Now that the Sabres have Pegula, I actually agree. He's got very deep pockets and is very interested in promoting hockey in Pennsylvania and Western New York, so I don't see him being the type to up and leave Buffalo even if he was modestly in the red.
That being said, he is still a businessman and would almost assuredly be either against any potential cut to his bottom line or request a big indemnity along with Toronto for a team to set up shop in Hamilton.... Once again, it's never been an issue whether or not an area could support a team. It's about whether or not they'll be allowed the chance.
I think we pretty much agree on it all theoretically. Maybe by 2050 Vancouver for example could support a 2nd NHL franchise out in the Fraser Valley, but certainly not within the next 15-35yrs minimum, and even then, its a huge stretch IMO...
Looking at Chicago, a 2nd NHL team,
forgetaboutit. The Wolves do well, did well, and thanks to Wirtz's blackouts & because hockeys so popular in the Windy City people had little choice
but to watch AHL games to get their
fix; it stuck, they got hooked, supported the team at the gate as well. Im sure Chicago could support a 2nd NFL team; but why?. Da Bears not enuff for ya?. Ditto on the Bulls'.
One major league team per city per sport should be more than ample, particularly for hockey, though in the cases of the NBA & MLB, far more advanced in terms of popularity with several examples of 2 team success stories, its doable. This isnt 1925 with a hodgepodge of Barnstormers in the Maroons & Habs in Montreal. Placing 2nd teams in cities in terms of the NHL quite specifically that already have them damages the markets IMO & denys other locations clubs, who then demand entrance, watering down the talent pool. This isnt MLB, the NFL or NBA were considering, its the NHL, forever on the cusp of breaking through with the exception of the rustbelt & Canadian teams; finally taking hold in California, Tennessee & elsewhere.
If Pegula & the Sabres can make a strong case for a "reasonable" one time indemnification fee, perhaps with a window of 3-5yrs on a contingency basis, then lets see it?. I'm sticking to my guns; a team in Hamilton, a local natural and immediate rival, a bridge to the Sabres & Leafs would be a boon & quite the reverse of the Armageddon the naysayers predict. Add Hamilton, QC, Seattle, Houston, Hartford and for Chrissake get Atlanta back in their & Id be a happy camper. Down the road, Birmingham & the Hampton Rhodes area.