National Hockey League (NHL) commissioner Gary Bettman reiterated the interest of some markets, including Quebec City, in attracting an expansion team, but adding executives is not on the circuit's priority agenda.
During a visit to the ESPN Network studios on Tuesday, the NHL's big boss touched on a number of topics, including the one that has many fans wanting the Nordiques to return. However, as the league recently clarified, the idea is not currently in development.
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“We have a lot of inquiries from places like Atlanta, Quebec, Houston and Salt Lake City. We do not focus on this topic. We believe all 32 formations are in excellent locations. We like where we are. I can never say never to anything. That will be the decision [du bureau des gouverneurs] ultimately. However, we are not in the middle of an expansion process and are not interested in initiating one,” he said.
Additionally, Bettman quickly dismissed the idea of a transfer from the Arizona Coyotes, as he had long done. The club is playing its second season at Mullett Arena, an infrastructure with a few thousand seats more suitable for NCAA university hockey. “No one will move,” he assured.
The Vegas Golden Knights (2017-2018) and the Seattle Kraken (2021-2022) are the fruits of the NHL's two most recent expansions. Quebec has not had a franchise since the departure of the Nordiques, who became the Colorado Avalanche in May 1995.