Texas expansion nearing completion as Oilers sign Formenton

Quick answers

What is the status of the NHL Texas expansion effort?

Bill Daly confirmed that the NHL is moving forward with the Texas expansion, specifically through the Friedkin group. The group is set to pay a $2 billion fee to establish a team, potentially in Houston or Austin, with updates expected after the Board of Governors meeting on September 22.

How did the Oilers acquire Alex Formenton?

The Edmonton Oilers' signing of Alex Formenton was announced without prior notice to NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly. Formenton, who last played in the NHL in the 2021-22 season and was previously with the Ottawa Senators, had been acquitted of charges related to a 2018 incident. He has recently played in Switzerland.

NHL progress on Texas expansion talks

The NHL is making strides toward potentially launching a 33rd franchise in Texas. Bill Daly, the league’s deputy commissioner, confirmed that discussions with the Friedkin group have advanced significantly after two years of deliberation.

Daly stated, “The presumption that we’ve gone far with this group, the Friedkin group, is correct.” He emphasized that while progress is evident, the process remains ongoing.

The Friedkin group’s Pursuit Sports plans to pay a $2 billion expansion fee. This fee would facilitate a new NHL team in either Houston, the fourth-largest North American market, or Austin, which is seen as an emerging market.

The NHL aims to finalize location details and understand how it can assist the Friedkin bid during the upcoming Board of Governors meeting on September 22. Daly noted that they are significantly further along with Friedkin than with other potential ownership groups.

League concerns about talent and formatting

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding expansion, there are concerns regarding the talent pool. Daly expressed confidence in the league’s ability to maintain competitive balance. He said, “I’m not worried about a dilution of talent with the addition of one or two more teams.”

However, some NHL governors have raised alarms about the challenges of winning a championship in a league with more teams. Potential alterations to the playoff format and scheduling are under consideration to address these concerns.

While the NHL continues to engage with groups interested in teams in Atlanta and Phoenix, Daly does not expect their bids to reach the same advanced stage as Friedkin’s. Other cities also have shown interest, but none have emerged as viable options for expansion like Texas.

Oilers’ signing of Alex Formenton

The Edmonton Oilers’ recent signing of Alex Formenton caught Daly off guard. He learned about the move through public channels, echoing the reactions of other fans.

Formenton, previously part of the Ottawa Senators, faced no legal consequences from a 2018 incident that involved multiple players. He was acquitted in a trial last year. Since the 2022-23 season, Formenton has played in the Swiss league.

Daly noted that all players previously acquitted went through a review process with the league. This context highlights the ongoing scrutiny of players facing past allegations as they attempt to re-enter the NHL.

Reporting for this story draws on Sportsnet.

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