When will the NHL expand again? If so, where are they most likely to?

Question

Do you think the NHL will expand in Canada (Winnipeg, Quebec City) or will they look to expand in "smaller media markets" of the U.S. (Milwaukee, Bismarck, Cheyenne)?

Answer 1

Hockey should be played in every province of Canada. While I am American and grateful that the NHL granted a franchise to Philly in 1966, the game would be better appreciated in the country of it's origin and development. I understand the financial reasoning behind the Nordiques and Jets moving, the move to Denver has paid off while Phoenix may not draw any better than in Winnipeg. I can foresee a "contraction" of teams in the future. Columbus, Atlanta, Anaheim, Phoenix, Tampa Bay, Miami, St. Louis, and Dallas can be liquidated or moved to Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Hamilton, Quebec City and Halifax. The league needs to find a way to equalize the difference that exists between the Canadian and American dollar so that relocating southward isn't so attractive. If the New York metropolitan area can have 3 teams, then why shouldn't the Toronto area have two?

Answer 2

Seriously don't expand the league. It can't do anything good but be aquick pay-off to the leaugue to pay for the franchise. Also leave the Penguins alone. If they are moved because they are bought and moved that is just the way things are. Don't be starting this oh they don't have fans or whatever. The fans love the team and city became a big hockey thing after the Penguins won the Cup. As to the lower fan base, remember how bad the team has been lately. It is hard to get fans that way. The fans will come back when the team starts doing better again. Most of the people were fans of Mario and with his retirement it hurt the team. There are still fans there. There are other teams that don't really have a fan base or history and would be better to move.

Answer 3

I hope that they don't expand. They are already talking about how the season runs too long, and if they bring in more teams, it could only mean a longer one. I believe they should transfer some of the teams back to Canada, where hockey is a major sport attraction, and give in already in the states where you can still buy a ticket for a game 7 stanley cup final game, the day of. Come on now, do you honestly think that in a Canadian city that would have ever happened?

Answer 4

First off, the NHL needs to take out a few teams, starting with the Panthers, Thrashers, Coyotes, and Ducks (notice anything about location). Even Carolina barely brings out the fans unless they are in a Stanley Cup hunt. The NHL screwed themselves when they overexpanded in to the Southern US and took away teams such as the Nordiques, North Stars (even though the Wild are in MN), Jets, and Whalers.

The NHL wants to continue to shove their league down the throats of a bunch of people that don't care about hockey. It is fine that the entire US doesn't enjoy hockey. You don't see MLS forcing soccer in to areas that don't want it. MLS has expanded into areas where there is a lot of ethnic growth or where college soccer is important.

NHL management and the union, especially Gary Bettman, has ruined the NHL and it will probably never come back. Hopefully Crosby, Ovechkin, Ryan Miller, and the future of the NHL can bring it back.

Answer 5

There was some talk awhile ago about a new possible owner in Winnipeg, but then those rumours died off. I hope the NHL does return to Quebec or Wniipieg, or even set up a team down east like Halifax. We need more Canadian teams.

Answer 6

the league will never get any bigger then 30 teams maybe in 50 years from now. but teams that mostlically will move are Pittsburgh penguins panthers coyotes in the near future, but if these teams do leave the front runner citys to take over are as followed Kansas City, Winnipeg, Quebec City those are the most famest ones on the list..

Answer 7

To be honest, I don't think there is going to be an expansion for a very long while. You're talking about a league that went without an entire year - not to mention posting some of the worst US TV ratings in years.

I think there will be some movement like Pittsburgh or Columbus moving (maybe) north of the border or perhaps down to Houston.

It is going to take one of the larger market teams (read "Rangers") to win the Stanley Cup for the NHL ratings to start pick up again.

Answer 8

even as changed into hockey ever customary in america of a? there is not any reliable junior leagues the following except on the faculty element the position there is in ordinary words a handful. not some thing compared to the NCAA Basketball or football courses. No severe faculties except inner most ones have aggressive communities. there is merely not some thing to construct from. not some thing the NHL does could have a large bring about construction a fan base that competes with the different league in america of a because there is not some thing there from the starting up to achieve any pastime in the pastime. there is not any destiny in hockey in america of a because you won't be able to easily be keen on gazing one league, it gained't very last. i do not learn about the marketable minority participant theory. you want to commerce Iginla to the pink Wings? i do not realize. Manny Malholtra changed into drafted by using the Rangers. Is that what you advise? He changed into seventh universal and meant to be reliable. He did not very last. i imagine he retired actual.

Answer 9

The next cities to get teams (either through expansion or relocation) are going to be Houston and Kansas City. KC was actively pursuing the Pens this year.

Answer 10

I read what mike said and i would have to disagree it needs to actuelly bo more teams over here in phoenix etc.. I mean you come here and see coyotes everywhere! The NHL is the best and what they need to do is exspand and get it inot more places and not just concentrate where it already is liked alot.