NHL schedule release set for July 16; European expansion hints; Houston frontrunner for expansion

84-game season announced. Blackhawks in Global Series. League scheduling afternoon games for European prime time. Daly hints at eventual European expansion. Additionally, a new expansion analysis highlights Houston as the frontrunner over Austin, with media market data, a $3.5B investment, and a potential timeline of 2029-30 (previously 2030-31). No new updates on schedule release date.