The NHL has taken great steps back toward viability with all the rule changes last year. I certainly think, in some markets...example, Buffalo...the popularity of the game has increased.
However, there is still the question of certain franchises surviving where they are as the fan's in that city have not embraced the team nor game. Example as how the Thrashers have a great record but can't seem to fill the arena...similar to the Flames in the 70s before they went to Calgary.
So, as step two of the NHL's face lift...let's assume contraction will not be an option. Who is moving, and to where?
2006-11-13 04:31:36 · 9 answers · asked by Gwydyon 4 in Sports ➔ Hockey
In today's sports environment, it's not so much how the sport is received but a matter of simple business demographics. There are a handful of locations that are supportive of hockey and without a team to support but they won't get a team in the near future due to the population size, financial backing, and stadium situations. But there are other, more "attractive" cities that represent an opportunity for return of investment that would not have a hockey team even if summer turned to winter.
It seems to me that the likeliest destination for a franchise move are Kansas City, Hartford, and Salt Lake City. The teams most likely to move are the Coyotes, Panthers, Islanders, and Penguins.
The disparity Between the Canadian and American dollars is the biggest influence in deciding where to put a team. If something isn't resolved, the unthinkable could occur. The Canadiens, Maple Leafs, and Canucks can stick around, even operate at a loss, but smaller cities could lose their squads as Quebec and Winnipeg did. The odd situation in my mind is the Ottawa team. How can the capital city not have a team for decades, get a new one, and still struggle? Simple, it's all about profit and it is hard to do that and remain competitive in Canada vs. the United States.
Personally, I'd like to see less southern U.S. teams and more northern cities in the league. And, I am a proponent of contraction.
2006-11-13 12:09:33 · answer #1 · answered by Awesome Bill 7 · 4⤊ 3⤋
The game is not more popular in Buffalo. It's always been popular there. Attendance has picked up beacuse they are winning. These are not blind to a fault Make Belief fans who show up like Cubs fan win or lose. Sabres fans, like most hockey fans, turn out when the team wins and is exciting to watch.
I doubt any team will move in the near future. Look at franchise moves over the years and it has been due to economics. Now the playing field is level with the salary cap and costs are basically "known."
The other question is where would they move? I mean, there really are no bigger markets out there unless you think the NHL will fly in Vegas, San Diego or Houston. Hopefully, teams would move back to Winnipeg and Quebec but I doubt it. Economically, it makes no sense. Hockey fan-wise, it does.
As far as filling the arena--NHL hockey is an overpriced ticket. I mean, look at the value vs. an MLB, NFL or NBA game price-wise.
Chicago and Boston do not fill their arenas because the owners of both teams have run those franchises into the ground not due to lack of fan support. They have GREAT fans who are also intelligent enough to realize forking over hard-earned dough to watch shadows of teams is just stupid.
OK, IF (big if) any team moves, I think it'll be Florida and I hope it's to the West Coast to cut down on the Canucks' travel. Portland or Seattle would be great but markets are tiny there. At least Seattle has all that Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks cash flow.
2006-11-13 13:17:04 · answer #2 · answered by fugutastic 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I doubt any team will move in the near future.
Pittsburgh, without a new arena, is the most likely candidate -- but a new arena will get done. The NHL does not want to lose the city that pulls the third-highest TV ratings for hockey and certainly does not want to move a "small" market team after losing a season to fix the economic problems.
2006-11-13 13:10:40 · answer #3 · answered by mothertrucker 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Don't judge too quickly about Americans not caring about the game as much as Canadians. I will admit that many.. (not to generalize) Americans don't appreciate the game. But the numbers of player and team expansion in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex is growing incredibly fast. I applaud the placements of franchises in "obscure" places. It's expanding the sport! Maybe hockey will finally gain the support it deserves! Of course, I'm a huge Stars fan.
As for the question, I don't see any teams moving in the near future. But I'm waiting for the day some big cities will find themselves with a hockey team.
2006-11-13 18:01:08 · answer #4 · answered by burnttea06 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hamilton will never get an NHL team. The city falls in both the territorial areas of the Leafs and Sabres. There is a chance that the Leafs would grant permission, but the Sabres never will.
2006-11-13 15:34:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'd like to see the Coyotes move back to Winnipeg. Seriously, how many of the people living in Phoenix has ever seen the ice?
If not, bring any of the American teams to Canada. Hockey is Canada's game so why are we being outnumbered by the Americans that have a majority of people who don't even care about the game as much as we do?
2006-11-13 16:34:25 · answer #6 · answered by SN 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋
other than the penguins to hamilton rumor, i haven't heard anything about relocation. london, ontario has been mentioned sporadically as a relocation site over the last few years. i can't think of anywhere else that could support a team. the league will not go back to winnipeg and quebec.
2006-11-13 12:42:06 · answer #7 · answered by rive_sud 3 · 1⤊ 4⤋
i will pick pitsburg to move to canada hamilton most likly.
2006-11-13 12:35:27 · answer #8 · answered by lcayote 5 · 5⤊ 2⤋
LOVE TO SEE PITTSBURGH IN HAMILTON.
SO THEY CAN BEAT THE LEAFS
2006-11-13 14:11:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋