What started with only a small handful of teams around a century ago is now 32 teams, and growing fast. Major news recently broke about another potential newcomer but from an unexpected city.
Texas May Get Another NHL Team
After many talks and speculation of new teams coming to Salt Lake City and Atlanta, fans are shocked to hear that another city is on the shortlist for NHL expansion. Led by the owner of the Rockets Tilman Fertitta, it appears the next team could be in Houston.
"Big news for Houston!
Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Rockets, says he is in talks with the NHL about bringing a team to Houston, according to Bloomberg.
«We are talking to the NHL, but it's got to be good for both of us»
This would be the second Texas team, representing alongside the high-performing Dallas Stars. Not only would this increase the viewership of the sport in this highly-populated state, but Fertitta also believes this is one of the best ways to improve the downtown Houston economy.
"Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta says talks to bring the NHL to Houston have picked up of late as he sees a hockey team as a way to boost the downtown economy."
NHL Fans Critical Of Potential Team Investor
While many hockey fans in Houston seem excited about the possibility of representation of their hometown, other NHL followers seem critical of the man who is starting it all. Fertitta is a wealthy investor, and many think that he is more interested in expanding his fortune than hockey itself.
"Since he bought the Rockets seven years ago, Tilman Fertitta hadn't said too much publicly about the NHL. Until this week."
Outside of those who believe this is all a money-making scheme for Fertitta, others speculate that he is simply purchasing the Arizona Coyotes for Houston himself.
"There's a billionaire investor who wants an NHL Team to bolster Houston's economy. It all makes sense
While the final results of these talks are still undergoing, it is only a matter of time before we find out if Houston becomes the home of a new NHL team.
