There’s no shortage of relocation options out there, but Bettman has been hellbent on keeping a team in Arizona.
Quebec City: has an NHL ready arena, but some owners are wary of the issues with exchange rate and that a move would likely require another realignment.
Houston: Probably the favorite as its the biggest US market without a team, but the Toyota Center will only allow an NHL team that’s owned by the Rockets, so a sale would be necessary. Fertitta has expressed interest in buying a team in the past. Reviving the Aeros name would be fun.
Salt Lake City: This has been gathering steam the last few months after Jazz owner Ryan Smith met with Bettman and publicly tweeted that he was working on getting a team to SLC. But there are issues with Vivint’s hockey configuration post renovation that have been issues in exhibition games (lighting, sight lines) and it would be one of the smallest in the NHL.
Milwaukee:I’ve seen this popping up a bit, as the Bucks arena is new and can do hockey. But there would need to be some kind of accommodation with the AHL’s Admirals and the concern that they’re too close to Chicago.
Kansas City: Good sports town, NHL ready arena and potential for a rivalry with the Blues. But there doesn’t seem to be a lot of local ownership interest for an NHL team and the failure of the Scouts in the 70’s might give some owners pause.
Atlanta: There’s also been talk of giving Atlanta a third bite at the apple, but the Thrashers experience should not give anyone confidence.