Vancouver, Toronto, New York. That is 3. It will take more than that. And where are those 'deep pocket' owners going to come from? Why would anyone, individual, corporation, or bank, want to put money into this? And why would the NHL players want to play in a league that would most certainly have linkage and a salary cap for far less than they could get in the NHL? Why would a Crosby give up the chance to play for the Stanley Cup to do that?
The radical rule changes could be a good thing. Bettman said they had plans to use the shortened season to test some changes as well.
I understand that some people would like an alternative league. Especially those who tend to blame the owners for the fact there is no hockey this year. I just do not see it as a viable alternative. It takes a lot more money to get a league off the ground now than it did when the old WHA started up in 1972.