In the fast-paced world of hockey, rumors are constantly swirling, and the latest one to captivate fans involves the potential for NHL expansion. As Kevin Weekes and Andy Strickland hinted at a possible meeting among NHL owners to discuss the opening of expansion, the prospect of a 34-36 team era looms on the horizon.
While debates will surely ensue regarding the logistics and implications of such a move, one undeniable aspect of expansion is the promise of more offense on the ice. The NHL’s current offensive product is thriving, with an average of 6.22 goals per game last season. As stars like Nikita Kucherov, Connor McDavid, and Auston Matthews continue to dazzle with their scoring prowess, it’s clear that the league is in a golden age of offensive talent.
Historically, each expansion in the NHL has led to a slight increase in goals per game as the talent pool is diluted with the addition of new players. This shift can often benefit the league, as stars have the opportunity to distance themselves from the competition, while the average player may see a dip in skill level. With the potential for a 34-36 team league, the increase in talent spread could lead to a rise in scoring, bringing the league closer to its glory days of the early 90s where goal-scoring was at its peak.
By analyzing the correlation between scoring and talent spread, it becomes clear that more goals scored often equates to a higher value being created by players in the top half of the league. This relationship indicates that a potential increase in talent spread from expanding to 34-36 teams could lead to a significant bump in league-wide scoring.
Based on these calculations, a 34-team league could see an increase to 6.48 goals per game, while a 36-team league could see a rise to 6.58 goals per game. This boost in scoring would not only make the games more exciting for fans but also have a tangible impact on individual players’ statistics. Nikita Kucherov’s impressive 144-point season would have been even more remarkable with a rise in goal-scoring, while Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews would have likely achieved even greater heights in terms of goals and assists.
As the NHL continues to evolve and expand, the possibilities for the future of the sport are endless. With the potential for more teams and more offense on the horizon, one thing is for certain – hockey fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming seasons.