The Stanley Cup has been awarded, a new group of potential superstars has been drafted, and the latest round of free agency has concluded. This marks the beginning of what many are referring to as expansion season in the NHL. During the league's board of governors meeting held prior to the draft in June, discussions were centered around cities seeking to expand the league to 34 teams. Reports, notably from Frank Seravalli, suggest that a notable new contender has emerged in the conversation regarding expansion opportunities.

Among the cities often considered, Indiana may not immediately come to mind when discussing hockey. However, older fans recall that Wayne Gretzky began his professional career with the Indianapolis Racers in the World Hockey Association (WHA), which operated for four seasons at Market Square Arena before closing its doors in 1978. Following the demise of the Racers, hockey in Indiana was represented by teams such as the Indianapolis Checkers in the International Hockey League (IHL) and more recently, the Indy Fuel in the ECHL, which plays its games in nearby Fishers. Despite this legacy, the Fuel's home arena, with a capacity of just 7,500, does not meet NHL standards. Additionally, Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis remains occupied with NBA and WNBA events, leaving little room for an NHL franchise at this moment. While discussions have taken place, there is currently no substantial push for an expansion bid from Indiana.

In contrast, New Orleans appears to have developed more interest in establishing a hockey presence. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. Representative Steve Scalise publicly acknowledged a conference call with the NHL regarding bringing a team to the city in March. Although specifics are limited, Landry has expressed optimism about the potential economic impact of an NHL team, notably on social media, suggesting that the Stanley Cup would be a significant addition to the city's identity. Historically, the landscape for hockey in New Orleans has been sparse, aside from the ECHL's New Orleans Brass, who operated from 1997 until 2002. The franchise folded following the arrival of the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, who currently share the Smoothie King Center with a potential new NHL team. The Pelicans, however, have struggled to attract fans, reflecting a city more focused on its NFL team than on hockey.

Similarly, Austin, Texas, has also become a point of interest for NHL expansion. Once known primarily for its unique culture, the city has transformed into a hub for technology and startups. With a metropolitan population of nearly 2.5 million, Austin's demographic surpasses several existing NHL cities. Additionally, the area's hockey connections are bolstered by the presence of the AHL's Texas Stars, affiliated with the NHL's Dallas Stars, although their home venue, H-E-B Center, accommodates only 6,800 fans. For Austin to truly be seen as a viable NHL expansion candidate, a larger, modern arena would be necessary.

Atlanta presents a more complicated history with hockey. The Flames relocated to Calgary after the 1979-80 season, and the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg following the 2010-11 season. Neither team found success during their tenure in Atlanta, resulting in an overall record void of playoff series victories. Current efforts to establish another franchise in Atlanta are spearheaded by Vernon Krause, CEO of Krause Sports and Entertainment, who has engaged NHL legend Bobby Orr as an advisor. Recent plans for a significant development project, including an NHL-ready arena, gained approval in Forsyth County, and indicators suggest that the prerequisites for successful expansion, including stable ownership and a promising market, are being addressed.

Lastly, Houston remains a frontrunner for NHL expansion, with aspirations that have persisted for decades. The Houston Aeros achieved two championships in the past and were key figures in the WHA but were overlooked when it came to the NHL's expansion in 1979. Recently, billionaire Dan Friedkin, known for his significant investments in various sports franchises, has emerged as a prominent candidate for owning an NHL team in Houston. Reports indicate that Friedkin has engaged in discussions regarding the prospect of bringing hockey back to the city, with league officials confirming meetings about Houston's potential as an expansion site. With the financial backing of capable individuals like Friedkin, Houston's aspirations for NHL inclusion appear more feasible than ever.