That might be true if the Leafs (MLSE.) where not the league's most valuable franchise but the Leafs are the NHL's most valuable franchise so they do have a lot more pull in the NHL. than the rest of league's teams so they do have some form of veto power .
You'd
"think" they hold a lot of sway & influence at the highest levels of the NHL
JM however, you'd be
mistaken about that. What influence they once did have was like 55+ years ago when Conn Smythe still cut a wide swath, yet even then the league was controlled by the Norris & Wirtz families. Through the Dark Ages under Ballard pretty much from about 1971 to the early 90's minimal to zero influence; through the 90's & 2000's what with the constant infighting over ownership, from Stavro's to the Ontario Teachers Pension Fund, they were far too busy building the ACC, dealing with the City & the Ricoh Arena, the Raptors, TFC, BMO Field etc, broadcast & real estate interests & so on to be paying much mind to what the NHL itself was doing. They had no representation on the all powerful 10 Member NHL BOG Executive Committee, no in-put on Expansion & Relocation Committee's etc.
It wasnt until just recently that minority MLSE owner Larry Tanenbaum was appointed to the Executive Committee and that more ceremonial than anything else. Its reported that Bell & Rogers relationship thus far has been fractious, frought with boardroom battles, the dysfunction just never ending. Firing of Brian Burke, Tim Leiweke in & out, anemic on the ice, just on & on. Successful financially despite themselves, the Leaf brand impervious to market vagaries. But they are outliers, on the peripheral, their opinions while Im sure listened to by the NHL not ones that would set policy in some dictatorial fashion. The NY Rangers, another financial powerhouse, they have rather strained relationship with the league. Lawsuit vs NHL included over website control & content a few years ago amongst other issues.
So while one might think they'd wield a big stick, not so much. The real power rests with Jeremy Jacobs of Boston who as we know also looks out for Buffalo's interests, which is his hometown. He's donated tens of millions to various charities in Western New York & Buffalo over the years, his company Delaware North based there if Im not mistaken.... Rather a formidable foe for Hamilton seeing as how Jacobs actually seems to believe that a team in your city would actually harm the Sabres. Absolute nonsense that it would, and in fact do quite the opposite in turning over a lot more money with a closer rival like that just as Hamilton franchise would do the same for the Leafs, as if they needed any more $$$ huh? So theres the problem right there; Jeremy Jacobs playing Uncle Protector to Buffalo; MLSE under the OTPF wanting to protect their rice bowl with what is Im absolutely certain an illegal position that flys in the face of free trade & anti-trust issues, Jacobs essentially pulling the same stunt from across the border.
Its really too bad Balsillie didnt go after the league & MLSE & expose them for what they are. Monopolists. Illegal cartel of sorts. He wasnt going to get a team anyway but just as a matter of principal wouldve been a grand punch to the gut of a league that operates above the law in this regard & have gotten away with it for years & years & years. As it is, I fear the ground in Hamilton has been poisoned by Balsillies actions, the league not wanting to re-open that Pandoras' Box anytime soon, managing & controlling Hamilton, keeping a lid on it with Global Spectrum in there managing FOC (formerly Copps). Ive seen you post that you think Global Spectrum could help secure an NHL franchise yes? Thats possible, could also be just as possible that they prevent one from ever arriving. The ultimate Fox in the Henhouse.... Regardless, the NHL & MLSE if pushed could not withstand a full investigation into why Hamilton was denied a franchise & thats heavy duty. You get the Canadian Competition Bureau & the Dept's of Commers & Justice in the US looking into that, all Hell could've broken loose, will break loose if another Cowboy like Balsillie appears on the scene with schemes of a hostile relocation.
Only way this happens in the Hammer is with a solid ownership group & plans for a new building willing to play the NHL's game. Thus far, no ones shown up, at least not publicly. When & if they do, we can discuss Hamilton. For now, not on the track, not in the race.