NHL evaluates Houston for 33rd franchise as mock draft puts Leafs at risk

The National Hockey League has begun a six‑month evaluation of a potential 33rd franchise, focusing on Houston as the likely host city. Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin and his Pursuit Sports platform are part of the assessment, while the city is planning a $300 million arena on land that formerly housed the AstroWorld theme park.

In a separate mock expansion draft, The Athletic projected the Toronto Maple Leafs' protection list and indicated that young goaltender Artur Akhtyamov could be the player the new team selects from Toronto.

The league’s criteria—ownership strength, arena certainty, market quality, media value, sponsorship depth and enterprise value—appear to favor Houston over Austin, positioning the expansion and arena plans as a major development for the NHL.