NHL Rumors: Las Vegas franchise a ‘done deal’

By Cory Buck | Aug 27, 2014

Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Nicholas Ritchie shakes hands with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected as the number ten overall pick to the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has long refuted any talk of expansion in the biggest hockey league in the world. Despite a discrepancy in the standings and a growing list of suitors, precious few details have leaked from the NHL’s offices about expansion talk. Now it appears that’s changing as Las Vegas has emerged not just as a possibility, but as a strong likelihood for an NHL franchise.

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Tony Gallagher at The Province writes of the situation:

"Sources close to the situation have indicated Las Vegas is a done deal, the only thing to be determined being which owner will be entitled to proclaim that he brought the first major league sports franchise to Sin City."

That’s much stronger language than any that’s been tied to this potential deal yet. Other rumored sites for a team include Seattle, Kansas City, and Quebec City. However, none of those cities have had rumors like these attached to their bid, which makes this Sin City rumor so interesting.

Bettman was predictably mum when asked about expansion.

"“There’s a lot of interest. We’re hearing from multiple groups in Seattle and in Vegas and Kansas City and Quebec City,” Bettman said to the Tribune while scoping out Target field in Minny for yet another trip to the well of outdoor games."

For now, Vegas is just another name in the rumor wheel, but don’t be surprised if major news emerges in the next year or two signifying that the league is moving out to the desert once more. Hey, someone has to be rivals with the Arizona Coyotes.