With the success of both the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken, the next question isn't if the league will expand, it's when. However, with the uncertain situation surrounding the Arizona Coyotes, the NHL has reportedly been looking into multiple possible locations. Now it appears that the league may have finally made a decision on where they'd like to see a team placed next.
With Houston, Kansas City, Quebec City and Salt Lake City all seen as potential markets it appears that Salt Lake City has emerged as a real favorite. According to Hockey Blogger, Eklund the league is apparently focused on a move that could see a team in Salt Lake City, sooner rather than later.
The Utah market has already shown the ability to support a high level sports team, having supported the Utah Jazz for years and Real Salt Lake of the MLS. Probably most appealing though, is the locations, the market remains in the Southwest, an area the NHL craves to claim market share. But most importantly, Ryan Smith, the owner of the Utah Jazz has already expressed interest in purchasing a team. Combined with his nearly 2 billion dollar net worth, this is extremely appealing to the NHL.
If the NHL does the make the decision to either locate or expand, Salt Lake City is a real possibility, especially with an NHL quality building already in place.
