Former player Patrice Bergeron, who grew up in L’Ancienne-Lorette, has not forgotten Quebec and would be ready to contribute to the Nordiques’ possible return to the National Hockey League (NHL).
The issue remains of interest in the ancient capital and the hopes of local hockey fans were revived last week when TSN hockey expert Pierre LeBrun added Quebec to his list of four cities after speaking with commissioner Gary Bettman about the possible granting of an expansion team. Additionally, a reporter asked the former Boston Bruins captain about this at the end of a press conference Wednesday at TD Garden, and he initially expressed surprise when he received a question.
He then admitted that he would like to see the NHL back in the city it left in 1995 when the Fleurdelisé club became the Colorado Avalanche.
“Oh dear God! I thought you were asking me about a beer league or something. That’s more serious, joked Bergeron, as reported by the site bostonhockeynow.com. I was a big supporter when I was younger. I know the impact of that on me, my brother and my friends. When I think about it, in a way I wish that the Nords would come back one day. I really want it, for the city, for young people. I think it’s a great one Offer. I can’t answer the question at this time because it never occurred to me. I’d have to think about it, but I’d definitely be open to the idea.”
Feasible project?
Financially, the 38-year-old would have the necessary resources to invest in such an adventure. After signing an eight-year, $55 million contract this year before confirming his retirement from competition, he earned more than $96 million in the NHL, according to specialized website CapFriendly. As a minority shareholder in a team, he would logically benefit from a vacancy, provided he joins business people willing to work with him.
LeBrun also mentioned Atlanta, Houston and Salt Lake City as destinations that spoke to the commissioner. Regardless of the markets chosen, they will have to make significant payments. The Seattle Kraken needed $650 million to enter the league, while the Ottawa Senators were sold to majority shareholder Michael Andlauer for $950 million.
“For me it’s not the ‘if’, but the ‘when’,” the journalist said last week about an expansion process. You felt that when you heard Gary Bettman at the governors’ meeting in New York and saw his body language.
In Quebec, a potential club would have the advantage of already having a modern amphitheater, as the Videotron Center opened its doors in 2015.