Another expansion coming to the NHL? Gary Bettman confirms a major rumor and a city is being targeted
During a press conference last night as part of the famous media day just before the start of the Stanley Cup Final, the NHL confirmed a major rumor that had been circulating for a few weeks.
Ryan Smith, from the NBA's Utah Jazz, has reportedly reached out to Bill Daly and Gary Bettman with serious intentions to bring an NHL team to Salt Lake City.
"Bill Daly confirms that the NHL has been directly contacted by Ryan Smith (Utah Jazz / Salt Lake City) to have an NHL team.
It could be a potential relocation destination for the Coyotes, although Bettman insists on finding a solution in Arizona." - Via Pierre LeBrun
This is significant. He adds the following:
"Bill Daly says that 'expansion is not at the top of our priority list,' but he confirms there is interest from various parties (likely including Atlanta and Houston as well)."
It is expected that Bettman will be much more open to listening to them rather than listening to Quebec. That's the unfortunate reality.
The rumor started circulating earlier this year, but don't be surprised if the NHL announces a new expansion process in the coming years.
POLL |
Where will the next expansion be, in your opinion? |
Quebec | 609 | 34.1 % |
Houston | 714 | 40 % |
Atlanta | 76 | 4.3 % |
Salt Lake City or other | 387 | 21.7 % |
List of polls |
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Previously on HabsFanatics