"Friedman pressed on the point, prompting Bettman to add: "We're not on an expansion mode. People have heard me say, you've heard me say, if somebody knocks on our door, and is checking the boxes of ownership market, arena, and making the league stronger, we'll listen. But we're not pushing." Bettman added that there are expressions of interest, but expansion is not something on the league's radar at the moment."
"The timing of the comments is interesting, especially when considering that rumors have abounded regarding a return to Atlanta, among other potentially big markets like Houston. The push for hockey to return to Quebec City remains ongoing, with other markets like Kansas City and Cleveland potentially getting a look. NHL expansion could throw the league into a complex situation. Depending on which cities get franchises, the NHL would need to realign its current divisional setup."
Expansion was not discussed and the league is not in expansion mode. The league will listen to bids that meet ownership, market, arena, and league-strengthening criteria but is not actively pushing expansion. Expressions of interest exist for markets including Atlanta, Houston, Quebec City, Kansas City, and Cleveland. Expansion would likely force divisional realignment, potentially moving teams such as Detroit or Toronto to the Central Division. Adding teams in new southern or central markets could upset current divisional balance and require broader scheduling and geographic adjustments.
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