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Allan Walsh predicts the two next NHL expansion teams: Another American expansion coming
Photo credit: Travel + Leisure
In a recent episode of his podcast "Agent Provocateur," player agent Allan Walsh shared intriguing insights about the future of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Known for his outspoken nature, Walsh predicted that the value of NHL teams could double within the next three years. He suggested that an upcoming expansion might facilitate this significant increase, which would bring the league to 34 teams. According to Walsh, the entry fee for new franchises will be remarkably high, reflecting the growing financial stakes in professional hockey.
Walsh emphasized that younger, innovative owners are poised to outshine their older counterparts by introducing initiatives to propel the sport's growth. He believes these entrepreneurial minds are inherently driven to rapidly enhance the league's value. This perspective is less encouraging for cities like Quebec City, which has long hoped for the return of the Nordiques. The steep expansion fees make securing a team challenging for such markets, especially considering the high costs associated with the most recent expansions.
«It's not a question of 'If?', it's a question of 'When?' for the next NHL expansion process, and we will reach 34 teams. I predict the price for each of the two new franchises will be $1.5 billion for the franchise purchase, more than double what Seattle had to pay in 2021.»
Adding to the discussion, Walsh identified two American cities-Houston and Atlanta-as the top candidates for the next round of NHL expansion, further diminishing the prospects for Quebec. Despite previous difficulties in Atlanta, including the relocation of the Thrashers to Winnipeg in 2011, the city remains on the NHL's radar.
Walsh also noted that the league hasn't given up on maintaining a presence in Arizona despite the Coyotes' recent struggles. A new arena would need to be constructed for this to happen, and a committed ownership group would have to step forward. Whether Arizona's future involvement would come through expansion or relocation is unclear.
He speculated that the NHL might not stop at 34 teams and could consider expanding to 36. While such growth could be financially beneficial, it's uncertain how it would impact the league's competitive balance and overall quality of play. The idea raises questions about the viability of a more prominent league from a sporting perspective, even if the financial aspects appear promising.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 8 | 157 ANSWERS Allan Walsh predicts the two next NHL expansion teams: Another American expansion coming Should the NHL expand to two more American cities to the league before even thinking about adding another Canadian team? | ||
| Yes | 26 | 16.6 % |
| No | 131 | 83.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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