NHL looking at expanding, insider reveals when
The last two expansion teams that the NHL brought into the fold were the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 and the Seattle Kraken in 2021. Both teams have been resounding successes, as in the first year the Vegas Golden Knights were Stanley Cup contenders. Their winning record of 51-24-7 was unheard of for the "misfits" of the NHL.
Currently, the Vegas Golden Knights are worth $975 million dollars and just #17th in value in the NHL overall.
With the Kraken being 2nd-year underdogs, outperforming their Pacific Division peers, it also brings to mind how much of a success the venture has been for the Seattle Hockey Partners, whose group includes a who's who, ranging from Jerry Bruckheimer to Macklemore and the former Seattle Seahawk, Marshawn Lynch it's not out of the question what's next.
Within two years, the NHL will be looking to expand further into new territory again.
With the Kraken's valuation at $890 million according to Sportico.com, Gary Bettman and the board of governors have found two cash cows in Seattle and Vegas.
The question is where to next? Houston, Quebec maybe even Hartford once again? But it is clear Bettman wants to continue to fund his Arizona Coyotes, by adding profitable teams to other NHL markets.
| POLL | ||
What city will the NHL expand to next? | ||
| Houston | 57 | 23.5 % |
| Quebec | 132 | 54.3 % |
| Kansas City | 28 | 11.5 % |
| Other | 26 | 10.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
