Expansion coming per Allan Walsh

[Pierre McGuire]

Houston and Atlanta

https://x.com/walsha/status/19028536198 ... tOwxkN06Kw

Houston I understand without a doubt, surprised it’s taken this long. Atlanta though…so puzzling but I guess they really want to make that market work

[TheJackBurton]

just idiotic. The talent is already spread really thin.

On top of that, teams are going to lose two really good players yet again.

[George Zipp]

If Atlanta gets a third bite of the apple does that mean the NFL will give us a third try Is the TV market in ATl that important?

Somebody last night on Twatter said they may go up to 36 teams. I hope that was somebody deep into a bender pretending to be a hockey writer. I don't think it was anyone I recognize. 36 teams? For the love of God no.

[skilles]

People really struggle with the concept of expansion. The whole point is to create a market where one doesn't currently exist.

[Backesdraft]

I just don’t get the Atlanta love (if this report is accurate). How many franchises does a city need to lose before the NHL moves on? So many other cool options for expansion (not that I’m in favor of expansion). Why does Bettmann insist of getting into these markets that clearly aren’t all that stoked about the NHL? I’m looking at you, Arizona.

[George Zipp]

People really struggle with the concept of expansion. The whole point is to create a market where one doesn't currently exist.

What about people struggling with a market that has existed twice, failed twice with teams fleeing like the building is on fire because at the first instance of lousy performance the fans bail? ATL is one of the worst sports cities on earth. They will support a clear winner. Sometimes. The Braves had a mini dynasty like team for most of the 90s even though they only got one title. Sure they got a ton of support. Ever see a Hawks or Falcons game on TV? Arthur Blank is so desperate for fans that he sells 2 buck hot dogs, 3 buck sodas and 5 buck beers and the only time they fill the building is when the Packers are in town or an SEC or college bowl game is there.

[Pierre McGuire]

People really struggle with the concept of expansion. The whole point is to create a market where one doesn't currently exist.

I’m fine with expansion, it’s great for the league. A third time in Atlanta though is puzzling.

[Courts]

Houston and Atlanta

https://x.com/walsha/status/19028536198 ... tOwxkN06Kw

Houston I understand without a doubt, surprised it’s taken this long. Atlanta though…so puzzling but I guess they really want to make that market work

Really the NHL wants Quebec or Hamilton. The best way to do that is put a team in ATL, let it flounder, then move to a Canadian city.

[2forDiving]

Houston and Atlanta

https://x.com/walsha/status/19028536198 ... tOwxkN06Kw

Houston I understand without a doubt, surprised it’s taken this long. Atlanta though…so puzzling but I guess they really want to make that market work

Really the NHL wants Quebec or Hamilton. The best way to do that is put a team in ATL, let it flounder, then move to a Canadian city.

I think the idea behind NHL expansion is more US cities, not Canadian areas. The NHL is in 5 or 6 fewer US cities/metro areas than the other leagues. I don’t know that Atlanta would be on the top of my list as the ATL professional sports fan seems more ambivalent than most cities, but this all about TVs and Atlanta is a top 5 market I believe.

[Kilokaai]

Houston and Atlanta

https://x.com/walsha/status/19028536198 ... tOwxkN06Kw

Houston I understand without a doubt, surprised it’s taken this long. Atlanta though…so puzzling but I guess they really want to make that market work

Really the NHL wants Quebec or Hamilton. The best way to do that is put a team in ATL, let it flounder, then move to a Canadian city.

I think the idea behind NHL expansion is more US cities, not Canadian areas. The NHL is in 5 or 6 fewer US cities/metro areas than the other leagues. I don’t know that Atlanta would be on the top of my list as the ATL professional sports fan seems more ambivalent than most cities, but this all about TVs and Atlanta is a top 5 market I believe.

My non-Atlantian understanding is that it was a similar situation to the Coyotes, the ATL teams have always played at an arena that is inconvenient for the Northeast suburbs to access. The owners never took a hard look at moving the area and the teams' fizzled out.

I thought I remember hearing rumblings that a new area being planned that would be a candidate that was much more centrally located for the wealthier suburbs which was hoped to reinvigorate the push for the NHL to return possibly.

Edit: Found the article - https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/202 ... team-arena
Edit2: https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/397 ... -franchise

[IsDurbanodoingtime]

A 1.5 billion expansion fee ?? Two teams. That means a little over 90 million to each existing franchise.

As for Toronto and Quebec. As long as the Leafs and Geoff Molson are around, its going to be hard to get a team in either city Francois Legier notwithstanding ( with respect to QC).

[John Cocktoastin]

Sucks to lose a player or two to expansion, but that $ will be very valuable to Stillman/Steen.

Holloway, Neighbours, Broberg, Bolduc, etc aren't getting any cheaper.

From a Blues and infusion of cash standpoint, this is very good news. Perplexing (ATL), but good.

[BalotelliMassive]

I hate how teams will lose a good player if they don't make a back-room deal. Not a fan of this nonsense.

[MandatoryDenial]

Any idea on when this is going to occur?

[ShakeyWalton]

People really struggle with the concept of expansion. The whole point is to create a market where one doesn't currently exist.

I’m fine with expansion, it’s great for the league. A third time in Atlanta though is puzzling.

I hear this "great for the league" comment at times, and I'm wondering what it even means. I think the NHL is just fine as is as far as teams are concerned. Why in the world would you want them to expand more? To make the players and owners more money? I just don't get why an average Joe like yourself or myself would care about that?

[skilles]

People really struggle with the concept of expansion. The whole point is to create a market where one doesn't currently exist.

I’m fine with expansion, it’s great for the league. A third time in Atlanta though is puzzling.

The reasons you think it is puzzling are the reasons it actually isn't puzzling IMO.