Chipman first approached Bettman at the Salt Lake Olympics. After the lockout there were further discussions. TNSE was invited to make a presentation on returning the NHL to Winnipeg to the BOGs in NYC in January 2007 -- about 5 years ago. Apparently they made a very good impression.
Of course he did, but at that time Balsillie and Boots had both already put in bids for the Penguins. KC was even used as a way to extort money out of Pennsylvania. Lieweke was flying governors out to visit KC as well. I think it was around 2007 (perhaps 2006) that the Wings braintrust was interviewed by the Detroit News. It was a fantastic article that touched on many things, but most notably it was revealed that KC was on the radar, with some hesitation from BOG members; and that Las Vegas was the next expansion target. At that time, Devellano said without any reservation that Vegas was going to happen within 4 yrs.
The economic collapse and resurgence of the CAD changed all that, not to mention Phoenix being placed into bankruptcy protection and Boots getting carted off to jail. (Don't forget the travails in Tampa, Florida and Dallas). You see, all of a sudden the league was turned on its head where any idea of expansion had to be tabled due to too many faltering franchises.
THAT is why Winnipeg got another look. All the potential US destinations vaporized, with several current US markets threatened with collapse.
Why not both? It is ridiculous that there aren't more teams in southern Ontario which has a population of over 13 million people and one NHL team. The area has the largest concentration of NHL fans in the world by far. Basically, that means there are many people that will never get the opportunity to attend an NHL game in their home market. This is at the same time that NHL franchises in some 'non-traditional' markets can't give away tickets. That's the bizarro world of the NHL.
Because they need to be viewed as separate items, not some catch-all "but they're in Canada" argument. Jasper is in Canada. That doesn't mean you're going to put an NHL team there, right?
You once presented a
Pro forma from Chipman's group about what it would take to make a go of it in Winnipeg. The numbers were conservative, but realistic. Revenue sharing helps even things out if needed. Is QC in as strong a position as Winnipeg?
If the southern Ontario market was in the USA, the BOG would have forced additional teams into the area long ago in order to improve US TV ratings. Instead, since it's a Canadian market they go along with the Leafs and Sabres in protecting the Leafs' monopoly.
All we need is one more Thrashers situation, and there can be no more excuses. Either that, or contraction.
Actually there is some noise -- mainly rumours -- coming out of Quebec, mostly in French language obviously. It reminds me of what occurred wrt Winnipeg, where the potential ownership group and the NHL said next to nothing. But the much larger point: you think they are building a $400 million arena for the Remparts and the Shrine Circus?
I think QC is definitely in the future plans, assuming the numbers can make sense (that
Pro forma again); my suggestion is that it may not be feasible for NEXT year. I don't know, just throwing it out there, but if the owner has to absorb losses of $25 million per year until the new arena is ready, that's $75 million he will have to spend on top of any purchase price.
If the Jets were purchased for $160 million, why would the Coyotes be valuated more highly? Then, add in the $75 million the owner has to subsidize on the operating side, and all of sudden he has paid $250-300 million for a team that is worth something comparable to the Jets. I'm just worrying about cash--- flowing in and out.
Lemmee see. Potential buyer in Quebec (PKP) has 2 choices...
- For $170 million buy a team (Phoenix, complete with GM+coaching+scouting staff) that's made the playoffs at least 2 and possibly 3, out of the last 3 seasons.
- For $200 million go running around like crazy trying to hire everybody else's reject GM+coaches+scouts who then prepare for an expansion draft, where you get to choose from amongst everybody else's rejects, 3rd-string goalies, and 4th-liners
Heck, even the Thrashers/Jets have a shot at the playoffs this year, being 3 points out of 8th spot, 1/3rd of the way through the season. A collection of castoffs would be a few years in the wilderness before getting into the playoffs.
The difference is that the Jets are making enough money right now to cover their costs. Would a QC team playing out of the Colisee (sp) be able to do the same? I KNOW once the new arena is up and running, they'll have a better shot, but how much needs to be subsidized by an owner until the arena is ready (which is in 3 yrs from today, iirc).