Rumor: Houston billionaire targeting Flames in relocation talks

You have heard it from the horse's mouth, Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire owner of the Houston Rockets in the NBA, is highly interested in a potential National Hockey League relocation or expansion. 

Chatter intensified after NHL commissioner Gary Bettman recently met with Fertitta at the NHL's offices in New York City. Fertitta confirmed on Thursday that he has met with Bettman and he is in the "early stages" of the progress. 

Bettman has admitted that Houston could be at the very least a consideration in the future if everything lined up correctly for a potential relocation or expansion. 

Sportsnet's John Shannon has revealed the usual suspects for relocation in the NHL, most notably the Arizona Coyotes and the Carolina Hurricanes, but reminded fans out there that Fertitta could also choose to target the Calgary Flames. 

"And in that same vein, talks between the City of Calgary and the Flames are at a standstill. No, let’s rephrase that: talks between the City of Calgary and the Flames are nonexistent. With that, Calgary will have to be put into the relocation mix as well," writes Shannon. 

" There are those close to [Flames majority owner Murray] Edwards saying he might entertain moving the team."

Fertitta's statement surely has the Flames fans worried about his desire to land a team in Houston. With nothing new on the horizon in Calgary, this option is now being added to the table. 

"Over the past 24 hours I can tell you Calgary’s name has been added to the list of teams facing possible relocation. It’s not something fans in Calgary want to hear, let alone consider."