The same trio of cities are always discussed when the topic of NHL expansion is presented – Las Vegas, Quebec City and Seattle. To date, Las Vegas has seemed like the most likely option for the NHL to pursue, but Quebec and Seattle have continued to linger in conversations for a second team. That is until now as Gary Bettman has stated that the NHL isn’t focusing on Seattle at the present time with their current plans for expansion.
Bettman spoke with the Seattle Times and discussed expansion rather candidly.
Bettman’s comments:
“If and when Seattle has something to tell us, we’ll take note of it. I don’t know that we’ll do anything more than that at the time. So I’m not making any promises.
But it’s clear, at least to this point, that there appears to be no arena process. And I think that has discouraged lots of interest. And I’m not opining as to whether or not it’s anybody’s fault or responsibility. It is what it is. And so we have other things to focus on.”
In other words, the NHL is focusing on other opportunities which should effectively silence the talk of expansion in Seattle. While Las Vegas has continued to take strides forward and has seemingly locked up a future team following the completion of an arena and a successful season ticket drive, Seattle’s effort hasn’t been quite as forceful or focused. Clarity on the plan for Seattle has been lacking and it sounds like the NHL has recognized it may be time to move on.
Expansion talks for Seattle have cooled, but they’re certainly not dead despite Bettman’s comments. Anything can happen until the league formally announces a new location or a new team. Seattle’s hopes are dashed for now, but that may change should another effort (Quebec) run into roadblocks.
