The topic of NHL expansion has gained plenty of momentum in recent weeks. The possibility of another team in Texas seems like the likeliest outcome.
But could there be a scenario in which the NHL lands another team in Canada? Specifically, could that team be somewhere in the Greater Toronto Area?
Before moving forward, let’s be clear. There is no inkling that the NHL is moving towards landing another team in Canada, let alone in Southern Ontario. At least, that’s the feeling conveyed by David Alter in a recent piece in The Hockey News.
In his article, Alter discussed a recent interview with NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. Daly pointed out that Houston figures to be the main destination for the NHL’s 33rd franchise. That’s likely happening in 2029, so that the team can hit the ice for the 2029-30 season.
That situation could mean an expansion draft somewhere in the early summer of 2029. That aside, Daly addressed the possibility of another team in Canada. Daly pretty much shut down the idea of a potential team returning to Quebec City.
But then, Alter closed off his article with this interesting point:
“The disparity between Toronto, still home to a single franchise, and New York, which supports three teams, is not lost on Canadian observers.”
One of the main arguments against the NHL returning to Quebec City is the relatively small population, passion notwithstanding. In contrast, Toronto is a much larger area, potentially offering a much wider fanbase.
Based on that logic alone, a second Toronto-based NHL team could make sense.
Hamilton could be the most logical location for second Toronto-based team
If there were ever going to be an NHL team based in or around Toronto, it would be Hamilton. The city is getting a brand-new AHL franchise, the Hammers, which will serve as the farm team for the New York Islanders.
Interestingly, Hamilton was once the focal point of a botched relocation attempt. In 2009, former BlackBerry CEO Jim Balsillie attempted to buy and move the then-Phoenix Coyotes to Hamilton.
The deal never happened.
One of the narratives at the time was that the Maple Leafs and the Buffalo Sabres fought back hard, forcing the NHL to nix the idea. The main sticking point was that an NHL franchise in Hamilton, which would have had plenty of support, would have cut into the Leafs and Sabres’ TV markets.
That was a no-go, effectively stumping any talk of an NHL franchise ever landing in Southern Ontario.
Should Maple Leafs stop at least consider getting out of the way?
Assuming the Sabres and Leafs could agree on this matter, the two organizations shouldn’t stand in the way of allowing a second Toronto-based team. Yes, that team could cut into the regional TV market for both teams.
Even as die-hard Maple Leafs, the idea of a second Toronto team wouldn’t be such a horrible idea. That team could come either via relocation or expansion, adding more NHL action to Canada’s largest TV market.
Perhaps the Leafs may point out to the issues the Islanders faced with their arena in Long Island. The Isles risked relocation for a while until they finally sorted things out. And that might be the most powerful reason to nip a second Toronto team in the bud.
Perhaps the PWHL team playing out of the TD Coliseum might persuade execs that an NHL franchise could be a viable option in Hamilton.
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