The Stanley Cup has been hoisted, signifying the end of another NHL season, while a new batch of potential superstars has been drafted. With the conclusion of the latest free agency period, attention inevitably turns to the topic of expansion. Recent updates on the aspirations of cities hoping to become part of a future 34-team league were presented to the NHL's board of governors during its pre-draft meeting in June. Reports from industry insiders, including Frank Seravalli, suggest that a promising new candidate may have emerged in the expansion conversation.

Among the cities under consideration, Indiana's inclusion might raise some eyebrows. Although hockey is not typically associated with the Hoosier State, fans may recall that legendary player Wayne Gretzky began his professional career with the WHA's Indianapolis Racers. The team played four seasons at Market Square Arena before folding in 1978, after which Gretzky was traded to the Edmonton Oilers. Since then, hockey in Indiana has been represented by teams such as the IHL's Indianapolis Checkers and currently the ECHL's Indy Fuel, who play in Fishers, a suburb of Indianapolis. However, the Fuel's home rink, with a capacity of 7,500, lacks NHL-level amenities, leaving the city with minimal prospects for expansion, especially given the crowded NBA and WNBA schedules at Gainbridge Fieldhouse downtown. Recently, there has been little public support or detailed plans for a potential expansion bid out of Indiana, indicating that, for now, it is not a priority for the league.

In contrast, discussions surrounding hockey in New Orleans have garnered a bit more attention, albeit without substantial momentum. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. Representative Steve Scalise publicly confirmed their engagement with the NHL in March regarding the potential establishment of a team in the 'Crescent City.' Despite the lack of specific updates, Landry emphasized the economic benefits of such a development on social media, framing the introduction of the Stanley Cup to New Orleans as a significant opportunity. Historically, New Orleans has not been known for its hockey culture beyond the ECHL's New Orleans Brass, who operated from 1997 to 2002 before folding due to the arrival of the NBA's franchise, now known as the New Orleans Pelicans. An NHL franchise would likely share the Smoothie King Center, which is currently home to the Pelicans, a team that has only made the playoffs four times with a challenging record. The prevailing perception is that the city's fan engagement may be more aligned with the NFL than NHL.

Meanwhile, Austin, Texas, appears to be seeking a deeper connection to the NHL. This city’s recent growth and evolution from a quirky hub of culture to a burgeoning technology and startup ecosystem has sparked interest in the NHL expansion conversation. With a metro population nearing 2.5 million, Austin surpasses some current NHL markets, and hockey enthusiasm is evident through the presence of the AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars, which plays at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park, approximately 20 miles from downtown. However, the arena's seating capacity of 6,800 falls short of NHL standards, suggesting that further investment in infrastructure would be necessary for Austin to transition from a secondary market to a legitimate candidate for expansion.

Atlanta's history with the NHL may evoke skepticism among some, given the unsuccessful tenures of both the Flames and the Thrashers in the city. After relocating to Calgary following the 1979-80 season, the Flames were followed by the Thrashers, who transitioned to Winnipeg after the 2010-11 season. The previous franchises struggled to create a competitive identity, registering no playoff series wins and only a scant few postseason victories. Nevertheless, the narrative appears poised for a shift under the guidance of Vernon Krause, CEO of Krause Sports and Entertainment, who has enlisted the legendary Bobby Orr for consultancy on a proposed $3 billion-plus development project, including a new NHL-ready arena in the north suburbs of Atlanta. According to Seravalli, Gary Bettman’s criteria for expansion already align with Krause's plans, potentially making a return to Atlanta a viable option. The key question is whether the NHL could successfully cultivate a sustainable market in the city this time around.

Lastly, the city of Houston emerges as a frontrunner for NHL expansion. With historical ties to the WHA's Aeros, a franchise that boasted notable success, the city has long been considered a prime candidate for an NHL team since it was excluded during the league’s expansion efforts in 1979. While previous movements to secure an NHL team have fizzled, billionaire Dan Friedkin, who owns a controlling interest in an English Premier League soccer team, is now actively pursuing the notion of bringing an NHL franchise to Houston. Reports indicate that Friedkin's group has engaged in discussions with the league regarding the potentiality and feasibility of an expansion bid. With significant financial backing in place, Houston presents an opportunity for the NHL to tap into a lucrative and thriving market.