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New American City Emerging As Favorite For Next NHL Franchise

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X May 15, 2023
4 2 minutes read

New locations have entered the fray as the NHL expansion beyond 32 clubs is being discussed increasingly, with American cities seemingly receiving preference.

Due to the recent success of NHL expansion, additional communities are now considering the prospect of hosting an NHL club. Another possibility is the relocation of a club like the Arizona Coyotes.

Sacramento is one of the most recent cities to show interest. Sacramento, a city in California, doesn’t at first seem like the most viable location for a new team, especially with three current NHL teams based in the state (LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose Sharks).

NHL officials and insiders are speculating about Sacramento’s potential as a hockey market due to Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé’s pursuit of the Ottawa Senators.

With there already being an arena that could seat over 17,000 people, it would take some changes to the infrastructure to put a hockey rink in the arena but this is not a terribly difficult task given how there are many arenas that house NHL and NBA teams.

One major question that needs to be brought up is the viability of having more American teams introduced before other Canadian markets like Quebec get a team. It is clear that Quebec could support an NHL team but it appears that they are on the back burner because of U.S. markets such as Sacramento or Salt Lake City.

It makes sense that the NHL would want to further expand given the success of the Kraken and Golden Knights, but they should think carefully before making too many hasty moves.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X May 15, 2023
4 2 minutes read
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