As the Zambonis start their engines and we get ready to drop the puck on another NHL season, the focus is clearly on the action down on the ice. As the season progresses and attendance continues to rise, talk will eventually turn to expansion.
Let’s take a look at 10 cities that are waiting to jump over the boards when the NHL is ready to expand.
10. Atlanta, GA
The 3rd time HAS to be the one that works. Atlanta is too large of a market to be left out in the NHL cold. The city has always been a sports town, has a strong economy, and is one of the 10 largest in the US. It’s also comfortably nestled between 3 other NHL towns, creating instant rivals in Nashville, Carolina, and Tampa. According to experts, the issue with hockey in Hotlanta has been about location. So choose wisely NHL, Atlanta is waiting for a re-re-start.
9. Baltimore, MD
The reasons against having another team so close to the established ones in DC, Philly, NY, and NJ are the same reasons why putting a team in Baltimore makes sense. The immediate rivalries created with those teams brings up memories of the old NHL, when games between division foes were often heated affairs. Professional baseball and football have teams in the Charm City and those other metro areas, so support for an NHL team would not be an issue. Sitting within the largest population corridor in the country has its benefits, and when the NHL is ready, Baltimore can take the ice.
8. Sacramento, CA
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If you were looking for a city that had a population over 2 million, proven support for pro sports, an existing arena, and no pro hockey team, look no further than Sacramento. While California already has 3 teams, Sacramento is far enough (120 miles) from its nearest NHL neighbor, San Jose, to not encroach on their territory, but close enough to create an immediate rivalry. A new team could share space at the Golden 1 Center with the Kings. Often overlooked by its more famous sister-cities (SF, LA), Sacramento is a top 20 TV market that would make a great home for the NHL.
7. Hartford, CT
The Connecticut capital is an interesting story. Their longtime team, the Whalers, left for Carolina in 1997, and the city hasn’t been able to let go. Every time the NHL mentions expansion the people of Hartford remain cautiously optimistic, but now is the time to resurrect the Hartford Whalers. Despite being close in size to Buffalo, Hartford would be the smallest NHL city. But despite its size, it is a larger TV market than NHL cities Buffalo and Las Vegas. In addition, a hockey team would be the only franchise in an untapped market. It’s time to take another shot on Hartford.
6. Indianapolis, IN
How is there not a hockey team in Indianapolis? For some reason, it just seems like a place that the NHL would thrive. It’s a large Midwestern city that is ideal for growing the sport in an untapped region. There is a history of fan support in the area, as the Pacers and Colts both enjoy widespread support. Gainbridge Fieldhouse has the capacity to support an NHL team, and Indy has a long history with hockey. Afterall, it is where Wayne Gretzky scored his 1st goal. It’s time to honor their hockey history and award a team to Indianapolis.
5. Kansas City, MO
As one of the US cities large enough to support a team but without one, Kansas City should be expecting a call from the NHL soon. The Chiefs might control the sports landscape, but football is only once a week. With no NBA team, and a long history of supporting their sports teams, hockey has the perfect opportunity to control the winter scene in KC. Despite not having a team yet, there is an NHL ready arena downtown. The city also sits in a perfect location between Denver and St. Louis, creating instant rivalries.
4. Cleveland, OH
Over the years Cleveland has rebuilt its reputation, but there’s one thing missing – hockey. There is a great downtown sports facility where the Guardians and Cavs play, and Quicken Loans Arena is NHL ready. It’s another great sports town and instant rivalries with Columbus and Pittsburgh add to the appeal. The NHL experimented with hockey there from 1976-78, but the city has changed over the last 47 years. With a growing population and a thriving downtown, it’s time to go all in on Cleveland.
3. Milwaukee, WI
Hockey needs more teams in the Midwest, and Milwaukee is long overdue. Wisconsin has been home to minor league and Division 1 hockey, and has produced several NHL players. Being its largest city, Milwaukee has the population to support an NHL team. The infrastructure is also in place, as the future hockey team can share an arena with the Bucks. Milwaukee is a city just waiting for a team.
2. Houston, TX
Houston is the 4th largest market in the US and the largest market without a professional hockey team. The NHL needs to change that. The success of the Stars and the growth of youth hockey in the Dallas metro area shows that hockey works in Texas. In the past, they’ve been rumored as a possible relocation site, but with a large potential fanbase, a sports hungry town, and an NHL ready arena (thanks Rockets), it’s time for Houston to have a team.
1. Quebec City, Quebec
It’s always a good idea to bring hockey to another Canadian city, especially one that once called the NHL home. Quebec City has a long history with hockey, having been home to the Nordiques from 1972 – 1995. Although they would be the smallest metro area to have a team, the people make up for it with fierce passion. Their desire for a team is so strong, that in 2015 they built an NHL ready arena. The renewed rivalry with the Canadiens would excite fans in both cities. It’s time to bring hockey, and the Nordiques, back to Quebec City.
