The NHL universe has been riddled with talk of expansion this season, more so than in recent years. That gives a pretty good indication that something is coming, and an insider says he knows the two cities that will get the next two expansion teams.
Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period took to his X account to say that the looming NHL trade deadline is likely dampening the talk around expansion at the moment, but adds it appears Salt Lake CIty, Utah, and Atlanta, Georgia are all but done deals.
The other big two that have been in the mix recently are Houston, Texas, and of course Quebec City, Quebec, a team that has remained solidly in the rumour mill for years. However, given a recent initiative in Atlanta to get an arena and entertainment district built, as well as high support from several groups in Salt Lake City, it looks like Houston and Quebec will have to wait. For those who want to see the Nordiques return, waiting seems to be the main theme.
There's also the question of when are there enough, or perhaps even too many teams? At some point, if the league's goal remains to have every team meet at least once through the regular season, that has to mean more games added to the current 82-game schedule at some point. Is the NHL risking watering down its product by having too many teams. Extra rosters means players who wouldn't normally get a shot at playing league will. These are tough decisions the NHL will have to make eventually.
