[peg_city]

Two recent transactions, 1. being Boots Del Biaggio's bankruptcy and 2. the minority sale of the LA Kings to Boston Celtics owner Wycliffe Grousbeck has produced two important legal documents stating some interesting information. Ironically, both state $15 million in future expansion revenue. This rumor has been circling for a while except now there is legal proof. So, who are the cities who will be getting a team? (15 million x 30 = $450 million / 2 = $225 a expansion team). They are Kansas City where there is a brand new arena who is looking for a tenant and two Mr. Jerry Bruckheimer in Las Vegas.

But, here is another tid-bit of information. With the recent attempted minority sale of the Nashville Predators to William 'Boots" Del Biaggio (who planned to move the team to Kansas City) one would think that the Predators are likely not to stay in Tennessee. The escape clause (stated in the document below) stats that if the Nashville Predators do not average $14 000 in paid attendance the agreement with the arena can be bought out for $20 million. You add this with Del Biaggio's stack being auctioned off and you are left with a franchise which may be on the move. So (1) Possible relocation of the Nashville Predators team + (2) expansion teams = (3) cities who will be getting a team.

The Next question is obviously who is the third team. It states in the Document of some examples. "Hamilton, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Seattle, Winnipeg amount others." They did leave out Houston but who's counting. So the next step is to Systematically examine those cities. Kansas City and Las Vegas ARE getting teams so that leaves Hamilton, Oklahoma City, Seattle, Winnipeg and Houston to fight for the last one. Oklahoma City is getting the Seattle SuperSonics and Mick Cornett (Major of Oklahoma City) said in an interview with Bob McCowen (Fan 590) that the city can only support one professional winter sports team (either a NBA or NHL team). So that leaves 'OK' out. For the news flash the NHL is not going to Hamilton. Jim Balsille wouldn't have tried numerous times to buy the minority stake in the Predators plus running those smear campaigns against Garry Bettman if he was going to be getting a team in 2011. Hamilton is NOT getting the expansion team.

So that leaves Houston, Seattle and Winnipeg. Seattle needs a new arena and the NBA could easily do the same thing as they did in Charlotte, by getting rid a owner who wants to sell the team to the highest bidder and awarding the city with an expansion team. Houston is a major city with a lot of money in it, and the nostalgic benefits of putting a team in Winnipeg would be through the roof.

Only time will tell I guess.


Legal Document from the Tennessean. Bottom of page 11 shows the expansion revenue.
(http://tennessean.com/assets/pdf/DN112667711.PDF)

[MattyG0327]

Expansion for any league, much less the NHL, is not good business practice right now. Economy aside, the player development/ talent pool is stretched to each leauges limit.

The NHL would be smart in relocating two teams back to Canada, thus have 8 teams north of the border. I think that is one reason why the sport is not thriving- its greatest market is not being tapped enough. Yes, the money spent by Americans are a better investment initially. However, as evidenced by the long term fandom in such cities as Atlanta, Miami, Nashville, St. Louis, and Los Angeles, the fandom is merely a fad at best.

Why would the NHL take its product to Las Vegas? It seems likely it would fail much the same way as the cities named above. Kansas City is intriguing but failed once before, not to mention the woeful St. Louis Blues are nearby.

My intriguing cities are winter based cities. Salt Lake City, Hartford, Portland OR, and as mentioned, Kansas City. I think Quebec City and Winnepeg are a must to have teams back.

If Im the commisioner I would move the Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, and the Atlanta Thrashers. Portland, Hartford, Quebec, and Winnepeg would receive teams. I would name Portland the Explorers and retain the original names to the other franchises (Whalers, Nordiques, and Jets respectively).

The divisions would be as follows:
North- Boston, Montrael, Ottawa, *Hartford, *Quebec
East- NY Rangers, NY Islanders, Buffalo, Toronto, Pittsburgh
South- Carolina, Tampa Bay, Washington. New Jersey, Philadelphia
Midwest- Detroit, Chicago, Columbus, Minnesota, *Winnepeg
Mountain- Colorado, Edmonton, Calgary, St. Louis, Dallas
West- San Jose, Anaheim, Phoenix, Vancouver, *Portland

[Phils20]

I would contract, and the teams that were left would be stronger.

But I would do that with all sports.

Too many teams in towns that just don't care.

And the NHL needs to make sure no more Canadian teams are lost. If there are new teams, they should move from the US to Canada.

[Seahawker 562]

I think a city like birmingham would support a pro team

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by MattyG0327

Expansion for any league, much less the NHL, is not good business practice right now. Economy aside, the player development/ talent pool is stretched to each leauges limit.

The NHL would be smart in relocating two teams back to Canada, thus have 8 teams north of the border. I think that is one reason why the sport is not thriving- its greatest market is not being tapped enough. Yes, the money spent by Americans are a better investment initially. However, as evidenced by the long term fandom in such cities as Atlanta, Miami, Nashville, St. Louis, and Los Angeles, the fandom is merely a fad at best.

Why would the NHL take its product to Las Vegas? It seems likely it would fail much the same way as the cities named above. Kansas City is intriguing but failed once before, not to mention the woeful St. Louis Blues are nearby.

My intriguing cities are winter based cities. Salt Lake City, Hartford, Portland OR, and as mentioned, Kansas City. I think Quebec City and Winnepeg are a must to have teams back.

If Im the commisioner I would move the Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, and the Atlanta Thrashers. Portland, Hartford, Quebec, and Winnepeg would receive teams. I would name Portland the Explorers and retain the original names to the other franchises (Whalers, Nordiques, and Jets respectively).

The divisions would be as follows:
North- Boston, Montrael, Ottawa, *Hartford, *Quebec
East- NY Rangers, NY Islanders, Buffalo, Toronto, Pittsburgh
South- Carolina, Tampa Bay, Washington. New Jersey, Philadelphia
Midwest- Detroit, Chicago, Columbus, Minnesota, *Winnepeg
Mountain- Colorado, Edmonton, Calgary, St. Louis, Dallas
West- San Jose, Anaheim, Phoenix, Vancouver, *Portland

If you win your fan base should be there...I am not sure a team would give up L.A. for say Portland...

How about a European Division?

[Seahawker 562]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

If you win your fan base should be there...I am not sure a team would give up L.A. for say Portland...

How about a European Division?

I wouldnt care if the kings left, good ridence

[peg_city]

Yeah I agree. I think it was well know that expansion was on the radar pre-recession and now it not really there. As for relocation I'm not sure what markets are available. I know Phoenix is stuck in a long-term lease (due to the new arena) so the won't be going anywhere. Nashville is always an option and we will have a better indication after we find out who will end up with Boots's share. Atlanta is always rumored, as well as the Florida Panthers. We'll see. And as a Canadian hoping teams move north.....I'm not holding my breath.

[MattyG0327]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

If you win your fan base should be there...I am not sure a team would give up L.A. for say Portland...

How about a European Division?

I lived in Orange County, CA for parts of 5 years. Trust me when I tell you, the LA metro area, on whole does not care about the Kings. They latch on to the Ducks a lot more. That city can not ever have two teams in any sport. They latch onto the winners. The Clippers and Kings should just leave. The Angels have replaced the Dodgers and its sad to see that boat sinking. Fans are hating the Dodgers even when they are better!

Portland would be a nice fit and keeps the west coast in the loop

The NHL should put a team in Seattle either by expansion or re-location. The arena situation will work itself out, the Sonics just rushed the situation since they never had any intention of staying here.

[Loki309]

Originally Posted by MattyG0327

If Im the commisioner I would move the Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, and the Atlanta Thrashers. Portland, Hartford, Quebec, and Winnepeg would receive teams. I would name Portland the Explorers and retain the original names to the other franchises (Whalers, Nordiques, and Jets respectively).

The divisions would be as follows:
North- Boston, Montrael, Ottawa, *Hartford, *Quebec
East- NY Rangers, NY Islanders, Buffalo, Toronto, Pittsburgh
South- Carolina, Tampa Bay, Washington. New Jersey, Philadelphia
Midwest- Detroit, Chicago, Columbus, Minnesota, *Winnepeg
Mountain- Colorado, Edmonton, Calgary, St. Louis, Dallas
West- San Jose, Anaheim, Phoenix, Vancouver, *Portland

I tend to agree with this view point. This way it all equals out for the division and confrences. And I like bringing back Quebec and Winnepeg. However I think Portland should be Seattle. I don't have a team name picked out or anything though.

[peg_city]

I personally don't think the NHL will expand into Seattle unless they build a new arena (Which is why the Sonics left). If a new arena is built, I'm sure the NBA would be there in a heart beat. I constantly shoot down Portland because very few city can support both and NHL team and a NBA team. The cities that can are in the North East part of the USA (philly, Detriot, Chicago etc.) and Toronto. Vancouver failed, Phoenix, Atlanta, Miami are in the process of failing. Dallas seems to be the only real exception and the Mavericks lose over 10 million a year according to Forbes.

[Seahawker 562]

Originally Posted by peg_city

I personally don't think the NHL will expand into Seattle unless they build a new arena (Which is why the Sonics left). If a new arena is built, I'm sure the NBA would be there in a heart beat. I constantly shoot down Portland because very few city can support both and NHL team and a NBA team. The cities that can are in the North East part of the USA (philly, Detriot, Chicago etc.) and Toronto. Vancouver failed, Phoenix, Atlanta, Miami are in the process of failing. Dallas seems to be the only real exception and the Mavericks lose over 10 million a year according to Forbes.

vancouver doesnt have an nba team

LOL peg city love how you winnipeg people hold on to getting a team back one day.. Sorry to say i admire the love and passion from jets fan but it not going to happen anytime soon. Least not before HAMILTON I notice you state it simple words Hamilton is NOT getting one with no reason lol.
Let me inform you if its cause of Buffalo its been found Hamilton is just out of the limits of buffalo and have no real entitlement over it and # of cdn ticket holders there isnt as great.
Toronto may though but with all the talks of it and in the CAPITAL of hockey this area could hold 3 teams if they wanted look it up yourself and wouldnt scratch Toronto.. Hamilton has WAY more corporate support then winnipeg will ever have and an arena that holds more and was build to be are to easily extend. its been said Hamilton could become number 3 or 4 most wealthiest markets with its large hockey mad fans and the rivalry set up think the argos ticats is bad?
Of course one day hopefully we can see both of are teams but in reality with bettman I dont think so Basille a BILLIONAIRE has attempted Hamilton already 3 times and bettman stopped him But he's persistent hopefully they cant hold of the hungry hockey lover for long.. lets not forget the 8,000 tickets sold in just 3 days in Hamilton and the '93 stabbing we got.
The point is most ppl here can get a ticket to Toronto and Buffalo isn't popular Hamilton would make the NHL ALOT of money in the end. To bad preds didnt come Hamilton Predators sounds nice with our ticats. Maybe SteelHawks? wishful thinking

LOL peg city love how you winnipeg people hold on to getting a team back one day truth is you had your chance and back then NHL was great for Winnipeg its alot more to do with corporate now.. Sorry to say i admire the love and passion from jets fan who beat most fans around but it not going to happen anytime soon not saying it cant it could if ran right. But not before HAMILTON I notice you state it simple words Hamilton is NOT getting one. I ask you are you joking?

Let me inform you if its cause of Buffalo its been found Hamilton is just out of the limits of buffalo and have no real entitlement over it and # of cdn ticket holders there isnt as great.

Toronto may though but with all the talks of it and in the CAPITAL of hockey this area could hold 3 teams if they wanted look it up yourself and wouldnt scratch Toronto.. Hamilton has WAY more corporate support then winnipeg will ever have and an arena that holds more over 17k and was build to be easily extended. its been said Hamilton could become number 3 or 4 most wealthiest markets with its large hockey mad fans and the rivalry set up think the argos ticats is bad?

Florida,California and New York all have 3 teams in there zone with not nearly as many hcokey fans in southern Ontario which is Hockey mad and yes there alot of Leaf fans but I know just as many who HATE them like me^_~and who would support Hamilton. Oh and the area of Hamilton surronding area(GOLDEN HORSESHOE) 8.5 million! Alot for just one team ok wanna add Buffalo there that still just 2 teams but we dont consider bufflo with us..

Of course one day hopefully we can see both of are teams but in reality with Bettman I dont think so Basille a BILLIONAIRE has attempted Hamilton already 3 times and bettman stopped him. But he's persistent hopefully they cant hold of the hungry hockey lover for long which Bettman CANT the way the economy is and teams going down sooner or later they'll sell to Basille who who give them more then they could get anywhere else he told a local paper he will never give up on his dream for a team so bettman delayin the inevitble.. And he wants Hamilton the question is when and who^_^

The point is most ppl here can get a ticket to Toronto and Buffalo isn't popular Hamilton would make the NHL ALOT of money in the end.Lets not forget the 8,000 tickets sold in just 3 days in Hamilton and the '93 stabbing we got it still stings this city.To bad preds didnt come Hamilton Predators sounds nice with our ticats. Maybe SteelHawks? wishful thinking But if basille cant get Hamilton a team then I agree hamilton probably wont ever, what else could he do? sorry for long article just giving my 2 cents

[Seahawker 562]

Originally Posted by Hdot

Florida,California and New York all have 3 teams in there zone

florida has 2