NHL Relocation back to Canada? Do the Numbers Support the Possibility?

[scottkoz20]

By Scott Kozlowski aka Scottkoz20

With the current news out of Phoenix about the legal issues that surround the survival of the Coyotes, there have been rumblings about Winnipeg getting their franchise back. Phoenix is not the only franchise in despair. The ownership situation in Atlanta is causing people to think that the Thrashers could move to Quebec City.


https://www.sportscardforum.com/artic...um+Articles%29

[dtab316]

Is it fiscally possible for another Canadian team or 2? Yes, the team would flourish. But would it be best for the NHL? Right now, I'm going to say a resounding no. I'm going to give you 2 points to support my argument.

1. The NHL is attempting to secure a long-term American television deal. Both Phoenix and Atlanta are top-10 markets and, simply put, Americans will care more for a team that's based here in the States than they would a team in Canada.

2. The current CBA has a salary cap that is based on revenues. Would it not behove the owners to keep a team in a city with a floundering fan base to keep salaries down than to have it in city that would consistantly sellout home games? Without a doubt. It's basic economics 101. Less revenue would mean lower contracts.

If it were to come down to a team, right now, relocating; I would expect Kansas City, Seattle, Portland, or Las Vegas to get a team before another Canadian team.

Sorry to disappoint our Canadian fans, but right now, do not expect QC or the 'Peg to get a relocated team. Your best bet is to hope for an expansion team.

[Wickabee]

I will definitely say other US markets will be tried out before a team returns to Winnipeg or QC, however, if Vegas ever gets an NHL team I'm done.

[30ranfordfan]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Only way Canada gets more teams is through Expansion, not relocation. If someone comes along and offer $300 million that the owners can split up.... they might bite. Other than that, not going to happen.

Is it fiscally possible for another Canadian team or 2? Yes, the team would flourish. But would it be best for the NHL? Right now, I'm going to say a resounding no. I'm going to give you 2 points to support my argument.

1. The NHL is attempting to secure a long-term American television deal. Both Phoenix and Atlanta are top-10 markets and, simply put, Americans will care more for a team that's based here in the States than they would a team in Canada.

2. The current CBA has a salary cap that is based on revenues. Would it not behove the owners to keep a team in a city with a floundering fan base to keep salaries down than to have it in city that would consistantly sellout home games? Without a doubt. It's basic economics 101. Less revenue would mean lower contracts.

If it were to come down to a team, right now, relocating; I would expect Kansas City, Seattle, Portland, or Las Vegas to get a team before another Canadian team.

Sorry to disappoint our Canadian fans, but right now, do not expect QC or the 'Peg to get a relocated team. Your best bet is to hope for an expansion team.

[scla6986]

As a Peg'er I'd throw my 2 cents in and say. Jets come back......then move about 5 years later because nobody is showing up to games just like before. We just aren't rich enough to hold the team as much as I'd like to have them back. Beer and tix are too much to actually enjoy the game. Go to 3 games with a buddy and have a few drinks or save that cash and get a beautiful tv to watch the game on your big couch with a 24 in the beer fridge within arms reach. That's really how a lot of us think. Obviously the first couple games would sell out and sales would probably be good when Tor, Mtl or Chi come here but that's about it :(

[Wickabee]

I do really miss watching Canucks/Jets games. That was one heck of a rivalry.

[scla6986]

I do really miss watching Canucks/Jets games. That was one heck of a rivalry.

Yup, I forgot those would sell pretty well too if they picked up where they left off but after all these years......?

[Wickabee]

Winnipeg hates Vancouver. Everywhere East of the Rockies hates Vancouver. It's like Toronto-West

[SkyFire47]

do the numbers support the possibility? that's putting the horse in front of the cart. does Bettman support the possibility first?

[dtab316]

do the numbers support the possibility? that's putting the horse in front of the cart. does Bettman support the possibility first?

Skyfire!

Bettman's not the final voice on this matter. Gary Bettman is not the problem, as most Canadian hockey fans seem to think. Please remember that Bettman WORKS for the NHL, not the other way around.
Gary Bettman has a boss and it's called the board of governors and the owners. Bettman's just a puppet, a figurehead, showpony, or whatever you would like to call the position. Personally, I think that he's a snobbish SOB. But, at the end of the day, Bettman still has to answer to his bosses and that's the NHL, not the fans.

The owners and BOG are in the hockey business for one reason and that is to MAKE MONEY. Granted, the owners of the Phoenix, Atlanta, NY Islanders, & Columbus franchises aren't profiting like Chicago, Montreal, Toronto, or other high-profile teams. However, with the revenue sharing that currently encompasses the NHL, their losses aren't as bad as some make it out to be. Once a team gets sold, the previous owners SHOULD, at least, make their money back.