NHL source responds to Atlanta and Houston expansion rumors

Social media was abuzz this past weekend with rumor reports that the NHL is looking to expand to Atlanta and Houston in the short-term future, with ESPN insider Kevin Weekes going so far as to report that the former NHL franchise Atlanta Thrashers and former AHL franchise Houston Aeros could be the NHL's 33rd and 34th franchises.

I mean... this would be absolutely mental, right?

Houston... I dunno. I'll be the first to admit I have no clue whether or not it would be a good market for an NHL team. But... ATLANTA!?!?!? SERIOUSLY!?!? Atlanta has twice lost an NHL team and now the league is considering putting a team there for the third time!?!? Only in Gary Bettman's world does this make any sense...

Thankfully, longtime NHL insider Andy Strickland is reporting that rumors of Houston and Atlanta getting NHL franchises are premature and, that these two cities have expressed interest in a team, the NHL isn't actively considering them at this time. In fact, Stickland cites an NHL source who says he or she is, "Not sure these two cities are even at top of our list."

Check it out:

 All I can say is Quebec City is lovely this time of year...