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Looks like expansion is highly unlikely. The more likely scenario is that one of the sunbelt teams fail (AZ or FLA). In that case the smart option is to move the club north to the birthplace of hockey. Quebec City should be the top destination with Hamilton as a secondary option.
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Originally Posted by cjseliga
I think the NFL and NHL are done with expansion for awhile, the next expansion team(s) will probably be in the NBA then MLB (I know baseball is dead!), both jumping to 32 teams like the NFL and NHL within the next 10 years.
As for relocation, the Yotes and Panthers are most likely the top 2 candidates. I would move Florida to Quebec City and Arizona to Houston or maybe Kansas City (probably not)?
Is it possible that Hockey fans can give the Florida Panthers a chance to be a competitive team (which they look like they are turning into now) and build a fanbase around that before we start "selling them off" to Quebec City or elsewhere? This sentiment is everywhere on the Hockey forums but honestly why would someone who isn't a die-hard fan go support the Panthers these last two decades? 3 playoff appearances since 2000, why are people shocked that the building isn't full night after night? They've now got something that looks like it can be sustainable for awhile, and their building was quite lively during the Playoffs this past year. Let's give them a chance.
As for the Coyotes, they have a new-ish owner who has stated he is committed to the Phoenix area. We'll see, unfortunately unlike the Panthers, the team itself doesn't look good right now.
Right about Arizona. The team is probably staying put for a while. They seemed to have at least temporarily resolved the issue with the team, the city, and the lease.
Right about Arizona. The team is probably staying put for a while. They seemed to have at least temporarily resolved the issue with the team, the city, and the lease.
Coyotes being evicted from their home June 2022. A possible move to Tempe, as well as a rumored sale of team and being moved to either Houston or Quebec City.
The Coyotes arena news isn't good for the future of the franchise in Phoenix. They'll need a plan/place to play very quickly if they are going to stay in the Phoenix area.
Looks like expansion is highly unlikely. The more likely scenario is that one of the sunbelt teams fail (AZ or FLA). In that case the smart option is to move the club north to the birthplace of hockey. Quebec City should be the top destination with Hamilton as a secondary option.
Agreed that there are enough teams struggling in their current markets that expansion is not necessary. I don't necessarily agree with Canada being where both teams should go. There are issues with the tax structure that make it difficult for Canadian teams to compete on an even playing field in the NHL.
The Coyotes arena news isn't good for the future of the franchise in Phoenix. They'll need a plan/place to play very quickly if they are going to stay in the Phoenix area.
Bettman never liked the Coyotes in Glendale. Some would rather see them in Scottsdale since that is the area restaurant/entertainment district. If they stay in the area they would have to go back to sharing the arena with the Suns until a new one is built. However for what ever the reason current ownership is thinking Tempe.
However there is a significant amount of back rent owed and its gonna be a tough sell to get a new arena.
I doubt the Coyotes move. They were rumored to leave last time, and that didn't happen. They were the front runners to relocate also.
No one was expecting the Coyotes to be thrown out of their home. That is a done deal effective end of next season. If they remain in the area long term it will be at a new privately funded arena in Tempe.
Where they play in the interim is the question. Most likely same home as the Suns, although new rumors emerging that is could be Chase Field, home of the D-Backs. They have a retractable roof.
No one was expecting the Coyotes to be thrown out of their home. That is a done deal effective end of next season. If they remain in the area long term it will be at a new privately funded arena in Tempe.
Where they play in the interim is the question. Most likely same home as the Suns, although new rumors emerging that is could be Chase Field, home of the D-Backs. They have a retractable roof.
It's not really a "done deal". Glendale is trying to play hardball because they are infuriated about Tempe possibly luring them away. Local political spat. We shall see what happens. I would not be shocked if Glendale comes back to the negotiating table before all is said and done. There is more contingent options than Glendale anticipated.
What about Albuquerque, New Mexico? They should be granted an NHL team.
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