Las Vegas NHL

Q184: Before the end of 2016, will the NHL officially announce that it is granting a franchise to Las Vegas?
Yes: 60%
(Both an expansion franchise and a relocated franchise count)

Along with Quebec City (see my previous post, which I may update), there has some speculation that the NHL may grant a franchise to Las Vegas (see article here).  Since my last post, the NHL has announced that it is entertaining the idea of expansion franchises, which makes a Vegas team in the near future more likely.  The Arizona Coyote franchise might also relocate to Vegas, although the NHL has denied this (see story here).  Las Vegas is building a new arena, and seems to have had some success in soliciting fan interest.  According to a recent National Post article, there is a 98% chance of Vegas getting an expansion team.

I think that a Las Vegas team is very possible, but far from a sure thing.  Southern US teams have not done so well financially in recent years.  The NHL may not want a team in Vegas because of the gambling connection.  The NHL may choose not to expand at all, for financial or other reasons.