There is no need to light lanterns and say incantations to bring about the return of the Nordiques, but Minister Eric Girard confirmed he would meet with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in New York in late November.
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The one nicknamed the “Minister of the Nordic Countries” had recently announced his intention to visit Bettman as he is already in the Big Apple for the Bloomberg conference on November 29th.
In addition to announcing the Kings’ arrival at the Videotron Center, he mentioned that his wish would be granted without revealing further details about that other meeting between the two men.
“I have seen Mr. Bettman and (Bill) Daly several times and the intention is always the same: to remind people that Quebec has changed, that we have a dynamic economy, sound public finances, big companies, hockey fans and the infrastructure of the major League.” and that we would like to have a team. If we have the opportunity one day, we will act on it,” he said.
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No way
Mr. Girard was careful to emphasize that there was currently no possibility of either an expansion team or a sale, but that Quebec “is a hockey city and we want to hold events.”
He also mentioned taking Geoff Molson at his word when the Canadiens owner promised he would stand behind Quebec if an opportunity arose.
“I have no reason to doubt. “The excitement that the presence of a second team would bring would be important for hockey in Quebec, but also for the Montreal Canadiens,” he said.
Towards a group of investors
For his part, the operations manager of Quebecor’s sports and entertainment group, Martin Tremblay, reiterated the company’s interest in acquiring a team.
The latter also recalled that the value of franchises has increased dramatically in recent years and a partnership with other investors would be welcome.
“We were the only buyers at the time. Would there now be homeowner associations? We’re seeing it all over the National League right now. The interest is there, but the path to get there could be different,” he summarized.
“We never resigned, but there is no expansion, no team change. We have always stayed away from false promises to the people of Quebec. We know they have been disappointed in the past. However, we are a financially sound company and the interest is still there,” he added.
A serious market
Luc Robitaille believes Quebec remains a serious market in the eyes of the NHL. Photo Stevens LeBlanc
For his part, as president of the Los Angeles Kings and a former star forward who has played many times in Quebec, Luc Robitaille is convinced that the NHL is not making fun of Quebec and is taking its interest seriously.
“Every time there are discussions, several cities come up and Quebec is always a city that is mentioned,” assured the person at the table at the NHL governors’ meetings.
“I have never forgotten where I came from. Every time I’m asked, I say that Quebec is an exceptional city. I remember playing against the Nordiques. It was always fun and the players enjoyed coming here. When I’m asked, I’m always someone who says hockey is special here,” he added.