The NHL Could Reportedly Announce Two Expansion Teams, with Two Cities Prioritized Over the Nordiques
Now that 2025 is well underway, it's always interesting to look at what's ahead, both in the hockey world and for the NHL.
During a recent appearance on BPM Sports, TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie stated that several decisions will be made by NHL executives, and there are three major points to watch in 2025.
Three Key Issues to Watch in the NHL and for Gary Bettman in 2025, Including a possible expansion
These include the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement, league expansion, and hockey broadcast rights in Canada.
The broadcast issue, in particular, has been a hot topic of discussion, particularly with the arrival of a major player like Amazon Prime Video. Many hockey fans are concerned about the future of game broadcasts on traditional television.
However, Lavoie was reassuring regarding hockey on TV.
We expect TSN to get some games, RDS to get some, TVA Sports as well, and Sportsnet too. But what about streaming?»
Renaud Lavoie
As for the other two issues, they go hand in hand. If there hasn't been progress on expansion, it's because NHL executives want to resolve the collective bargaining agreement before moving forward with awarding new franchises.
According to Lavoie, it seems that two new teams will join the NHL in the coming years, and Houston is almost guaranteed to be one of them.
Wow!
As for the second franchise, it seems Atlanta has the upper hand, though nothing is certain yet because there has been no confirmation of a new arena in the Atlanta suburbs.
As for Quebec, despite players reportedly being in favor of a team relocating there, the decision isn't theirs to make. Lavoie mentioned this might be the last chance to see the Nordiques make a comeback.
Quebec is ready.. but is the NHL ready for Quebec?
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 12 | 6186 ANSWERS The NHL Could Reportedly Announce Two Expansion Teams, with Two Cities Prioritized Over the Nordiques Do you still believe in the return of the Quebec Nordiques? | ||
| Yes | 3574 | 57.8 % |
| No | 2612 | 42.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team United States at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531078.webp "Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team United States at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images")
![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) stops Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531009.webp "Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) stops Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530954.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530884.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
