Gordie Howe's old Houston hockey market could return to the NHL, giving Glen Gulutzan's Stars a new Texas rival if expansion moves forward.
The NHL has moved beyond casual expansion chatter in Texas. Houston and Austin are now being evaluated as possible homes for the league's 33rd franchise.
Gary Bettman confirmed a six-month evaluation period involving the Friedkin family, putting a defined process behind an expansion discussion that has circulated for years.
Bettman put the potential investment at $3.5 billion, including an expansion fee and construction of a new arena. No franchise has been approved yet.
Houston brings an obvious attraction. A new club there would immediately share Texas with Dallas, creating a natural geographic rivalry without the league needing years to build one.
The city also carries hockey history through the Aeros, where Gordie Howe played alongside sons Mark Howe and Marty Howe.
Austin offers a different pitch. The market has fewer major professional teams competing for attention, although its arena situation would also need a long-term solution.
“A team has not been approved. The NHL Board of Governors still must vote, and the league could decide neither market is ready. Still, this is far more serious than the usual expansion chatter that disappears once arena costs enter the conversation.” - Chris Pownall
NHL expansion to Texas would force another expansion draft
Adding only one club would leave the NHL at 33 teams. That creates questions around scheduling, conference alignment and whether the league could remain uneven for long.
A 34th franchise would quickly become part of the discussion. Other markets would have every reason to push their own cases once the NHL officially crossed the expansion line again.
There would also be another expansion draft. Existing clubs would face protection decisions while the new organization builds its first roster from available players around the league.
“A Houston franchise would create an in-state opponent for the Dallas Stars. The NHL would not need to manufacture bad blood through promotional videos and dramatic music. Houston and Dallas can handle that part themselves.” - Chris Pownall
The money explains why owners will listen. Vegas entered for a $500 million expansion fee, while Seattle paid $650 million before beginning play.
Texas would represent a dramatically different financial level. That gives the Board of Governors a massive business opportunity to weigh against the competitive and structural complications of adding another club.
Houston may offer the safer established sports market and an immediate Dallas connection. Austin offers the chance for hockey to claim a larger share of attention in a city without NFL, NBA or MLB competition.
The choice goes beyond Houston versus Austin. If Bettman and the owners decide Texas is worth the investment, the NHL may also be signaling that its current size is no longer its final form.
Source : NHL is staring at a $3.5 billion decision that could reshape the league
Should the NHL expand to Houston before considering Austin?
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