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Next two NHL expansion cities seem like a poorly kept secret

Rob Williams
Rob Williams
|
Aug 7 2026, 11:07 pm
Next two NHL expansion cities seem like a poorly kept secret
Rob Gray/Imagn Images

“NHL expansion is coming,” says NHL player agent Allan Walsh.

And the cities appear to be a poorly kept secret.

Walsh made this declaration via social media on Thursday, adding the names of two expansion cities: Houston and Atlanta.

Walsh’s comments are in line with what NHL insider John Shannon said recently.

“Expansion’s coming, we all know it’s coming,” he said on the 100% Hockey podcast, before noting that Houston and Atlanta would be the teams.

The NHL was also looking at Austin, Texas, but Shannon was firm that Houston and Atlanta are the picks — at least for right now. Judging by recent comments from NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, Quebec City doesn’t appear to be a candidate.

“I keep hearing that expansion will occur in 2030,” said Shannon. “Two teams are coming soon. And I’ve said this before, I think we’re going to end up with 36. I really do.”

Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States by metro area population (6.97 million), while Atlanta ranks seventh (6.35 million).

Atlanta is a choice that will raise eyebrows with hockey fans, given the city’s history with the NHL.

The NHL has placed expansion teams in Atlanta twice before. The Atlanta Flames came into the league in 1972, but relocated to Calgary in 1980. In 1999, the Atlanta Thashers entered the league, before moving to Winnipeg in 2011.

Houston is no stranger to professional hockey. Gordie Howe once played in the Texas city during the 1970s, along with his sons Mark and Marty. They suited up for the Houston Aeros, a team that played in the WHA from 1972 to 1978.

The Aeros returned to Houston in 1994, playing first in the IHL (1994-2001), and then the AHL (2001-2013).

The NHL has expanded twice in the past decade, with the Seattle Kraken entering the league in 2021 and the Vegas Golden Knights joining in 2017.

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