The Stanley Cup has been awarded, a new group of aspiring superstars has been drafted, and the free agency period has wrapped up, indicating that the NHL is entering an expansion season. At a recent pre-draft meeting, details on potential cities aiming to expand the league to 34 teams were presented to the NHL's Board of Governors. Reports suggest that intriguing new candidates for expansion have surfaced, prompting discussions about which cities might be next in line for a franchise. Analysts have begun reevaluating the pecking order of these potential candidates.

Indiana may not be the first state that springs to mind when considering hockey but holds historical significance in the sport. Wayne Gretzky began his professional career with the WHA's Indianapolis Racers, who played four seasons at Market Square Arena before folding in 1978. Following the Racers, hockey in Indianapolis transitioned to the IHL's Indianapolis Checkers and is now represented by the ECHL's Indy Fuel, who play in nearby Fishers. However, the Fuel's home arena, with a capacity of 7,500, does not meet NHL standards. Moreover, the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, located in downtown Indianapolis, is primarily occupied with NBA and WNBA events, limiting available venues for a potential NHL expansion. Currently, there are no significant initiatives or public discussions pointing toward an expansion bid in Indiana.

Much more speculation surrounds the possibility of hockey returning to New Orleans. In March, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. Representative Steve Scalise publicly acknowledged discussions with the NHL regarding a potential franchise in the Crescent City. Although the details are sparse, Governor Landry noted on social media the substantial economic impact that having an NHL team could bring to the area. The city has a modest hockey history, primarily through the ECHL's New Orleans Brass, which operated from 1997 to 2002 before disbanding following the arrival of the NBA franchise, now known as the New Orleans Pelicans. Any new NHL team would likely share the Smoothie King Center, an arena that has seen underwhelming attendance figures for the Pelicans in recent seasons, raising questions about the likelihood of success for an NHL franchise in a city where football reigns supreme.

Austin, Texas, presents another intriguing option for NHL expansion. Once known for its uniqueness, Austin has evolved into a hub for technology and startups. With a metro population nearing 2.5 million, Austin surpasses many existing NHL markets. The nearby AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars plays at the H-E-B Center, but this facility only accommodates 6,800 fans for hockey, necessitating the construction of an NHL-standard arena for the city to be considered a serious contender for a franchise.

Atlanta is a city that holds a complicated history with the NHL, having lost both the Flames and Thrashers franchises. Despite a dismal record of achieving no playoff series victories in 19 seasons, there is optimism around a potential return. Vernon Krause, CEO of Krause Sports and Entertainment, is spearheading a new initiative with plans for a $3 billion-plus development project, including a suitable NHL arena. If the expansion were to occur, it would need to ensure stability in ownership, an NHL-ready arena, and a growing market—all elements that Krause seems to fulfill. Still, skepticism remains about whether a renewed NHL presence in Atlanta would be any more successful than the previous attempts.

Finally, Houston is often regarded as a prime candidate for NHL expansion. The city has a storied history with hockey and was previously home to the WHA's Aeros, who celebrated two championships. Houston's absence from the NHL since the 1979 absorption process remains a notable factor in discussions around expansion. Billionaire Dan Friedkin, recently recognized for his investments in soccer, has emerged as a solid ownership candidate for an NHL team in Houston. The NHL has engaged in multiple discussions with Friedkin's group concerning the prospects of bringing a franchise to the city, further bolstering Houston's position as a leading contender in the ongoing conversation about NHL expansion.