A 32nd NHL franchise officially coming to Seattle in 2021

By @StefanKubus – 

The NHL made it official on Tuesday: a 32nd franchise will be coming to Seattle.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made the announcement at a press conference following a Board of Governors meeting, where Seattle’s expansion application was voted on and accepted unanimously.

The Seattle franchise, which will play in the Pacific Division (Arizona moves to the Central Division), will bring the NHL to an even number of teams once again. The franchise will play out of Key Arena, which is set to undergo a massive, $700 million renovation.

Thus far, 32,000 season ticket deposits have been secured.

The Seattle franchise will join the league in 2021 for the 2021-22 campaign. The Vegas Golden Knights will not take part in the expansion draft, which will use the same rules as seen with Vegas in 2017.

A team name has yet to be established. Tod Leiweke, CEO and team president of the franchise, said he and his group will take their time deciding on a name, certainly looking at fan input along the way.