Why does everyone automatically think that if the Coyotes can't get that specific stadium area, that they're just going to move to Houston? I think there's a whole lot of other cities that make just as much or more sense than Houston.
First, any city in Canada, namely Quebec City, Hamilton or Halifax. Canada would fall over themselves to get another team, and I feel sure people would do WHATEVER it took to get them to move north.
Second, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; there is no other area in the United States that loves Hockey like Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin. They have tremendous hockey history with some great NHL players (hello Joe Pavelski) and the Badgers, and I think the state of Wisconsin would latch on to a hockey team instantly. They would also have instant rivals in the wild and redwings.
Third, Portland, Oregon; they have sneaky hockey history and have some of the most passionate fans in the country. It's a decent sized market but with only two professional teams, and they would have instant rivalries with Seattle and Vancouver.
Fourth, Kansas City, Missouri or Kansas, pick one; similar argument to Portland except that they actually have an NFL and MLB team. This would also further expand the NHL and hockey in the Midwest where it's really just the Blues right now, and fit in with the central division like a glove.
Fifth and Final, Salt Lake City, Utah; this is a small market, but unlike the NBA, it's a winter sports town that would likely support the heck out of an NHL team.
Houston would not doubt be in the conversation, but i think it would be a pretty major risk. Despite some recent success from The panthers, lighting, Stars and occasionally the predators, there's been a ton of prior swing and miss with warmer climate sunbelt teams. Atlanta lost TWO teams, the panthers were awful for 15-20 years, Carolina and Nashville have been up and down for a long time, etc. Houston is a big market in theory, yes, but is it big for hockey? In a state that already supports the stars, would it be a good idea to bring another team in? I have serious doubts and think other cities above make more sense.
