REPORT: 3 most likely destinations for EXPANSION teams REVEALED

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Ryan
December 14, 2022 (5:11 PM)

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Since the NHL expanded into Vegas and Seattle, it has been a huge success. The Vegas Golden Knights made it all the way to the Stanley Cup finals in their first season and have been a consistent team since joining and the Seattle Kraken are now one of the best teams in the Western Conference.

Something that is even better for the NHL is since they joined, their values have increased quite a bit.

In the last decade the National Hockey League is the only major sports league that has expanded, even though they the least revenue generating league.

With the success of these two new franchises, it sparks the conversation of expanding further, which was a topic of discussion at the latest Board of Governor's meetings.

Friedman on TJMS says Vegas and Seattle are two high revenue generating teams, they're not at the top but they are near the top and that's why Friedman feels Bettman fights for Arizona and that's why he wonders about Houston or Austin or Toronto 2.

Friedman doesn't believe expansion is imminent, but he does wonder if they get there someday because of the success Seattle and Vegas have been. Marek not so sure a 2nd team in Toronto is possible, especially with all the money the Leafs pay in revenue sharing.

Friedman on TJMS says Vegas and Seattle are two high revenue generating teams, they're not at the top but they are near the top and that's why Friedman feels Bettman fights for Arizona and that's why he wonders about Houston or Austin or Toronto2.� NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) December 12, 2022

Currently there is 32 teams in the league and the NHL likes having an even number. So with a new expansion possibly coming up we could either see 2 teams enter at once or two teams come relatively quick like Vegas and Seattle did. The current long-term goal is to have 34 teams by 2030.