NHL has plan for Atlanta & Houston for expansion, not relocation
With the debacle that continues to bubble with the Arizona Coyotes and nobody knowing for certain whether or not the team can stay in the desert there is speculation that the National Hockey League would prefer to keep Atlanta and Houston open as expansion destinations as opposed to relocation cities.
With the last two expansion franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle handing over $500 and $650 million respectively, it makes sense from a league standpoint to hold onto these markets until a group steps forward to express interest in funding the appropriate capital for a team.
Arizona is a tricky situation that's not necessarily cut and dry, and while it seems like Gary Bettman wants to keep the team in Arizona, we shouldn't be so sure. If the team is relocated, Salt Lake City may be the best location as Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith has indicated he's very interested in bringing an NHL franchise to the area.
Whatever is decided, two things may be true. The Coyotes may actually figure out a way to stay in the state and whether it's right or wrong, Gary Bettman knows what he wants when it comes to awarding a franchise instead of relocating them.
| POLL | ||
If you were commissioner Bettman where would you have the Coyotes franchise? | ||
| Salt Lake City | 8 | 72.7 % |
| Arizona | 0 | 0 % |
| Houston | 2 | 18.2 % |
| Atlanta | 1 | 9.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
