If you look at the numbers, the National Hockey League has been more popular than ever. The CNBC estimates that the league earned a whopping 6.3 billion during the 2023–24 season. However, if ESPN analyst and NHL insider Kevin Weekes is to be believed, then that revenue could jump to $7 billion soon. That’s because the analyst believes that two new cities could soon add to the league’s growing reach.

The NHL expansion started slowly with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 and then the Seattle Kraken in 2021. Yet Weekes believes it’s about to pick up steam with two cities leading the pack. “Many cities remain interested, I’m told both Metro Atlanta & Houston are emerging and progressing on their paths towards potential @NHL Expansion,” Weekes announced on X.

“I’d anticipate a new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) may have to signed first,” wrote the two-time Emmy nominee. However, as per the insider, it’s more a question of when and not if the expansion will happen. The ESPN analyst also believes such a development will push revenue to new heights. “League revenues (is) projected to be between 6.5-7 Billion 🇺🇸 this yr,” he added.

The induction of either Houston or Atlanta could look something like that of the Utah Hockey Club which is playing its inaugural season in the NHL. The National Hockey League’s Board of Governors approved the Utah franchise on April 18, 2024, and less than a year later, it is part of the league. However, is this going to be Atlanta and Houston’s first stint at the NHL?

The Atlanta Flames represented the city at the NHL starting in 1972 and lasted till 1980 when the Flames moved to Calgary. Atlanta’s second chance? That came in the year 2000 with the Atlanta Thrashers. However, the team stayed while success escaped. The Thrashers made only one postseason (2007) in their 11 seasons of existence, only to lose to the New York Rangers. Meanwhile, the Houston Aeros, who played as part of the WHA, closed their doors in 1978. Despite playing for only six years, the Aeros found success, playing in the WHA playoffs in each of their six seasons. However, the mention of Atlanta getting a third chance has raised a question among the fans.

Is the third time the charm for Atlanta’s NHL dreams?

A glance at the comments second of Kevin Weekes’ post made one thing abundantly clear. Many fans aren’t on board with Atlanta getting a third chance. Especially when a city like Quebec continues to long for the return of the Quebec Nordiques. However, Metro Atlanta being among the front-runners may have something to do with former league player Anson Carter‘s initiative.

Carter, fronted the Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group, formally requesting the NHL to set up shop in Atlanta in March last year. “I have no doubt that the best league in the world will thrive in its return to Metro Atlanta,” said Carter, as per ESPN. The rumors of the National Hockey League returning to Atlanta have floated around since 2023, and Carter confirmed those speculations.

“I have been in dialogue with NHL commissioner [Gary] Bettman since 2019,” said the player-turned-analyst. The league also appreciated the former ice hockey player’s tireless efforts to bring the action back to Atlanta. “The League appreciates Anson’s passion for bringing NHL hockey back to the Atlanta area,” said the league’s deputy commissioner Bill Daly.

“He has certainly kept the subject on our radar screen for several years running,” added Daly. There’s no guarantee the city will get to win the 33rd NHL team. However, it only seems to be a matter of time till the NHL expands to 34 teams.