54 replies to this topic

[Don]

Where's the definitive proof that they're not getting a team?

You can't prove a negative. I have no definitive proof that Sydney Australia isn't getting a team.

The economy of Winnipeg has been stagnant for years. They don't have the population base to generate enough revenues to cover the costs of an NHL team. Using all reason, there is no way that any businessman would put a team there. There was an independent study to check the feasibility of generating a profit in Winnipeg and the conclusion was that if they sold out every single game and they operated at the NHL floor, then they could get a slim profit. But what is the likelihood of selling out every game if you are always operating at the floor?

[RowdyFan42]

Where's the definitive proof that they're not getting a team?

Where's the definitive proof that they ARE getting a team? It goes both ways, Derek.

[annabelle]

Again. Where's the definitive proof that they're not getting a team? I'll never understand why you wouldn't want one. It would be a chance to see your Canucks.

It's not that I don't want a franchise here..I guess I am just sick of hearing people get all fired up about "the jets coming back" every time someone even mentions anything about possible relocation of a franchise. I don't really care if this city gets one or not..I'm outta here by this time next year..Who wants to play in Winnipeg anyway?

[Don]

Who wants to play in Winnipeg anyway?

That's what a lot of people say about Edmonton.

[Triumph]

what I don't get is why people yearn for the days where there was a team in Winnipeg. Big deal - so there was a Winnipeg franchise in NHL94, I like Evgeny Davydov too - but the team was there 15 years and won squat. They will be operating under much more rigorous financial constraints now - why do we want this? Because 'the people of Winnipeg deserve it'? Look, it sucks that their team moved - but the real mistake was giving them an NHL franchise to begin with.

['7']

what I don't get is why people yearn for the days where there was a team in Winnipeg. Big deal - so there was a Winnipeg franchise in NHL94, I like Evgeny Davydov too - but the team was there 15 years and won squat. They will be operating under much more rigorous financial constraints now - why do we want this? Because 'the people of Winnipeg deserve it'? Look, it sucks that their team moved - but the real mistake was giving them an NHL franchise to begin with.

Because they were a charming team. small, loud arena, whiteouts. They always played a wide open, entertaining brand of hockey. The NHL would feel more complete with a franchise back in Winnipeg. It'll feel more like the real NHL everybody knew and loved. Franchises in Florida, Carolina, Nashville etc. they still seem like outsiders who don't belong. Winnipeg belongs. They may not be a large market, but at least they like hockey.

Edited by '7', 30 May 2007 - 07:18 PM.

[Derek21]

Where's the definitive proof that they ARE getting a team? It goes both ways, Derek.

No where Rowdy. But it wouldn't even be a topic if the commish didn't talk about it.

That's why it's being discussed.


I'm in agreement with 7'. Florida and Phoenix should be relocated.

Some areas are just better for hockey. Edmonton is in the middle of nowhere. Yet we never hear anyone putting them down about how they shouldn't have a team.

It would be nice to see Canada get another team again.

[Triumph]

No where Rowdy. But it wouldn't even be a topic if the commish didn't talk about it.

That's why it's being discussed.
I'm in agreement with 7'. Florida and Phoenix should be relocated.

Some areas are just better for hockey. Edmonton is in the middle of nowhere. Yet we never hear anyone putting them down about how they shouldn't have a team.

It would be nice to see Canada get another team again.

we did before the lockout which you guys think was a waste of time

and star players still don't want to play there (chris pronger?), so who knows how viable edmonton is

[Derek21]

we did before the lockout which you guys think was a waste of time

and star players still don't want to play there (chris pronger?), so who knows how viable edmonton is

Your words. Not mine. The only good thing to come out of the lockout was the new system. A system which hasn't prevented the same fiscal irresponsibilities from taking place. They lost a lot in the process and there's been no proof that it will stablize. Hence the whole Pens fiasco and now the Preds in limbo. I read a quote from Bettman the other day that was just mindboggling about the Nashville situation. If I could find it, I'd post.

[devilsfan26]

we did before the lockout which you guys think was a waste of time

and star players still don't want to play there (chris pronger?), so who knows how viable edmonton is

I think you mean star players aren't married to people who want to live there.

[NJDevs4978]

If Canada was going to get another team would Winnipeg really be the first choice? Quebec would probably be more viable from what little I know, I remember them having a pretty good fanbase despite having to compete with the Habs.

Don and annabelle could probably answer the question better than me though, as to what city in Canada should be first in the pecking order. Sounds like Hamilton would be the first choice except for the whole Toronto territorial rights thing.

[Devils731]

What city would go with the best goal song? That would be my choice because that will show the ultimate viability of the franchise right away.

[Triumph]

I think you mean star players aren't married to people who want to live there.

yeah and that's kind of a big deal when these guys are married to models - i'm sure the nightlife in edmonton is thrilling

the financial irresponsibility is without a doubt kept in check by the salary cap - it's hard to claim otherwise. teams pay out these big deals because they can afford them.

[HellOnICE]

It would be nice for Nashville, Florida, and Phoenix to be moved. Winnipeg, Houston and Portland would be my choices.

[Triumph]

It would be nice for Nashville, Florida, and Phoenix to be moved. Winnipeg, Houston and Portland would be my choices.

wish we could bet on this somehow -

portland's economy's in the toilet and they have a basketball team, houston's a bad sports city, and winnipeg lacks the means to support an NHL franchise.

i would move any one of these teams to kansas city, or even hamilton, before i considered the cities you've picked. I'm not sure why you picked them, honestly. Yeah, Florida, Phoenix, and Nashville aren't the greatest hockey markets, but are these any better?

Edited by Triumph, 30 May 2007 - 10:16 PM.

[Devilsdude530]

Why not Kansas City? Does anyone not hear rent-free arena...high TV ratings...immediate rivalries...strong youth and local interest? Blue collar town?

['7']

Moving any southern fried team to KC would be rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic. The object is to get away from the south.

Hartford would be a better choice than Houston or Portland. Seattle too perhaps.

Edited by '7', 30 May 2007 - 10:29 PM.

[sammyk]

Moving any southern fried team to KC would be rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic. The object is to get away from the south.

Hartford would be a better choice than Houston or Portland. Seattle too perhaps.

KC is in the midwest. Check your maps.

Portland and Seattle are too south for you too?

[Devilsdude530]

If you were moving into a hockey market, would you rather do this:

-Go to a place where there already are hockey fans, already are good local TV numbers, where once football is over, the only competition is baseball's answer to the Chicago Blackhawks, it's a blue collar town that would embrace these guys...and oh yeah, you're paying NO RENT WHATSOEVER.

Or...

-Go to a market like Hartford, that failed before, deal with competition from 4 other teams (BOS, NYI, NYR, NJ) in the area, plus minor league hockey in an already crowded sports area.

Or...

-Go to Houston or Portland and build from no or little (okay, the WHL and the old-school Aeros count) hockey tradition, somewhat of a rivalry to develop (HOU-DAL or POR-VAN) but really still, an uphill climb with the basketball team getting the better of the dates in the arena and media attention.

Kansas City is such a no brainer, there are easily the least obstacles for launching a team.

[Triumph]

seattle's arena was built specifically so that NHL hockey cannot be played there.

kansas city is a slam dunk for the next NHL city.