The National Hockey League (NHL) has been expanding in recent years, with new teams popping up in cities across the United States and Canada. With the league continuing to grow, many hockey fans are wondering which cities will be home to the next expansion teams. To help give you an idea of where the NHL could potentially expand in the future, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best cities for future NHL expansion teams, along with possible names for each team.
1. Quebec City
Quebec City has had a long history with the NHL, having been home to the Quebec Nordiques from 1972 to 1995. With a new arena in place, it’s no surprise that Quebec City is at the top of the list for potential NHL expansion. Possible team names for Quebec could include the Quebec Citadelles or Quebec Voyageurs.
2. Houston
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and has a strong sports culture, making it a great location for a new NHL team. Some possible team names for Houston include the Houston Stampede or Houston Brawlers.
3. Portland
Portland has a loyal fan base and a highly successful minor league hockey team, the Portland Winterhawks. Possible team names for Portland could include the Portland Lumberjacks or Portland Blaze.
4. Halifax
Halifax is located on Canada’s east coast and has a rich hockey history. It also has a new arena that could potentially house an NHL team. Some possible team names for Halifax include the Halifax Highlanders or Halifax Mariners.
5. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is already home to an NHL team, the Vegas Golden Knights, but with the city’s growing population and booming economy, it could potentially support another team. Possible team names for Las Vegas could include the Las Vegas Aces or Las Vegas Sharks.
6. Milwaukee
Milwaukee is a hockey hotbed and is home to one of the American Hockey League’s most successful franchises, the Milwaukee Admirals. Possible team names for Milwaukee could include the Milwaukee Choppers or Milwaukee Muskies.
7. Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has a strong sports culture and a brand new arena that could potentially house an NHL team. Possible team names for Salt Lake City could include the Salt Lake City Pioneers or Salt Lake City Yetis.
8. Hamilton
Hamilton is located just outside of Toronto and already has a loyal fan base thanks to the Hamilton Bulldogs, a successful minor league hockey team. Possible team names for Hamilton could include the Hamilton Steelheads or Hamilton Bulldogs (if the team were to keep its current name).
9. Saskatoon
Saskatoon is located in the Canadian prairies and is home to several successful junior hockey teams. Possible team names for Saskatoon could include the Saskatoon Blades or Saskatoon Stingers.
10. San Diego
San Diego is already home to several successful sports teams, including the San Diego Padres and San Diego Chargers. Possible team names for San Diego could include the San Diego Wave or San Diego Gulls (if the team were to keep its current name).
And there you have it – a list of the 10 best cities for future NHL expansion teams, along with some possible team names. Whether you’re a hockey fan or a sports enthusiast in general, these cities offer a lot of potential for the future of the NHL.
