Expansion coming per Allan Walsh

[ShakeyWalton]

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.

I'm convinced that the NHL is trying this to get more black folks into hockey. I really believe this is the main motivation in their focus on Atlanta.

I don’t believe this to be true. But if this were true, is there something wrong with the NHL trying to “get more black folks into hockey”?

Never meant it like that, growing the sport can only be a good thing in my eyes.

What do you care about "growing the sport"? You want more teams and more revenue for people that have nothing to do with you?

[Pierre McGuire]

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.

I'm convinced that the NHL is trying this to get more black folks into hockey. I really believe this is the main motivation in their focus on Atlanta.

I don’t believe this to be true. But if this were true, is there something wrong with the NHL trying to “get more black folks into hockey”?

Never meant it like that, growing the sport can only be a good thing in my eyes.

What do you care about "growing the sport"? You want more teams and more revenue for people that have nothing to do with you?

So why watch then? These players make millions and have nothing to do with you. Why even be a fan? That’s the same thing as what you’re saying and it’s pretty focking stupid

[ShakeyWalton]

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.

I'm convinced that the NHL is trying this to get more black folks into hockey. I really believe this is the main motivation in their focus on Atlanta.

I don’t believe this to be true. But if this were true, is there something wrong with the NHL trying to “get more black folks into hockey”?

Never meant it like that, growing the sport can only be a good thing in my eyes.

What do you care about "growing the sport"? You want more teams and more revenue for people that have nothing to do with you?

So why watch then? These players make millions and have nothing to do with you. Why even be a fan? That’s the same thing as what you’re saying and it’s pretty focking stupid

What's stupid is your generic "let's grow the league" statement, when it doesn't need growing. It's hard AF to win a Cup currently, and you want to add more teams?! Have you ever even thought of what you're saying by growing the league? I don't think you have. There aren't even rivalries anymore as it is, and now you want the Blues to further lessen the amount of divisional games to play the Houston's and Quebec's of the world? I don't think for one second this is what you actually want, and I don't think this is even close to your favorite era of the NHL.

[Hazelwood72]

Please let Houston get an expansion team. Live in San Antonio. Two hours to Dallas is a heck of a lot better than the long drive through Austin to Dallas.

Hiya Sudsy!
I also live in SA. I think you have a typo, however, when you said “Two hours to Dallas”. I think you meant “Two fewer hours than to Dallas” to get to Houston. It sure ain’t 2 hours to Dallas from San Antonio!

BTW, if you meant 2 hours to Houston, you must live on the far east side of SA Metro. I’m NW towards Boerne and it takes me almost 3 hours to get to downtown Houston.

[We Went Blues]

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.

I'm convinced that the NHL is trying this to get more black folks into hockey. I really believe this is the main motivation in their focus on Atlanta.

I don’t believe this to be true. But if this were true, is there something wrong with the NHL trying to “get more black folks into hockey”?

Never meant it like that, growing the sport can only be a good thing in my eyes.

What do you care about "growing the sport"? You want more teams and more revenue for people that have nothing to do with you?

I care in terms of hockey competing with football and basketball for relevancy in the south where I live.

[dhsux]

When you look at the growth of the young good players in this country alone it's hard to imagine the talent pool would be "diluted" with 2 more teams imo.

This growth is real and I don't see it slowing down either.

[Pierre McGuire]

When you look at the growth of the young good players in this country alone it's hard to imagine the talent pool would be "diluted" with 2 more teams imo.

This growth is real and I don't see it slowing down either.

Without a doubt….the talent is better than it’s ever been.

[Sudsy 11]

Please let Houston get an expansion team. Live in San Antonio. Two hours to Dallas is a heck of a lot better than the long drive through Austin to Dallas.

Hiya Sudsy!
I also live in SA. I think you have a typo, however, when you said “Two hours to Dallas”. I think you meant “Two fewer hours than to Dallas” to get to Houston. It sure ain’t 2 hours to Dallas from San Antonio!

BTW, if you meant 2 hours to Houston, you must live on the far east side of SA Metro. I’m NW towards Boerne and it takes me almost 3 hours to get to downtown Houston.

Yup, I meant 2 hours to Houston but It's really 3 hours. So a typo and incorrect statement. But still excited about seeing the Blues in Houston rather than Dallas.

[rezero]

Here is an interesting concept but expansion will expanding allow the elite players to make more money. This assumes the cap grows at the same rate as it historically increased. Each team will by default have 1-2 players who otherwise would not be in the NHL. These players will consume a minimum type salary. This will allow teams to use more money for the top shelf players.

[Hazelwood72]

Please let Houston get an expansion team. Live in San Antonio. Two hours to Dallas is a heck of a lot better than the long drive through Austin to Dallas.

Hiya Sudsy!
I also live in SA. I think you have a typo, however, when you said “Two hours to Dallas”. I think you meant “Two fewer hours than to Dallas” to get to Houston. It sure ain’t 2 hours to Dallas from San Antonio!

BTW, if you meant 2 hours to Houston, you must live on the far east side of SA Metro. I’m NW towards Boerne and it takes me almost 3 hours to get to downtown Houston.

Yup, I meant 2 hours to Houston but It's really 3 hours. So a typo and incorrect statement. But still excited about seeing the Blues in Houston rather than Dallas.

Me too! I’d gladly drive over to Houston to see our Blues.

I lived in H-Town 11 years before moving to SA and I’m confident they will support the NHL. I used to attend Aeros games frequently and played in beer leagues with quite a few ex-Northerners and ex-Canadians.

[somni]

I don't want expansion mainly because I don't want to lose another player like Vince Dunn. The Blues are turning the corner and have a seemingly good young team for some time.

It's selfish, and I don't care.

[blues2112]

When you look at the growth of the young good players in this country alone it's hard to imagine the talent pool would be "diluted" with 2 more teams imo.

This growth is real and I don't see it slowing down either.

Without a doubt….the talent is better than it’s ever been.

100 percent.

If you could somehow equalize factors such as equipment, ice quality, etc., I'd wager today's second or third lines would outplay top lines from 20 years ago.

The speed of today's "average" player is remarkable.

And the rule changes have fostered skill over cement, like it or not.