By JD Lagrange – Recently, in a very, very lame and unsuccessful attempt at diverting from the 2018 Hockey Canada scandal and the London police asking five former players to surrender, the NHL issued a press release saying that Salt Lake City wants an expansion team.
There are also rumblings that the NHL is looking at… Atlanta for a third time!
No to Expansion
In a recent article, we discussed various rule changes and actions necessary for the NHL’s improvement. I strongly recommend reading it for a comprehensive understanding. However, let’s revisit two key reasons why expansion isn’t the right path:
Over-expansion
Expanding the league excessively will be diluting talent even further. The NHL reached the ideal balance struck at 24 teams with the introduction of top European players, enhancing the league’s competitiveness. However, today’s fourth-line players and third defensive pairings would definitely not have made the cut in earlier eras, thereby diminishing the overall quality of play.
Referees
The adoption of a two-referee system necessitated doubling the number of officials. Unfortunately, this led to an influx of incompetence, as many referees struggle to keep pace with the game’s speed and complexity.
The combination of over-expansion and the demand for more referees has resulted in subpar officiating, arguably making NHL refereeing the weakest among all professional sports in North America—despite any assertions made by Gary Bettman.
Potential Cities
Therefore, relocation emerges as the appropriate course of action, particularly for the enhancement of on-ice quality. Having recently explored the numerous fiscal challenges that make Quebec City an impractical option within Gary Bettman’s mindset, let’s now direct our attention solely to cities situated south of the border. In this regard, I’ve opted to assemble a list of some of the largest cities in the United States, presented in no specific sequence.
Houston, TX (Population: 6.8 million):
With its vast population and love for sports, Houston is the perfect destination for an NHL team. Imagine the excitement of playoff hockey in the heart of Texas, where fans are known for their unwavering support, and the natural rivalry with the Dallas Stars. The fourth biggest city in the United States, Houston offers a vibrant sports culture, state-of-the-art facilities, and a diverse fanbase ready to embrace the thrill of professional hockey.
Salt Lake City, UT (Population: 1.2 million):
Salt Lake City may be known for its stunning natural landscapes, but it’s time to add hockey to the list of attractions. With a growing population and a passionate sports community, Salt Lake City is ripe for NHL expansion. Imagine the fervor of fans filling the arena, cheering on their home team against rivals from across the league. Salt Lake City is ready to welcome the NHL with open arms.
San Diego, CA (Population: 3.3 million):
Known for its perfect weather and laid-back lifestyle, San Diego is missing just one thing – NHL hockey. With its diverse population and strong sports culture, San Diego is the ideal destination for a new NHL franchise. Picture palm trees swaying outside the arena as fans pack the stands, creating an electric atmosphere that only San Diego can provide.
San Francisco, CA (Population: 3.3 million):
San Francisco, a city steeped in history and innovation, is poised to become a hockey hotbed. With its booming economy and passionate sports fans, San Francisco offers the perfect blend of tradition and excitement for NHL hockey. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the tech-savvy Silicon Valley, San Francisco is ready to showcase its love for the game on the biggest stage.
San Antonio, TX (Population: 2.5 million):
San Antonio, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit, is ready to embrace NHL hockey. With its growing population and dedicated sports fans, San Antonio offers the perfect setting for an NHL franchise. Imagine the energy of game day in the Alamo City, where fans come together to cheer on their team with pride and passion.
Austin, TX (Population: 2.3 million):
Austin, the capital of Texas and a hub of creativity and innovation, is ready to make its mark on the NHL. With its thriving population and dynamic sports scene, Austin offers the perfect blend of tradition and modernity for professional hockey. From the live music capital of the world to the bustling streets of downtown, Austin is primed to become a hockey powerhouse.
Sacramento, CA (Population: 2.2 million):
Sacramento, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is ready to welcome the NHL with open arms. With its growing population and passionate sports fans, Sacramento offers the perfect home for a new NHL franchise. Imagine the excitement of game day in California’s capital city, where fans come together to celebrate their love for hockey in a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
Baltimore, MD (Population: 2.4 million):
Baltimore, a city brimming with charm and character, is ready to embrace the NHL like never before. With its diverse population and deep-rooted sports culture, Baltimore offers the perfect setting for an NHL franchise. From the historic Inner Harbor to the bustling streets of downtown, Baltimore is primed to become a hockey destination like no other.
Charlotte, NC (Population: 2.3 million):
Charlotte, a city known for its Southern hospitality and booming economy, is ready to welcome the NHL with open arms. With its passionate sports fans and growing population, Charlotte offers the perfect blend of tradition and excitement for professional hockey. From the vibrant neighborhoods to the bustling uptown district, Charlotte is primed to become a hockey hotbed in the South.
Portland, OR (Population: 2.2 million):
Portland, a city renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, is ready to embrace NHL hockey. With its dedicated sports fans and thriving population, Portland offers the perfect setting for an NHL franchise. Imagine the energy of game day in the Rose City, where fans come together to cheer on their team with passion and pride.
Indianapolis, IN (Population: 1.9 million):
Indianapolis, a city known for its Hoosier hospitality and love of sports, is ready to add NHL hockey to its roster. With its growing population and passionate fanbase, Indianapolis offers the perfect blend of tradition and excitement for professional hockey. From the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the vibrant downtown scene, Indianapolis is primed to become a hockey hub in the heart of the Midwest.
Cincinnati, OH (Population: 1.8 million):
Cincinnati, a city steeped in history and brimming with character, is ready to make its mark on the NHL. With its passionate sports fans and thriving population, Cincinnati offers the perfect setting for an NHL franchise. Imagine the excitement of game day in the Queen City, where fans come together to cheer on their team with pride and passion.
Cleveland, OH (Population: 1.8 million):
Cleveland, a city with a rich sports tradition and a loyal fanbase, is ready to embrace NHL hockey. With its passionate sports fans and growing population, Cleveland offers the perfect home for a new NHL franchise. From the shores of Lake Erie to the bustling streets of downtown, Cleveland is primed to become a hockey destination like no other.
Kansas City, MO (Population: 1.7 million):
Kansas City, a city known for its friendly residents and vibrant culture, is ready to welcome the NHL with open arms. With its growing population and passionate sports fans, Kansas City offers the perfect setting for an NHL franchise. Imagine the excitement of game day at the Sprint Center, where fans come together to celebrate their love for hockey in a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
Milwaukee, WI (Population: 1.5 million):
Milwaukee, a city known for its brewing heritage and passionate sports fans, is ready to add NHL hockey to its lineup. With its dedicated fanbase and growing population, Milwaukee offers the perfect blend of tradition and excitement for professional hockey. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the bustling streets of downtown, Milwaukee is primed to become a hockey hotbed in the heart of the Midwest.
Despite ranking as the seventh-largest population in the USA, with 6.2 million inhabitants, Atlanta remains, in my humble opinion, an undesirable option for the NHL. The league has attempted to establish itself there twice, with both endeavours ending in significant failure, having to move to Calgary once, and to Winnipeg the second time around.
Similarly, the predicament of the Arizona Coyotes, unable to secure a suitable arena, speaks volumes. Although the city boasts a population of 4.8 million, indicating potential viability, the franchise has languished on life support for an extended period. It appears evident that a relocation is overdue.
Population source (includes Metro): Macrotrends
