As a resident of the Hartford area for the past 10 years (Devil fan as they moved to NJ when I was in high school there), I would be, obviously, very excited to have the Whale return. Only, however, for NHL action, not an undying love of the Whalers. My expectations, however, are very low regarding a return.
They still need a new arena. The HCC was in need of desperate upheavals when they left and it's still the same. While there is somewhat of a "boom" going on in Hartford right now (they are actually building things downtown for a change!), there is still no real indication that this will result in a better ability to support the NHL. And, the upgrades needed in 1996-97 are now not sufficient for what an NHL franchise requires in 2006.
Location is another issue. It has been mentioned in the press up here that downtown Hartford would probably NOT be the automatic first choice. Due to traffic, newer buildings since put up, etc, there is momentum to build a "highway-side" arena like the Meadowlands or even The Rent (UConn football stadium). If CT wouldn't help out its capital city, would they throw money at a smaller town like East Hartford or Windsor or Wethersfield? Do those towns even want an arena?
I also question the overall desire in the area for a team. While some recall the Whaler days with fondness, others have moved on. They left 9 yrs ago and many people I talk to have gotten over it a long time ago. UConn BB is king (and queen) up here, UConn football has improved and sells out, and other activities have filled the void. The disappointing box office for the Wolfpack can't help things either.
Regarding the Pack, I'm not that sure it's mainly because the are the NYR affiliate that they don't draw. It just doesn't seem like anyone cares about the AHL in Hartford. The fact that virtually zero games are ever on tv (just like the Whaler days- anything Boston- Bs or Cs, took priority on cable IN HARTFORD!) doesn't help build the fanbase at all. To the average fan, the stars of the A are unknowns and there are very few players even on the Pack that would cause someone to make a special trip to a game. Also, with NHL Center Ice, NYR games are the only team blacked out up here, so you can't see the Pack players in the bigs once they get promoted. Not all areas of CT, mine included, get MSG Network, so, aside from the radio, it is very difficult to follow both the farm and parent club that are both within hours of each other. Ridiculous.
In order to give the NHL a real reason to consider Hartford beyond nostalgia, the Pack needs to start drawing much bigger crowds to show hockey interest. With the NYR running them, why would they market the team better to possibly allow an NHL team to come back and slash MSG's profits?
No, given the current situation (and I thought I heard this week that the contract with MSG was renewed), the return of the Whale looks like a real long shot.