Gary Bettman and the NHL are finalizing the approval of two new expansion franchises today: cities revealed

In the last seven years, the National Hockey League has introduced the Vegas Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken, and transformed the Arizona Coyotes into the Utah Hockey Club instead of forming a new expansion team. Now, shortly after relocating the Coyotes, Gary Bettman and the NHL are set to approve two more teams, raising the total to an unprecedented 34.

As expected, Atlanta, Georgia, and Houston, Texas are the frontrunners for the NHL's 33rd and 34th teams, following months of speculation that they were the top candidates. The league has experienced tremendous success with its recent expansions in Vegas and Seattle, and with joining fees rumored to reach as high as $1 billion for new teams, it's clear why the NHL is highly supportive of this expansion.

This will be Atlanta's third time, but it seems the city and the potential new ownership group have the support needed to make it work. Additionally, Houston would have two teams in Texas to build a fierce rivalry with the Dallas Stars; therefore, even though many fans may not be in favor of it, the player base is there, and in the end, it's a matter of when rather than if this takes place.

Fans hoping for a new Canadian team will not be happy with this news, as many hockey fans were hoping for an expansion team to land in Quebec City.

Source: Markerzone
Gary Bettman and the NHL set to approve two new expansion franchises today: we know the cities