edog37
Registered User
I think it's clear the NHL is in no rush to go back to Quebec City and would prefer to keep all markets where they are, but I think QC is more than just a "stalking horse".
QC is their ace in the hole. If Phoenix (or Florida, or somewhere else) blows up, they can move the team to QC at a moment's notice. They have the arena, they have a fanbase, they have an owner ready to go.
Would the NHL prefer to go to Houston rather than QC? Sure. But it's more complicated because it doesn't have the same kind of instant fanbase (though I think it could potentially be a good market for the NHL), and because Fertitta is going to drive a hard bargain.
Realignment would definitely be an issue if Phoenix moved, but it's a solvable issue. Perhaps the team just plays out of the Central for a couple of years like Winnipeg did.
is it really an ace in the hole, or is it another Kansas City? I'm just as nostalgic for the Nordiques as anyone on here, but the truth is, Phoenix has already blown up & the Coyotes are still there. We already had an expansion round, Quebec put a bid in & was not selected. Actions speak pretty loudly that the league doesn't view QC as a viable option, but is more than willing to use it as a leverage tool.