The NHL hasn't had an expansion team since the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild entered the league in 2000, but that could soon change, as the league gave interested markets permission to submit proposals Wednesday.
Continue for updates.
NHL to Open Expansion Application Process
Wednesday, June 24
According to NHL.com, prospective owners will have the opportunity to apply for an expansion team beginning on July 6 and ending on August 10. While this is certainly a potential step toward league expansion, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stressed that it doesn't guarantee anything:
Over the past several years we have received numerous expressions of interest from potential markets and ownership groups that have indicated an interest in joining the National Hockey League.