NHL agent predicts 2 more expansion teams for the NHL

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Finnegan Frost
September 12, 2024 (11:53)

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The NHL is one of the most rapidly growing growing pro sports leagues in the world - and now a prominent sports agent predicts it's expansion.

According to Jonathan Larivee of Hockey Feed, NHL player agent Allan Walsh revealed his belief that the league is heading in that direction. Walsh indicated that not only does he expect the league to add an additional franchise via expansion, but instead predicted that two additional franchises would be joining the NHL in the future.

"The NHL is going to expand," said Walsh on his podcast. "It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when, two more teams. The NHL will go to 34 teams."

Walsh believes the entire league is headed for a dramatic increase in value.

"I'm telling you right now, you can write it down, in the next three years NHL franchise values will double," said Walsh.

The NHL has seen 2 new expansions in the last decade, The Vegas Golden Knights and The Seattle Kraken are the newest members of the NHL family.

These reports from Walsh confirm the NHL's interest to double it's value by expanding the league to 34 teams.

As per NHL Trade Rumor, insiders have identified Atlanta and Houston as prime candidates for NHL expansion. Both cities boast thriving sports cultures, state-of-the-art arenas, and untapped fan bases eager for a taste of professional hockey.

Quebec City, who has recently built a brand new arena are looking to enter the conversation for expansion consideration. As it stands, it appears that Bettman is solely focusing on the American market, snubbing out any opportunity to further grow the game up north.

source: Hockey Feed
Two more expansion teams are coming to the NHL