All these possible names could have done this at any point over the last ~15 years and absorbed less debt, less baggage, and not have to pay a 1 billion dollar expansion fee. These theorhetical competent groups could have landed a real deal with ASU, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, or hell even the Tribes. Even with all the baggage the opportunity was there for lesser owners like IE and AM at least twice.
They should give it to Winnipeg. Let them have their history back.
This is why I believe this was all part of Meruelo's plan. He was able to sell for relocation to maximize his profit by saying he still wanted the team and wouldn't sell to a buyer that wanted to keep the team here. IF there was really a local buyer, his ROI would have been what, half? That was what he didn't want. The whole grift was designed to line his pockets. He doesn't give a damn about the team, our state or us at all. f*** him. Hopefully he gets the hell out of our state for good.What happened to being hyped about still having the logo?
On am ore serious note I know some people are putting stock into what Narin has to say about another group potentially out there but.......I'm not buying it. How many times have we heard that line over the years only to end up with the Ice Edge's of the world, or other various pretenders that don't actually have the money to get it done right? The answer is a lot.
There's literally no reason for the NHL to prefer this market as an expansion over untested markets like Houston and the like, or giving Atlanta an actual shot again. They'll let it cool off for a decade at least.
There are too many hurdles for this to be done semi-quickly like the original 5 year time table.
