Report: NHL in talks regarding expansion in New Orleans

Apparently, 32 teams isn't enough for the NHL. 

Reports have surfaced from ESPN's Kevin Weekes, stating the NHL met with representatives in New York, with a group representing New Orleans, who are interested in bringing a franchise to the league.

👀 In speaking to Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly and other sources involved,I can confirm that there was a recent meeting in NYC with a group expressing their interest in bringing an @NHL expansion team to New Orleans. #HockeyX #NewOrleans pic.twitter.com/fAhYY5cbDH

— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) February 19, 2025

The NHL is no stranger to expansion these days, as they've expanded two since 2017, adding teams in Las Vegas and more recently, in Seattle. While both franchises have been nothing but success, the Kraken haven't been able to find recent success on the ice, meanwhile, the Golden Knights already have a Stanley Cup banner.

There's also been long-standing rumors about the NHL looking to get back into Quebec, as well as Houston and Atlanta being options for further expansion through the United States. Perhaps the recent success of the 4 Nations Face-Off has sparked representatives with deep pockets at navigating the business decision.  

While the NHL relocated the Arizona Coyotes recently to Utah, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman hasn't crossed off Arizona as a potential for receiving an expansion team. Under a different ownership group, of course.

The NHL appears to be in a very strong financial state, as the salary cap is jumping to north of $110 million in three seasons, and in October, Bettman stated the 2023-24 season set records for revenue generation for the league.

Photo credit: Bob Lee, Imagn Images