We're not expanding into unproven markets or untested markets. These are not new owners or new markets or new buildings. Maintaining exisiting rivalries is obviously important, but so is keeping travel costs under control. The AHL had given travel subsidies to clubs in the past, but those have been eliminated. The burden of the new geography will be shared by all 27 teams.
Subsidies create inequities among the membership.
Expansion does add to operating costs, but it's well worth it creating the added value in the league by adding six new teams.