Allan Walsh predicts $1.5 billion price tag for future NHL expansion teams, Canada likely to be snubbed again

NHL agent Allan Walsh has predicted a $1.5 billion price tag for future NHL expansion teams. On the Sept. 1 episode of the "Agent Provocateur" podcast, Walsh revealed that the NHL expansion is bound to happen but it may take a few years before new teams are introduced.

During the discussion, Walsh made it clear that the price for each franchise will be more than twice what Seattle paid in 2021.

"In the next 3 years, NHL franchise values will double," Walsh said.

"Vegas expansion fee was $500 million, Seattle $650 million," Walsh explained. "The NHL is going to expand. It's not a matter of 'if, it's a matter of 'when. Two more teams; the NHL will go to 34 teams. And when it does, those two expansion teams, I predict the franchise fee will be $1.5 billion. And that's more than double what Seattle was."

Walsh believes that Houston and Atlanta are top contenders to become the 33rd and 34th teams in the NHL. That means the list of Canadian teams will remain the same. The USA currently enjoys dominance in NHL teams with 25, compared to Canada's seven.

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Per Allan Walsh's statements, the NHL is focused on U.S. markets

The NHL has recently expanded, with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2018 and the Seattle Kraken in 2021. The Arizona Coyotes also relocated to Salt Lake City, with the Utah Hockey Club this upcoming season.

Houston, the fourth-largest city U.S. city, is seen as a strong option. Atlanta, which had the Thrashers before they relocated to Winnipeg in 2011, is also in the running. So, according to Allan Walsh's statements, the NHL’s focus remains on expanding in U.S. markets.

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List of teams from the USA and Canada in the NHL

Despite Canada’s hockey history, expansion continues to favor U.S. cities.

U.S.-Based NHL Teams (25 teams)

1. Anaheim Ducks
2. Utah Hockey Club (Formerly Arizona Coyotes)
3. Boston Bruins
4. Buffalo Sabres
5. Carolina Hurricanes
6. Chicago Blackhawks
7. Colorado Avalanche
8. Columbus Blue Jackets
9. Dallas Stars
10. Detroit Red Wings
11. Florida Panthers
12. Los Angeles Kings
13. Minnesota Wild
14. Nashville Predators
15. New Jersey Devils
16. New York Islanders
17. New York Rangers
18. Philadelphia Flyers
19. Pittsburgh Penguins
20. San Jose Sharks
21. Seattle Kraken
22. St. Louis Blues
23. Tampa Bay Lightning
24. Vegas Golden Knights
25. Washington Capitals

If Houston and Atlanta get new teams like Allan Walsh said, the U.S. will have 27.

Canada-Based NHL Teams (7 teams)

1. Calgary Flames
2. Edmonton Oilers
3. Montreal Canadiens
4. Ottawa Senators
5. Toronto Maple Leafs
6. Vancouver Canucks
7. Winnipeg Jets

The Ottawa Senators, who joined in 1992, were the last Canadian team added.