seven cities that could make sense for NHL relocation or expansion:
Houston, Texas: Houston is frequently mentioned as a prime candidate for NHL relocation or expansion. As the fourth-most populous city in the United States, it's the largest without an NHL team. Houston already supports major professional sports teams and has a history with hockey, including the Houston Aeros of the AHL and IHL. Adding an NHL team in Houston would create a natural rivalry with the Dallas Stars.
Atlanta, Georgia: Despite past failures with the Flames and Thrashers, Atlanta remains a viable option. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly noted that the demographics of the Atlanta metropolitan area have changed significantly since the Thrashers' departure. Recently, Forsyth County, near Atlanta, approved definitive documents for a large development, with plans for the developer to meet with Commissioner Bettman. Bettman has also stated that the previous failures in Atlanta wouldn't deter the league from returning if the right conditions are met.
Quebec City, Quebec: Quebec City has a passionate hockey fanbase and a modern NHL-ready arena, the Videotron Centre. The city lost the Nordiques in the mid-1990s, and a return of NHL hockey would be welcomed by many. However, its smaller market size compared to other potential locations could be a disadvantage.
Kansas City, Missouri: Kansas City briefly hosted the Scouts in the 1970s. The city has demonstrated its interest in hosting an NHL team, even offering the Pittsburgh Penguins free rent in 2007 if they relocated. Kansas City has strong fanbases for its other sports teams and could potentially create a rivalry with the St. Louis Blues. The T-Mobile Center Arena is already NHL-ready.
Portland, Oregon: Portland could be a great fit for an NHL team, especially considering its proximity to the Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks, which would create instant rivalries and ease travel for visiting teams. Portland has a hockey tradition, with the Portland Rosebuds being one of the original non-Canadian teams to compete for the Stanley Cup.
Greater Toronto Area, Ontario: Despite Toronto already having the Maple Leafs, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is the most populous metropolitan area in Canada and could potentially support another NHL team. A new arena would likely be needed, and proposals for a new team often include plans for one.
Phoenix, Arizona: Despite the Coyotes' relocation to Utah, the NHL may want to return to Phoenix if a new arena is secured. The league has been trying to make hockey work in Arizona for a long time, and Phoenix remains one of the largest cities in the United States. The Utah team is being treated as an expansion team, preserving the Coyotes' history and iconography for a potential return to Arizona.
Other cities that have been mentioned as potential NHL locations include Austin, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Omaha, Hamilton, Milwaukee, Las Vegas, and Saskatoon. Factors such as market size, arena availability, ownership, and fan base will all play a role in the NHL's decision-making process as it considers future expansion or relocation.
