We’ll see no expansion teams this NHL season, but speculation is growing that the league will soon explore further growth beyond its current 32 teams.

Last month, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly made some surprising but supportive comments about the perceived viability of professional hockey in Atlanta, sparkling new hope for the city that has twice seen an NHL team relocate for greener pastures.

Atlanta developers are considering a $1 billion project that includes an arena fit for an NHL team, among other uses. One report recently suggested that the project received state approvals — and that Atlanta appears to be the “leader of the pack” for NHL expansion among cities currently without a viable arena.