Get ready for the latest installment of NHL rumours as the hockey world continues to buzz with excitement. Even though we are still in the midst of summer, the last week has been full of trades, signings, and other thrilling actions that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. And there’s more to come in the future as the league remains at a nice, round number of 32 teams spread across four divisions. But could there be changes on the horizon? This edition of NHL rumours delves into the topic of possible NHL expansion.
According to insider Elliotte Friedman, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly was quite elusive when discussing expansion plans. Daly simply stated that these matters would be addressed “at the appropriate time,” keeping fans and pundits alike guessing about what the future holds. Despite the ambiguity from Daly, the NHL Players’ Association is confident that expansion is indeed on the horizon. Friedman notes that the league has observed genuine interest from various cities and is working on establishing a proper vetting process.
However, before any expansion can take place, the league will need to gather information and conduct interviews to ensure that everything is in place. While it may take some time before we see new teams hit the ice, the players’ union remains optimistic that expansion will bring about more opportunities for talented players to secure roster spots.
When pondering the potential for expansion, one of the key questions is how many new teams the league will welcome. Will we see an increase of two teams, bringing the total to 34? Or will the NHL opt for a larger expansion, possibly reaching 36 teams? This decision could have a significant impact on the league’s overall structure, with potential scenarios including four divisions of nine teams each or six divisions of six teams each. Additionally, the rollout of new teams is also up for debate, with questions arising about whether teams will join the league one at a time or if multiple expansion teams will enter simultaneously.
With so much speculation and anticipation surrounding the possibility of NHL expansion, fans are eagerly waiting to see how the league’s landscape may change in the near future. Stay tuned for more updates and rumours as the hockey world continues to evolve.
