Seperated your posts into 3 since it's easier to respond:
1) TNSE, if they own an NHL franchise, are not going to operate the AHL affiliate of a different NHL franchise. I doubt the Canucks, also, would like the same guy who signs Byfuglien's cheques to also be in charge of developing their players. Conflict of interest. The Moose would be the new Winnipeg NHL team's affiliate, and Vancouver has to find someone else.
2) Haven't seen the WHL rumours reported anywhere, but the MTS Centre would not be looking to just fill dates. It's the 9th busiest arena in North America. They'd be adding 3 dates with the longer NHL schedule (41 games plus 3 exhibition, compared to the new AHL schedule of 38 home games and no exhibition here). Plus they are never starved for concerts or events. This week, the MTS Centre had Kid Rock Tuesday, and WWE tonight.
3) Any move for the AHL Moose would be contingent on the NHL franchise coming here. TNSE is not going to move their franchise without 100% confirmation that the NHL is coming, which would rely on all 3 parties involved (TNSE, ASG, NHL) signing it.
Actually #1 could happen. Different situation slightly, but the past two season saw AEG, the Kings parent company, own the ECHL's Reading Royals, even though the Boston Bruins are their affiliate. So it wouldn't be unusual. Though, who's to say that they couldn't sell it to the potential ownership group who wanted to save the WHL's Bruins in Chiliwack?
The second point you raised was mentioned many times over the last few years. Perhaps it was moreso reported in Saskatoon, as it was the Blades they were after. I don't understand the reasoning behind it. But, they seemed to want a WHL team. So I imagine that would be their next move after divesting itself of the Moose. This may also be why they are trying to play nice and that's why Thunder Bay and St. John's have popped up as potential landing points for the Moose. Neither fall into the WHL's territory, so they wouldn't upset the WHL further by moving them into Chiliwack or worse yet displacing a WHL franchise. I know the WHL was some upset at Abbotsford being granted an AHL franchise.
As for the third point, it seems like they are going forward on the AHL move. Like I say, with Danny Williams petitioning the Newfoundland government for money, it seems like the Moose are moving. Yet, the NHL Board of Governors haven't even approved the move of the Thrashers to Winnipeg. I honestly, think both of these moves are being made way too late in the year for them to happen for next year. I do have a suspicion that the Thrashers may be a lame duck in Atlanta for a year and the Moose in Winnipeg. I realize that the Thrashers could move to Winnipeg the day before the season and still sell season tickets like nobody's business.
However, I don't think the Moose have the same luxury in St. John's. Will that make any difference to True North? I doubt it, will it make a difference to the AHL? I am quite certain of it. Thus, any move of the Moose, needs the approval of the AHL Board of Governors. From the comments from Danny Williams, it does seem like the AHL would rather not have a team in St. John's. One of the articles quoted him saying something to the effect of this is St. John's last shot at the AHL, if it doesn't work out that is it. If that's the case, then I can't see how the AHL Board of Governors would approve a move.
My guess would be that the AHL would prefer to have the team move into the Midwestern US somewhere. But where that city is I am unsure. I know Kansas City has a fairly new arena that is sitting empty (or might have an indoor soccer team as the tenant). I'd imagine that is where the AHL (for that matter the NHL) would prefer the team to go.
On a selfish note, I'd prefer to see the Moose move to Saskatoon. I find the WHL to be a tired product, especially the Blades. It would be nice to see something new and have an ownership group that cares about putting a winning team on the ice.
The one thing I wonder, is will True North give the Moose the same freedom with roster moves as they had in Winnipeg? What I mean is it seems like Vancouver gives them about 7 or so slots on the roster to bring in their own players. Thus, they have the ability to compete for a Calder Cup. Compare that with the Manchester Monarchs, where the Kings would love to see a Calder Cup title there, but the goal is player development, not championships. So I wonder which model this franchise would take?
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