It’s closer than you think

An NHL return to Arizona may be closer than it appears. Hockey insider Steve Peters says there is plenty happening behind the scenes, although the league still needs a plan for an arena and ownership before anything can move forward.

Peters made the claim during Morning Cuppa Hockey while discussing the possibility of the league returning to Arizona.

“There is so much smoke going on right now here in Arizona; so much going on…right now behind the scenes; just wait Arizona fans, it’s closer than you think.”

NHL Rumour Report later shared his comments on X.

The league left Arizona in 2024 after years of issues surrounding the Coyotes, including ownership and arena problems. Any return would require a new ownership group and a suitable arena.

Texas could be first step toward NHL’s 34-team plan

The National Hockey League could be on its way to Texas before the end of the decade.

Houston already has teams in the NFL, NBA and MLB, and it has had an NHL-level hockey presence before. The Houston Aeros played in the World Hockey Association from 1972 to 1978 and became a popular team in the city.

Austin has a different case to make. The city had a population of just over 1 million in July 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, making it the largest U.S. city without a team in one of the four major professional sports leagues.

Dan Friedkin’s Pursuit Sports has agreed to pay $2 billion for an expansion franchise, with Houston and Austin still the two options. The group needs an arena plan before the NHL’s Board of Governors can give the final approval.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Friedkin’s group is working toward a 2029-30 start.

“They’re projecting the ability to start play in 2029-30,” Daly said during the NHL’s European Media Tour. “So we will have one down and potentially one to go.”

Texas would give the league its 33rd team. And Daly’s “potentially one to go” comment suggests the league could then look at adding another club.

Phoenix and Atlanta are among the other markets being discussed.

“We have ongoing discussions both with people in the Phoenix marketplace, but also Atlanta, and then we’ll see what comes of those discussions.”

Indianapolis and New Orleans have also been mentioned by Gary Bettman as possible markets. Quebec City continues to push for another chance to join the league, while a second team in the Toronto area has also been discussed.

The league could also consider relocation rather than adding another franchise if an existing team moves to a new market.

Adding another team would have an effect on the current clubs as well. A new franchise would need players, while existing teams would have to decide which players to protect in an expansion draft.