It’s already well known that the NHL plans to add another Texas-based franchise, whether in Austin or Houston, by the start of the 2029-30 season. However, it appears they have an appetite for more than that.
In an interview with Chris Johnston of The Athletic, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly revealed that the league is also in talks to add a 34th team. Daly was quoted as saying, “So we will have one down and potentially one to go. We have ongoing discussions both with people in the Phoenix marketplace, but also Atlanta, and then we’ll see what comes of those discussions.”
If, and when, they add a 34th team, the league doesn’t feel they each need to debut for the 2029-30 season. Like the league’s recent expansions into Las Vegas and Seattle, the NHL is more than willing to offset the years in which teams officially begin play.
Obviously, one of the strongest arguments against further expansion is talent dilution. In adding two new franchises, the league has opened up 46 additional roster spots, assuming teams remain capped at a 23-man roster. Inevitably, this will lead to the promotion of AHL players, or other depth players, into roles they haven’t necessarily earned.
Furthermore, instead of being an issue that ‘could’ happen, the league is already facing some depth issues. Many teams have been searching for a second-line center for years, sometimes prompted by injury, but there are not enough suitable players available. Adding two additional teams would only complicate the issue further.
However, Daly acknowledged concerns about talent dilution during the interview, stating he doesn’t believe it will be an issue. Daly said, “The source and supply of players is not a concern. The dilution of talent as an argument against expansion I don’t think holds any water today. Does it support four-team expansion? That would be a question for me. Certainly, a two-team expansion doesn’t raise any concerns.”
There is clear momentum from the league to add two more franchises, for better or worse. Currently tied with the National Football League at 32 teams, the NHL would become the largest league in North America by number of teams. The National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball each remain at 30.