- Jan 11, 2006
- 13,735
- 6,977
Las Vegas granted NHL franchise - update post 212
- Thread starter Ratty
- Start date
You have to think it's all about needing more western markets. The 16-14 conference split is a problem - 17-14 would be even worse. And having just moved Detroit and Columbus to the East, Bettman has said it would be unfair to move them back.
NHL's dream scenario would be to see someone else with big $ pop up in Seattle or Portland. Though at some point, I wonder if they'd also look at Kansas City.
But Quebec City will come in the next few years for sure. It might have to be a franchise move rather than expansion, but they'll get a team.
--BCN
Absurdity
light switch connoisseur
- Jul 6, 2012
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There were rumors that the Carolina Hurricanes owners want to re-locate. I think if Quebec gets a team, it would be through relocation from Carolina. It will keep teams already in the East happy, Detroit, so they won't have to be placed in the Western conference. It also makes sense that whenever there is a 2nd expansion draft, the new team is placed in the West as well to have the even 16-16 split in each conference. I think seats will sell well at first, but that could change depending on how well the team does. I'm excited to see what their jersey will look like. Hopefully it won't be a let down.
EspOrrsito
edumacated
Las Vegas? Ugh!
Worst NHL decision ever, nothing but a disgusting money grab.
No one will ever change my mind about this....I'm old, now get off my lawn!
Worst NHL decision ever, nothing but a disgusting money grab.
No one will ever change my mind about this....I'm old, now get off my lawn!
Have you ever been to Vegas?
They want you are THEIR casino, and comping NHL tickets is absolutely a draw to get you to stay at their hotel. From there, when you arrive at their hotel thinking "what a bunch of suckers, they just gave me free hockey tickets!" you will walk through the casino floor around the slots and through the table games at least 4 times a day. You'll make it a point to stop down at some point just for a bit, and you'll give the hotel back at least the money they paid for the tickets, but probably significantly more than that.
There are no hotels in Vegas that want to lock you in the casino and throw away the key, they all offer plenty of perks outside the hotel walls...but that's for a reason. They'll probably have a private driver outside waiting to bring you to the rink.
I can't wait to go back
Gator Mike
Registered User
I don't know if it's been pointed out in this thread, but the $500mm entry fee was probably the deciding factor. Over the next 1-2 seasons QC can watch and see what happens in certain markets, and probably buy and relocate a team for under $350mm.
Uhhhh...if you're board member for a business and a guy offers you half a billion dollars to join you're company...you say yes.
EspOrrsito
edumacated
KrejciMVP
Registered User
I just dont see Vegas as a town that will unite around a hockey team like Boston or Montreal would. My prediction is 7k-8k fans a night. An NBA or NFL team would have made more sense. If they struggle, I think it will be an empty arena. Especially week nights.
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JOKER 192
Blow it up
Not bad at all. Population actually increased by 52 million between 1997 and 2016. It remains to be seen if a "non-hockey" town will be able to sustain attendance numbers after the aura has worn off.
You were prescient, though, in starting discussions about the expansion draft and whom our team needs to protect.
Pia8988
Registered User
- May 26, 2014
- 14,659
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Hamilton Brian
Registered User
Really? I know there'll be some fans absolutely devastated if there is any rubber on the wheels of this.
I personally hated the arena, but there were some good stops to be had around Raleigh.
Food in Vegas is dirt cheap at the casinos if you are strong enough to walk through the gambling areas to get to the buffets.
Adjusting for inflation the last 4 teams that joined the NHL paid $110 million to get in - I can't see how it can work in Vegas for $500 M. Vegas has a tiny TV footprint because you get 25 miles out of town - there is NOTHING.
Adjusting for inflation the last 4 teams that joined the NHL paid $110 million to get in - I can't see how it can work in Vegas for $500 M. Vegas has a tiny TV footprint because you get 25 miles out of town - there is NOTHING.
Have you ever been to Vegas?
They want you are THEIR casino, and comping NHL tickets is absolutely a draw to get you to stay at their hotel. From there, when you arrive at their hotel thinking "what a bunch of suckers, they just gave me free hockey tickets!" you will walk through the casino floor around the slots and through the table games at least 4 times a day. You'll make it a point to stop down at some point just for a bit, and you'll give the hotel back at least the money they paid for the tickets, but probably significantly more than that.
There are no hotels in Vegas that want to lock you in the casino and throw away the key, they all offer plenty of perks outside the hotel walls...but that's for a reason. They'll probably have a private driver outside waiting to bring you to the rink.
I can't wait to go back
smithformeragent
Moderator
Absurdity
light switch connoisseur
- Jul 6, 2012
- 11,398
- 8,037
Nothing really concrete just rumors. Bettman and Francis recently rejected any such claims. Here's an article about the whole situation, and why these rumors started in the first place: http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/article82626492.html. I agree it'd stink for Carolina fans, but Bettman will probably do his best to keep the organization there just like how he has been throwing his support behind the Florida Panthers. Quebec definitely deserves a team, but I'm not sure if it's ever going to happen. The easiest thing to do is move a team like Detroit or Columbus West and give Quebec a team, but I doubt Detroit or Columbus would be willing to, so the league is in a bit of a bind when it comes to giving Quebec a team with there currently being more teams in the east than the west.
JOKER 192
Blow it up
You're kidding right. As someone who has been to Cuba several times, you have no idea how unrealistic that sounds to me.
Hamilton Brian
Registered User
I bet the Cuba you been to ain't the Cuba that you'll see once the American corps get their fingers in the pie. Already heard of big changes.
patty59
***************
Vegas is great. I can fly there from Great Falls for next to nothing. I could probably go for a weekend of hockey in Vegas cheaper than I could in Calgary.
JOKER 192
Blow it up
Even then, so many other more pressing issues to deal with. It'll be a while before a hockey rink comes into the picture.
Corporations will be moving in to make money not hockey rinks.
WhalerTurnedBruin55
Fading out, thanks for the times.
- Oct 31, 2008
- 11,347
- 6,720
From MA? Good luck! I mean, some people do drive a bit fast, so cheers to you if you do it in a weekend!
