The NHL is considering another round of expansion. Is that a good thing?

The NHL is actively debating another round of expansion, with commissioner Gary Bettman engaging with media on the topic during the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. The league has grown from its 'Original Six' era (1942–1966) to 30 teams by 2000, with the Vegas Golden Knights joining in 2017 as a recent expansion franchise. The article examines the history of NHL expansion and whether further growth would benefit the league.