NHL Prioritizes Houston for 33rd Franchise; Canucks Announce New Director of Hockey Strategy

The National Hockey League is primarily interested in Houston as the location for its 33rd expansion franchise, with a target for the 2029-30 season. This development comes as the Friedkin Group, a potential ownership group, has signed an office lease in Austin, indicating continued evaluation of both Texas markets. In other NHL news, the Vancouver Canucks have hired Ryan Stewart as their new Director of Hockey Strategy and Player Evaluation.