Next NHL expansion city asks the public to decide team name

Ryan Smith, the owner of the NBA's Utah Jazz has been prolific this year in his desire to acquire an NHL team. His ownership group has the massive benefit of being a large market in the United States with an NHL quality arena already built. With the Arizona Coyotes in peril earlier this year, there were reports that relocation to Utah could happen as early as this offseason.

Things seem to have cooled on the Coyotes relocation front for now, but Utah hasn't slowed down in their efforts. Gauging public interest for a team name to create a brand is obviously critical to building a sports franchise. NHL insider Frank Seravalli teased that expansion to Utah is still very much in the works.

As well as Utah, reports have indicated that Atlanta has become a front runner for NHL expansion in the East. Their ownership group is led by former Oiler and current NHL Broadcaster, Anson Carter.

It seems that the NHL and Gary Bettman have rapid plans for expansion with the process to acquire teams rising above $1B. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has speculated that adding expansions teams could be a priority for Bettman to generate more NHL revenue before the current CBA expires. There's plenty more behind the scenes machinations before it becomes possible, but hockey fans are stoked to see the addition of a couple new teams in the league.