Expansion Cities Approved
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 8:30 pm
NHLFL Awards 15th and 16th Teams to Michigan and Montreal
Michigan Wolverines and Montreal Canadiens set to launch for 2022-2023 NHLFL season
by Dan Rosen @drosennhlfl / NHLFL Senior Writer
NEW YORK - Wolverines and Canadiens are newest NHLFL teams.
The NHLFL Board of Governors voted unanimously Monday to approve the expansion applications from the "Go Blue" Group and "Club de hockey Canadien, Inc." "Today is a day for celebration in two great North American Hockey hotbeds that adore and passionately support their hockey teams. The league is going into it's 14th season, which is due to the commitment of a wonderful group of GMs and we couldn't be happier to be able to expand and share this league with two new GMs," NHLFL Commissioner Steve LeBert said.
"Expansion will bring a new dynamic in combing through the waiver wire. Free agent adds will be more important than ever. It'll create an opportunity for teams to possibly unload a large contract or two, and an importance in trading both players and picks as owned players will grow from 910 to 1040. The compete level in the league should grow creating a more dynamic environment," Commissioner LeBert said.
Both Michigan and Montreal's ownership groups will pay a $650 million USD expansion fee. The new GMs of each team were not available for comment today but sources say they cannot wait to "get going with hockey operations." The Michigan Wolverines are a brand new franchise however the Montreal Canadiens make a return to the NHLFL. Previously, the Montreal Canadiens were managed last by GM Johnny in 2019 finishing 8th with a record of 116-132-25. The franchise folded following that season.
Neither team will take part in the 2022 NHLFL Entry draft this year but will instead set their sights on Connor Bedard and the 2023 NHLFL Draft.
The Expansion Draft will be held September 5th, 2022.
Michigan Wolverines and Montreal Canadiens set to launch for 2022-2023 NHLFL season
by Dan Rosen @drosennhlfl / NHLFL Senior Writer
NEW YORK - Wolverines and Canadiens are newest NHLFL teams.
The NHLFL Board of Governors voted unanimously Monday to approve the expansion applications from the "Go Blue" Group and "Club de hockey Canadien, Inc." "Today is a day for celebration in two great North American Hockey hotbeds that adore and passionately support their hockey teams. The league is going into it's 14th season, which is due to the commitment of a wonderful group of GMs and we couldn't be happier to be able to expand and share this league with two new GMs," NHLFL Commissioner Steve LeBert said.
"Expansion will bring a new dynamic in combing through the waiver wire. Free agent adds will be more important than ever. It'll create an opportunity for teams to possibly unload a large contract or two, and an importance in trading both players and picks as owned players will grow from 910 to 1040. The compete level in the league should grow creating a more dynamic environment," Commissioner LeBert said.
Both Michigan and Montreal's ownership groups will pay a $650 million USD expansion fee. The new GMs of each team were not available for comment today but sources say they cannot wait to "get going with hockey operations." The Michigan Wolverines are a brand new franchise however the Montreal Canadiens make a return to the NHLFL. Previously, the Montreal Canadiens were managed last by GM Johnny in 2019 finishing 8th with a record of 116-132-25. The franchise folded following that season.
Neither team will take part in the 2022 NHLFL Entry draft this year but will instead set their sights on Connor Bedard and the 2023 NHLFL Draft.
The Expansion Draft will be held September 5th, 2022.