The NHL will not formally pursue an expansion process to move beyond 32 teams, but they will not close the door for active suitors such as Houston and Atlanta. Houston is the sixth largest media market in the United States, while Atlanta ranks seventh. Atlanta has twice previously had NHL teams, while Houston has never been an NHL city.
“If somebody wants to essentially apply for an expansion franchise and has all the requisite elements that we would look for in an expansion franchise, we would raise it with the Board of Governors and see if they have any interest in it,” Daly said. “There are some people we’ve talked to more than others, but there’s a lot of interest, which I think we’re gratified with.”