The NHL made no decision on adding a 33rd franchise at its September 22 Board of Governors meeting in New York, leaving Houston and Austin under consideration.
“No decisions whatsoever were made,” commissioner Gary Bettman said afterward.
The Friedkin group continues to evaluate the two Texas cities and potential arena sites. There is no timetable for a vote, according to Associated Press reporting from the meeting.
“We’re not under any time constraint,” Bettman said. “It’ll sort itself out on whatever timetable makes sense to everybody,” NHL.com reported.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly expects greater clarity by December, when the governors meet again, but did not set a deadline.
“I don’t think we’re putting time limits on things,” Daly said.
Interest also remains in Atlanta and the Phoenix area, although those discussions are less advanced than the Texas proposal.
The board did make a leadership change. Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis succeeded Jeremy Jacobs as chairman after Jacobs’ 19 years in the role. Calgary’s Murray Edwards became vice chairman.
Bettman also addressed his own future without announcing a departure date.
“At some point, I’ve got to stop,” he said. “But I love what I do. I’m energized,” Front Office Sports reported.
