No offense to the southern market, they have some great hockey fans, but I feel their time is numbered (The smaller markets, not Atlanta, Dallas and one of the florida teams) with the abysmal playoff attendances. Yes, I know they get sweetheart arena deals, but there are (and will be even more) offers like that everywhere in america. Let's look at the list:
Oklahoma: Waiting for someone to be available.
Hartford: If they ever get arena, will follow suit.
Kansas City: They are in phase one of oklahoma.
Las Vegas: Do not quite know where they are at right now, but they will be around pretty soon.
Houston: Been ready for years including expansion in 97, but had no suitable arena, they do now, and Les Alexander wants to fill dates in the Toyota center.
Portland: Sloppy situation with the Trailblazers, if the team moves to Oklahoma, Vegas, Vancouver wherever I doubt the Rose Garden owners are going to let it just sit there with no tennant.
Seattle: Who knows...
There are options, and less margin for error.