NHL in Seattle - First year will be 2021-2022; Arizona moving to Central division

[LeafShark]

Seattle Rainmakers/Rainmen
Seattle Dreamers/Dreamcatchers
Seattle Swag/Style
Seattle Gritty/Grit

 

[Took a pill in Sbisa]

I agree, but perhaps this move is more political than logical. For one, they will never split up Calgary and Edmonton, not unless we add another move on (and really, there is some rivalry between both Alberta teams with Vancouver too). The often suggested one is that Colorado move to the Pacific as well. Except, now 3 owners who would have to sign off on the move. I can remember the way that Columbus and Detroit went to war over their placement in the conferences, and it is a headache.

At least with Arizona, they haven't built a team good enough to have any real rivalry. The shame there is that Arizona could be a good team some day. The natural rivalry you'd want to build is between Arizona and Vegas, and really both those teams are culturally connected with California. Not only that, but even Colorado kind of fits with Cali in my eyes (maybe it's just me there), and although losing the Alberta rivalries with Vancouver is big, it seems a new natural one would be made with Winnipeg.

It almost feels like the league is giving up a bit on the Coyotes, like maybe they are anticipating a move to Houston. But for now I'd assume the real answer is just that it's less headaches with owners in the short term.

Sort of weird to think about, but Arizona-Winnipeg would be a fun rivalry given their history, and the distance between them makes it a bit wacky

 

[kylbaz]

Seattle Rainmakers/Rainmen
Seattle Dreamers/Dreamcatchers
Seattle Swag/Style
Seattle Gritty/Grit

Brutal

 

[polmaniac932]

I’m thinking along the lines of the Minnesota Wild:

The Seattle Grind

Touches upon the northwestern trademarks of grunge and skating (even coffee-making, haha), but also relates thematically to gritty play in hockey.

Connotes scrappiness, rough-around-the edges, rustic hockey fan mentality.

 

[8816 others]

Seattle Cascades or Cascadians

 

[Prediculous]

Seattle Sound (for Puget Sound)
Seattle Mountaniers (Spelling is because of Mt. Ranier)
Seattle Rain (real original here, I know)
Seattle Aces (because theres a shit load of Casinos in the area... also to take a jab at Vegas for not using a similar name)

 

[SoldiersOfFilth]

The arena location is an incredible inconvenience, but I guess I get to see my Bs once a year without needing to fly somewhere or drive across the border.

My same reasoning. I live in Olympia and have never seen my B's. Moving to Columbia City. Can't wait!

 

[PoutineSp00nZ]

Whatever they name their team, it can't be worse than the Golden Knights

 

[Coily]

Forget Seattle, Washington Wizords.

 

[KCC]

Whatever they name their team, it can't be worse than the Golden Knights

I'm used to it now.

 

[member 147413]

I'm used to it now.

I was too, but then I realized they’re called the Golden Knights and remembered how tacky it sounds.

 

[libertarian]

Considering what the Knights did in their first season I hope Vancouver can compete with their local rival when they begin to play in 2021.

 

[Johno]

Arizona has always felt more like a Pacific team than Edmonton, Edmonton feels more like they are in the midwest aka central while Arizona is just a short drive from LA to Phoenix.
Doesn't make sense to move Arizona to the central.

Welcome future Houston Aeros

 

[KingsFan7824]

Arizona has always felt more like a Pacific team than Edmonton, Edmonton feels more like they are in the midwest aka central while Arizona is just a short drive from LA to Phoenix.
Doesn't make sense to move Arizona to the central.

What is Edmonton midwest of? Not that Arizona is central to anything.

Sucks as a fan adding another team. League doesn't have enough talent for 32 teams. Just keep watering down the rosters.

In 56-57, a 6 team league, the Hawks were 16-39-15. In 54-55, they were also 13-40-17. The league doubled in size one year, and had a 15-42-17 team, in an all expansion team division. In a 16 team league in 72-73, the Islanders were 12-60-6. In an 18 team league, the Caps were 8-67-5. In 92-93, what many consider as a great year for the NHL, there was one team at 10-70-4, and another at 11-71-2.

There's never been enough talent for the number of teams in the league.

 

[Frank the Tank]

I agree, but perhaps this move is more political than logical. For one, they will never split up Calgary and Edmonton, not unless we add another move on (and really, there is some rivalry between both Alberta teams with Vancouver too). The often suggested one is that Colorado move to the Pacific as well. Except, now 3 owners who would have to sign off on the move. I can remember the way that Columbus and Detroit went to war over their placement in the conferences, and it is a headache.

At least with Arizona, they haven't built a team good enough to have any real rivalry. The shame there is that Arizona could be a good team some day. The natural rivalry you'd want to build is between Arizona and Vegas, and really both those teams are culturally connected with California. Not only that, but even Colorado kind of fits with Cali in my eyes (maybe it's just me there), and although losing the Alberta rivalries with Vancouver is big, it seems a new natural one would be made with Winnipeg.

It almost feels like the league is giving up a bit on the Coyotes, like maybe they are anticipating a move to Houston. But for now I'd assume the real answer is just that it's less headaches with owners in the short term.

Plus, Sportsnet wasn't likely enamoured with Edmonton and Calgary having even more games start at 6pm Mountain Time. They are ones paying a lot of money for the broadcast rights so they have a lot of influence. In contrast, Arizona's broadcast rights are worth significantly less to the league.

 

[TooManyHumans]

I am going to be seriously disappointed if they are not named the Seattle Sasquatch.

 

[Not The One]

Seattle KrakenView attachment 161375

Hail Hydra?

You will comply.

 

[6zag]

Seattle Windows / Their commentator can be Cortana.

 

[AndreRoy]

Oh great ! An even more diluted and watered down league...... who cares about the classic teams, and the Canadian teams struggling . Lets put even more average players on the ice and claim "This is entertaining, pay up!"

Sounds like someone’s salty that most of the top teams last season were south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

 

[Jamin]

Plus, Sportsnet wasn't likely enamoured with Edmonton and Calgary having even more games start at 6pm Mountain Time. They are ones paying a lot of money for the broadcast rights so they have a lot of influence. In contrast, Arizona's broadcast rights are worth significantly less to the league.

I said months ago edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver will have more clout with the board of governors then Arizona will and there was no chance we were moving. They want a solid 4 northwest rivalry of edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Seattle. Then you have the 3 California teams and Vegas.

You move Arizona who might not even be there in 5 years. Or you at minimum have to move 3 teams.

Why would the NHL pick the harder option?

 

[Dolemite]

Well let’s hope the third time for a franchise is a charm and ownership doesn’t bail out at the last moment again like last time.

 

[Sniper99]

Forget Seattle, Washington Wizords.

I suppose in this day in age we cant go back to Washington Bullets?

 

[Look Up]

Seattle H1Bs

 

[belair]

Seattle Surge

 

[LordNeverLose]

I suppose in this day in age we cant go back to Washington Bullets?

So much better than Wizards. Ugh why'd they have to change it.