Arena NHL Expansion (and Deflation)

Columbus is reported to be in trouble, too.

What next?

 

It is pretty sick.

 

The retro one is especially good.

 

With several teams in the crapper and possibly looking to relocate where do you think the next city to get a team is? My bet is on a 2nd team in Toronto or Hamilton, Kansas City and Hartford as a reallllly long shot.

 

I think it sucks.

 

Both Hartford and KC failed once as NHL franchises; as Atlanta proved, you can fail twice.

Given the current economic climate in the USA, the next move will probably be to Quebec City. Don't hold your breath on Hamilton; the Leafs have enormous clout and don't want to agree to competition in S. Ontario.

 

My main reason for picking Hamilton was that it is outside of the Leafs competitive zone and wouldn't warrant any kind of money going ot the Leafs. But I do understand even then with contractors and what not I am sure the Leafs hold a lot of power. One big thing though I guess I didn't take into consideration is the fact that RIM has kind of **** the bed financially and would probably not want to be involved in a franchise now.

 

I wonder if a team in Alaska would be too much on travel.

 

The Mystery Alaskans? They could save money by playing outside too.

 

An Alaska team would be kinda cool, but the distance between Vancouver (the closest NHL city) and Anchorage is some 1300 miles. That's just too far away for it to work.

 

With all the speculation about the NHL adding a European division, Alaska would be a cakewalk.

 

True, that's nothing like going across the pond.

 

2.5 hours from the nearest NHL city.

 

Read on Twitter that Sidney Crosby isn't going to be ready for the open of the season. Dan Bylsma will make a statement tomorrow at some kids camp.

 

The latest franchise in big, big trouble: New Jersey.

Quebec City is sharpening its teeth...