National Hockey League (NHL) commissioner Gary Bettman is far from hiding his expansion goals and is talking to a number of cities on the subject, including Quebec, which is still very interested in reviving the Nordiques.
In a segment broadcast by TSN on Thursday, hockey expert Pierre LeBrun mentioned that an expansion of management in the NHL is only a matter of time. Although the number and identity of the cities that will receive a concession remains speculation and not a certainty at this point, the fact remains that the Old Capital is in the running.
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“For me it’s not the ‘if’, but the ‘when.’ You felt that when you heard Gary Bettman and saw his body language at the governors’ meeting in New York on Wednesday. It seemed like he almost said something was going to happen, but he said, “No, we’re not there yet.” However, he then spoke about the recurring interest that was expressed in the conversations he had with the four cities that you just mentioned: Atlanta, Houston, Salt Lake City and Quebec,” LeBrun said.
The price
The mention of the Quebec market in this nomenclature should revive the hopes of the supporters of the former Nordiques. However, the bill will be high.
“He was also asked what the cost of a team would be in the next expansion; Let’s not forget that Seattle was successful at $650 million. However, he replied, “A lot,” before discussing the NHL’s recent assessment of certain concessions, LeBrun added about the commissioner, as TSN reported. Ottawa just sold for $950 million, so that counts. He also exchanged text messages with Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, who indicated several months ago that he wanted an NHL team. And he confirmed his interest to me. So when the league is ready, the options will be there.”
Quebec has been without an NHL club since the Nordiques left for Denver, Colorado, after the 1995 playoffs.