I'm not sure this is the right thread for this, but I'd like to throw out an idea I've had for years that I've never seen suggested anywhere. BTW, I'm in the US, and I'm not sure if Canadian fans would think this is a great or horrible idea, but here goes.
Why not base a team in Hamilton, but they only play 50% of their home games there. Maybe they could play 20% in Winnipeg and 20% in Quebec, and the other 10% could be played in smaller cities with big-enough arenas. Perhaps call them the "Rovers", maybe even the Canadian Rovers. I realize there would be logistical problems, being on the "road" 75% of the time and figuring out home playoff games, for instance. But these could be worked out (put them in a division with Tor, Ott, Buff & Mont to cut travel, for instance). Ticket sales and merchandise sales would be through the roof, and it could eventually lead to Canada getting an additional franchise or two down the line.
Anyhow, fire away. Oh, and if this is someday adopted, I'll take a 10% cut of the gross jersey sales for coming up with the idea. That should be a nice number!