Si Weekes Houston Atlanta Leading NHL Expansion List

[LeafalCrusader]

So if we assume Atlanta and Houston are 33 and 34. If QC is #35 who is #36?

They'll want to go back to Phoenix. QC is a long shot.

 

[GKJ]

Two teams are once would be way more fun

 

[aqib]

They'll want to go back to Phoenix. QC is a long shot.

Well if they go to Phoenix then they would need a team in the east.

 

[dj4aces]

Enough with expansion. 16 and 16 is enough. Any more will start to water down the product.

Atlanta and Houston can get in line for relocation spots.

Still wish Quebec City was on the radar...but oh well.

Let me put it this way.
An expansion fee will be in excess of $1bn, and likely closer to $2bn per franchise.
The relocation fee Smith paid to the NHL to bring Coyotes assets to Utah was $200 million.

Houston and Atlanta are the two largest markets without NHL teams, ranked #4 and #6. Now, a small place like QC can get in line for a relocation (assuming PKP can finally get investors), but Atlanta and Houston skip the relocation line because the league and its owners like money, and like those willing to pay said money.

Well if they go to Phoenix then they would need a team in the east.

Nashville could move east, opening the way for a team in western market (KC, SD someplace else?). They could also have a team in Cincinnati. But that's also an outside possibility, because the eastern US is rather crowded once Atlanta is added, so my money is on moving Nashville east.

I'm fully on the record as being one who'd like to see QC return, but QC has a lot more disadvantages than it does advantages. I really don't see a way forward for QC outside of a relocation destination. Even then, they need an owner who isn't still seeking investors 11 years after initially saying he's looking for investors to bring the NHL back to town.

 

[FlyguyOX]

lol QC can't hold a candle to HOU/ATL