Users of the Twitter platform have been intrigued in recent days by a rumor that the National Hockey League (NHL) would like to install a team in two American markets: Houston and Atlanta. However, the assistant commissioner of the league, Bill Daly, denied, to a certain extent, these noises from the wings.
” [Amorcer] an expansion is not our priority,” Daly told Frank Seravalli, reporter for Daily Faceoff.
However, he also added that “that doesn’t mean we don’t listen to individuals or groups who show interest. That includes Atlanta and Houston. That also includes other cities, of course. »
The last two cities to receive NHL endorsement are Las Vegas and Seattle. The Golden Knights entered the NHL in 2017 and the Kraken in 2021.
In recent years, several cities have expressed their interest in hosting a franchise of the best hockey league in the world. Quebec, Kansas City, Portland, Saskatoon and Markham are notably part of the lot.
“I don’t think Atlanta or Houston are any better or worse off than anyone who’s shown an interest in the last 12 or 18 months,” Daly said.
Recall that the National League had moved the franchise from Atlanta to Winnipeg in 2011. Since then, the Jets have replaced the Thrashers.
On the side of Quebec, the city had inaugurated the Videotron Center in September 2015. At the time, the amphitheater of more than 18,000 seats had been built in order to seduce the leaders of the NHL. The case has changed little since then.