NHL expansion to one specific region hits unexpected resistance as owners raise concerns
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
What once looked like a sure thing for NHL expansion into Texas is suddenly facing some unexpected uncertainty.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman in his "32 Thoughts" column for Sportsnet, there is more resistance among NHL owners than initially expected.
Friedman previously believed the league would hold a major expansion vote during its next Board of Governors meeting in Florida this December.
However, that possibility now appears far less certain.
The NHL announced in June that it was working with billionaire Dan Friedkin and his ownership group to explore bringing a 33rd franchise to either Houston or Austin.
The potential investment is estimated at $3.5 billion, covering the expansion fee and construction of a new arena.
Why some owners are now resisting
But here's where things get interesting.
Friedman reported that some owners have questioned why Houston isn't the obvious choice over Austin, especially if expanding the NHL's American television audience is a major priority.
"Next Board of Governors meeting is in...December. I thought for sure we'd see one major vote...expansion into Texas. I'm not sure now; there was more pushback than I'd thought; it looked like an absolute certainty. Not anymore."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Houston offers a massive television market and the potential for an exciting in-state rivalry with the Dallas Stars.
Meanwhile, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has made it clear that expansion isn't guaranteed.
Any decision would require approval from three-quarters of the league's Board of Governors.
And with some owners apparently having reservations, that approval might not come as easily as many expected.
The December meeting could still bring significant progress, but there's currently no guarantee that an expansion vote will even take place.
For hockey fans hoping to see another NHL franchise in Texas, this doesn't mean expansion is dead.
It does, however, suggest the league might be pumping the brakes on something that recently seemed almost inevitable.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Prominent NHL figure tells Connor Hellebuyck to 'stop being a baby'
Prominent NHL figure tells Connor Hellebuyck to 'stop being a baby'
Previously on House Of Hockey