Bettman: NHL still in 'wait-and-see' mode on adding two expansion teams
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- The NHL board of governors is currently taking a "wait-and-see attitude" on adding two expansion franchises, with no vote held at their recent meeting and no formal expansion round underway.
- The Friedkin family is exploring Houston and Austin as potential sites for a second Texas NHL team, with a decision on a preferred location expected by the end of the year, though no formal vote is guaranteed.
- Interest has also been expressed by multiple ownership groups in former NHL cities like Atlanta and Phoenix, but expansion will only proceed if there are firm arena plans and broad support from existing team owners.
- Ted Leonsis was unanimously approved as the new NHL board chairman, succeeding Jeremy Jacobs, while Murray Edwards was named vice chair; both face the task of planning for commissioner Gary Bettman’s eventual succession.
- Bettman, commissioner since 1993, acknowledged he will eventually step down but remains energized and said no decisions about his future have been made yet.
