Breaking: Seattle files application for expansion team

Seattle has applied to be the NHL's 32nd team. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman confirmed that the league has received the city of Seattle’s application for expansion along with the $10 million down payment.

The NHL’s 31st team, the Vegas Golden Knights, had a $500 million expansion fee when the team applied for a franchise back in 2016. Seattle’s expansion fee is set at $650 million. In December 2017, the city of Seattle approved a $600 million renovation of KeyArena. Renovations on the arena are to be completed by 2020, the earliest possible date we could see an expansion team.

The NHL has stopped any discussion of seeing an expansion team in Quebec City. The Canadian city could possibly land a relocated team from cities without viable arenas such as the Calgary Flames and Arizona Coyotes.

In January, a report leaked with a list of 13 potential names for the upcoming Seattle team, including the Evergreens, Kraken, Seals, and Firebirds. Comment below your names for the Seattle expansion team!