The NHL is reportedly considering one of two major Texas cities for its next round of expansion

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The NHL's last round of expansion — which included the Vegas Golden Knights, Seattle Kraken, and, if you want to get technical, Utah Mammoth — has been nothing short of a success, so why not go from 32 teams to 33 or maybe more?

Well, according to a report from ESPN's Emily Kaplan, the NHL is gearing up to start its next expansion process with two Lone Star State options: Austin and Houston.

Kaplan reported that this was discussed at the league's board of governors meeting on Tuesday in New York City, and it shows where the league's head might be when it comes to where they'd like to go next.

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The NHL is reportedly eyeing Houston or Austin for its next expansion team. (iStock)

Atlanta (yes, for a third time) has emerged as a potential expansion destination, and a return to Arizona has also been floated in the past. Of course, Quebec City is always part of the conversation, and the idea of a second team in the Toronto market continues to generate interest.

But according to Kaplan's report, the league is zeroing in on Texas, a giant state home to just one team as it stands, the Dallas Stars.

Later in the day, a statement from the Friedkin family revealed that they have been given exclusive rights to put a team in one of the two Texas cities.

"Pursuit Sports, our family’s global sports ownership and operating platform, has reached an agreement with the NHL that provides us with the exclusive rights to bring an expansion NHL team to the State of Texas, with a primary focus on both Austin and Houston as potential markets," the statement reads. "Each city brings unique attributes