Austin Konenski
The NHL has been successful with its new expansion teams over the years. In 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights debuted and won their first Stanley Cup in 2023. Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken debuted in 2021 and continue to push for a second playoff berth. In fact, another city has emerged as an unexpected candidate.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Louisiana governor Jeff Landry talked to him regarding a potential team in New Orleans, as reported by Frank Seravalli on the Big Show with Rusic & Rose. Landry reportedly said there is a group of investors in New Orleans that is “really interested” in joining the league.
This is a shocking report, as New Orleans isn’t a very popular destination for hockey. In fact, there are no permanent hockey rinks in the metro area. Louisiana has the Baton Rouge Zydeco and the Monroe Moccasins, but nothing is based in the Big Easy.
If the NHL expanded from 30 teams, they would likely add two more organizations instead of just one. So, who else could be potential candidates for NHL expansion?
Potential NHL expansion destinations beyond New Orleans
The NHL is looking at expanding, but they won’t rush the process. A group in New Orleans has expressed its desire to land a professional hockey team; however, which other cities could join the mix? Two more southern cities in the United States of America have also been mentioned.
Houston and Atlanta are two more destinations that have been mentioned beyond New Orleans. Houston has never had an NHL team, but it has hosted minor league and World Hockey Association teams. Most notably, hockey legend Gordie Howe was a member of the Houston Aeros during the 1970s.
Atlanta has landed two NHL teams, but they never lasted. The Flames were in Atlanta from 1972 to 1980 before moving to Calgary. Then, the Thrashers came to town from 1999 to 2011 before becoming the Winnipeg Jets. Both cities would be good options for the NHL regarding expansion.
As for Canada, one place stands amongst the rest. Quebec is one destination that fans want for an NHL team. Quebec’s last NHL team was the Nordiques, who played in the league from 1979 to 1995 before moving to Denver to become the Colorado Avalanche. The city also had the Bulldogs during the 1919–20 NHL season.
All four of these options would be excellent for the NHL. The possibility of 32 teams could be coming soon; however, don’t be shocked to see New Orleans in the mix to land an NHL organization.
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