Over the past few years, there has been a massive shift in the sporting landscape. Be it technological advancements or the forming of new partnerships, the sporting world is constantly reinventing itself. Take the example of Saudi Arabia’s venture into sports. The nation’s PIF invested in a new golfing league, the LIV Golf, which has been a massive talking point over the past few years. Though Middle Eastern investments haven’t quite hit hockey yet, the NHL has been making some serious moves of its own.

To break it down, the decision by the NCAA to allow Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to play on American college teams earlier this year was met with the widespread belief that it would be a game-changer. Why? NHL agent Allen Walsh put it best, “This revolutionary development is great news for young players and their families, who will no longer be faced with the momentous decision of playing major junior or going the NCAA route.”

However, such a revolutionary new change is sure to come with its own share of wrinkles to iron out. Therefore, it was reported by Sportsnet that the NHL will sit down with the CHL and other junior hockey leagues next week at the NHL GM meetings. The meeting will focus on the future of hockey and the changes required for the benefit of the sport. As a result, one can expect some landmark decisions out of this meeting, something that every hockey fan will have eyes on.

Speaking on this subject, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported, “The goal here is to obviously reset the junior market or the development market in North America so that it benefits everybody.” Furthermore, the USHL, which is the top junior league in the U.S., will also be one of the participants in the meeting.

However, the NHL has reportedly asked for some changes from the CHL. “I think the goal is for all of that to be equal. One thing I’ve heard is that the Canadian Hockey League has been told to calm down about expansion a bit, let’s see if we can find something that works for everybody,” Friedman said.

On the other hand, the NHL is already looking for expansion beyond 32 teams. Earlier this year, ESPN analyst Kevin Weekes made an interesting revelation about the NHL’s expansion project.

NHL to expand soon?

Last year, the NHL reportedly made $6.3 billion in revenue. However, the league doesn’t want to sit just at that and is looking to increase its revenues multifold. One of the ways by which this can be done is to increase the teams in the league, resulting in more matches and even greater revenues. Amidst these plans, NHL insider and ESPN analyst, Kevin Weekes announced that expansion plans were already on the cards.

He said, “Many cities remain interested, I’m told both Metro Atlanta & Houston are emerging and progressing on their paths towards potential @NHL Expansion. I’d anticipate a new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) may have to signed first. League revenues (is) projected to be between 6.5-7 Billion USD this yr.”

In fact, in February, reports emerged that Atlanta was planning to present a proposal to the NHL for the establishment of a new team in the city. While the proposal isn’t finished, the plan is to present the development of an 18,000-seat hockey arena and a mixed-use community that would be funded entirely by the tax revenue generated by the site. One aspect in Atlanta’s favor is that the city will have somewhat of a hockey fanbase, as it was once home to the Atlanta Thrashers before they relocated to became the Winnipeg Jets.

If further expansion becomes a reality, the hockey scene in America is set for a massive change. Additionally, it would also result in an increase in the sport’s fanbase, which would do hockey a greater good. Are you in favor of the NHL expanding the league? Let us know your views in the comments below.