The NHL announced on Wednesday that starting on July 6th, it will begin accepting applications for expansion NHL teams. The bidding window will be open until August 10th. If the NHL ultimately chooses to expand, it will be the first time that a team has been added to the league in about a decade and a half.
Many speculate that Las Vegas will be the home for the next team. AEG – NHL partner and owner of the Los Angeles Kings – and MGM Resorts International are currently constructing a sports stadium in Las Vegas that could house either an NBA or an NHL team.
Sports Illustrated has ranked possible locations for a new NHL team, with Las Vegas taking the top spot. Las Vegas is followed by Seattle, Quebec City, and Portland. Regardless of where the new team ends up, it will likely be up and running in time for the 2017-18 season.