Rising Interest Of Second NHL Team In Toronto

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James Connelly
October 4, 2023 (6:33 PM)

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There are some areas looking for a new NHL team and the Greater Toronto Area is looking for a new team.

GTA Looking For A New NHL Team

Insider Kevin Weekes has been at the forefront of insiders covering new NHL teams or potential relocation spots for current teams. Today, he dropped a bombshell on the areas interested in a team.

Similar to @NHL in terms of no official process, yet plenty of interest expressed from the following and more ** In No Particular Order**
- Quebec City
- Salt Lake City
- South Forsyth (Metro Atlanta)
- Houston
- Portland
- San Diego
- 2nd Club GTA Toronto

While some of the other locations, like Quebec City, Atlanta, and Houston, would get priority over a second Toronto team, getting a new team would do wonders for the market. Think of how New York and LA have multiple teams in so many sports. It would be like having the Yankees and Mets or the Rangers and Islanders. One team would have a much larger fanbase (the Leafs obviously) and the new one would encroach and get newer generations.

Where Will Get A Team Next?

While expansion does not seem like the number one priority, relocation could come up especially with the Arizona Coyotes not having a stadium to play in. Weekes revealed the leading team for the next NHL team.

I'm told South Forsyth (Atlanta) got through state approvals for their development project and seems to be the leader of the pack at this time of cities without an arena yet. #HockeyTwitter

Atlanta had the market and the fans but Bettman chose to prioritize the Coyotes over the Thrashers forcing them to relocate to Winnipeg. If Atlanta does get their team, whether that be the Thrashers or somebody completely different, they would have a market larger than the Arizona market.

While the Greater Toronto Area would be fun, it seems like they would only be getting an NHL team if there is expansion past 32 teams, potentially up to 40. It is unknown what a new team would be called but the Toronto Arenas or the Toronto St. Pats would have history and be the perfect second team.