As the Stanley Cup has been awarded and the NHL's draft process comes to a close, interest in league expansion is stirring. The NHL's Board of Governors examined the prospects for cities vying for inclusion in a potential 34-team league during a pre-draft meeting in June. Reports by Frank Seravalli indicate that a new contender for expansion has emerged, prompting speculation and analysis around the most promising cities for future NHL teams.

While hockey may not be the first sport that comes to mind when one thinks of Indiana, the state's historical connection to the sport is noteworthy. Fans may recall that Wayne Gretzky began his professional career with the Indianapolis Racers of the WHA, who played for four seasons in the now-demolished Market Square Arena before shutting down in 1978. Today, the ECHL's Indy Fuel represents the current professional hockey presence in Indianapolis, though their home arena's capacity of 7,500 does not meet NHL standards. The downtown Gainbridge Fieldhouse, while hosting NBA and WNBA games, does not lend itself to immediate expansion discussions.

Meanwhile, the situation in New Orleans offers a contrasting perspective. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. Representative Steve Scalise have acknowledged their interest in attracting an NHL team to the Crescent City, highlighting the economic boost it could provide. However, historical context must be considered, as professional hockey's prominence in New Orleans has been minimal since the ECHL's New Orleans Brass folded after the arrival of the NBA's Pelicans in 2002. The Smoothie King Center may serve as a shared venue, but the Pelicans have struggled to fill seats, averaging 16,815 fans per game, illustrating the challenges of establishing a successful NHL franchise in a market primarily focused on NFL football.

Austin, Texas, has emerged as a possible player in the expansion conversation due to its rapidly growing population and cultural shifts. Once known for its distinctiveness, the city is now a hub for technology and startups, boasting a metro population of nearly 2.5 million. The area's proximity to the AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars further adds to its hockey profile. However, the existing H-E-B Center in Cedar Park has a hockey capacity of just 6,800, necessitating the construction of a new facility for NHL aspirations.

Atlanta's history with the NHL is complex, as the city has previously housed two franchises that ultimately relocated. The Flames departed for Calgary after the 1979-80 season, while the Thrashers made their exit for Winnipeg in 2011. Both franchises struggled to make a significant impact, failing to secure a playoff series win over their combined 19 seasons. Yet, optimism persists for a potential revival in Atlanta, bolstered by new leadership from Vernon Krause of Krause Sports and Entertainment. The approval of a $3 billion development project featuring an NHL-ready arena brings renewed hope to the prospect of a third chance for hockey in Atlanta.

Lastly, Houston remains an ideal candidate for NHL expansion. With a rich hockey history, including the successful Aeros franchise in the WHA, Houston has not had an NHL team since the league did not absorb the area in 1979. Recent developments suggest strong interest in bringing an NHL franchise to Houston, particularly with successful businessman Dan Friedkin taking the lead, having engaged in discussions with league officials regarding the city's prospects for a team. With a significant financial backing and economic potential, Houston could very well become a significant player in the NHL expansion debate.