Hockey Hall of Fame induction weekend is a time to celebrate legends of the past – but it also provides a unique window into the NHL’s future. Behind closed doors, hockey insiders gather to swap the latest buzz on potential expansion cities, up-and-coming stars, and international showdowns like this winter’s inaugural 4 Nations Face-off tournament.
While the NHL officially downplays expansion talks, sources say the league is quietly exploring options to grow to 34 or even 36 teams in the coming years. The rapid success of the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken – along with the Utah Aeros’ smooth relocation from Arizona – has expansion-minded owners salivating at the prospect of commanding record franchise fees approaching a billion dollars.
Houston, Atlanta Top Expansion Wish Lists
So where will the NHL plant its flag next? Houston and Atlanta lead the pack of U.S. expansion hopefuls, according to multiple executives. “We know those cities can support multiple major sports teams,” said one NHL suit, citing the huge population bases and ownership groups eager to bring hockey back to those markets.
Despite flaming out with two failed franchises, Atlanta remains an alluring option for the NHL given its top-10 media market size. Houston, the fourth-largest U.S. city, nearly landed the Aeros relocation before the Jazz swooped in. Both locales could be NHL-ready with deep-pocketed owners and NBA-caliber arenas.
Quebec City Still Yearns for Nordiques
North of the border, Quebec City still carries the torch for its bygone Nordiques. One agent made an impassioned case for reviving the franchise, touting the rabid fanbase and history. But execs throw cold water on Quebec’s NHL dreams, noting the relatively small population makes it a tough sell compared to U.S. behemoths like Houston.
Hall of Fame Predictions: Thornton, Keith Lead 2025 Hopefuls
Looking ahead to next year’s Hall of Fame class, NHL GMs surveyed by ESPN overwhelmingly back first-ballot inductions for generational talents like Joe Thornton and Duncan Keith in their first year of eligibility. “Thornton would be top of my list,” said one GM. “Keith, too.” Both are considered locks as champions and award winners.
However, a case is building for Alexander Mogilny, perennially snubbed since 2009 despite his Triple Gold Club status. “Mogilny has waited long enough,” argues one exec. Other first-year candidates like goalie Carey Price and defenseman Zdeno Chara should also earn strong consideration from the selection committee.
USA Favored – But Don’t Count Out Swedes, Finns at 4 Nations
This February will bring the highly anticipated revival of NHL-style international competition at the 4 Nations Face-off, pitting the U.S. and Canada against Sweden and Finland. The Americans enter as early favorites thanks to unmatched goaltending depth headlined by Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger.
“There is no huge weakness there,” raves one Hall of Famer. “Show me where the USA doesn’t have undeniable depth.” But not everyone is ready to concede gold to the star-spangled squad.
Everyone might want it to be USA-Canada in the end, but just look at who the Swedes and Finns have in their lineups. You’re not just jogging through those teams.
– NHL executive
Indeed, the Tre Kronor boast a murderers’ row down the middle with names like Elias Pettersson and Mika Zibanejad. Teen phenom Leo Carlsson could be an X-factor. The Finns are no slouches either, with a surplus of two-way centers in the Sebastian Aho mold.
Canada has its own tough lineup decisions to make, like whether to take 2023 first-overall pick Connor Bedard over proven NHLers at forward. The hosts’ goalies are also green compared to the U.S. But with just three games to get hot, it’s anyone’s tourney.
From predicting Hall of Fame inductees to prognosticating the next cities to score an NHL squad, the league’s movers and shakers always have plenty to buzz about when they gather each November. The hot stove may be just heating up for this season – but the expansion rumors and 4 Nations hype are already reaching a boil.
