Jason Robertson and Glen Gulutzan have hockey to handle, but the Dallas Stars' front office is watching the NHL's Texas expansion push closely.
The league is exploring another franchise in Texas, with Houston and Austin both in the mix. For the Stars, either city would end decades of operating without another NHL club in their home state.
That prospect carries real business consequences. Dallas has built a wide regional footprint since arriving in Texas in 1993, extending well beyond the Metroplex.
The Stars aren't publicly campaigning against expansion. Behind the scenes, though, their preference is becoming clear: Houston would be much easier for Dallas to accept than Austin.
Stars officials have been reluctant to discuss the situation publicly, describing the issue as “complicated.” That makes sense when their own minor-league operation is part of the equation.
Dallas owns the Texas Stars, its AHL affiliate based in Cedar Park, roughly 25 miles north of downtown Austin. An NHL club entering that market would immediately change the organization's position there.
Austin creates the bigger problem for Dallas
If owner Tom Gaglardi gets a voice in the NHL's final decision, the message described around the Stars is simple: “Anywhere but Austin!”
Austin offers the league something attractive. It's a major American city with limited top-level professional sports competition, creating room for an NHL franchise to establish its own identity and fan base.
Houston presents a different equation. The city already has major NFL, NBA, MLB and MLS teams, meaning a new hockey club would enter a far more crowded sports market.
Dan Friedkin has been granted an exclusive window to explore bringing an NHL team to Houston or Austin. The league continues evaluating both possibilities before any final expansion decision is made.
For Dallas, Houston would still create an in-state rival and challenge territory the Stars have controlled for years. But it wouldn't place an NHL operation directly beside their AHL affiliate.
There are hockey benefits, too. A second Texas team would create shorter travel, an obvious geographic rivalry and games carrying instant regional stakes.
The Stars know Texas may no longer belong to them alone. If the NHL adds another club, Dallas would rather see Houston get the crease than Austin.
Should the Dallas Stars push the NHL toward Houston over Austin?
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