NHL Expansion
Posted 11:28 AM ET | Comments 4
Short blog here, just felt like getting my opinion out there into the ether. It's a common viewpoint on NHL expansion but what can i say, when theres no hockey games/trade/rumors to read about I need to let it all out somehow!
I think that in 4-5 years expansion will be more than likely. If this occurs, I would hate to see the NHL pick the wrong markets to expand into. Maybe Vegas is right, maybe KC is, I dont know enough about these two places to judge. The expansion, as stated by the NHL, will be from 30 to 32 teams. Im quite Anti-NHL office right now because Canada (the heart of the hockey world) is being shafted as attempts to expand in the States are undertaken. *NBC getting pick over CBC was a classic display of this* I agree that we must do all we can to raise the popularity of the game in the States, but is pissing off the already faithful really the way to go? 2 expansion teams BETTER not head off to the States. It would be a tragedy if Canada and more specifically Winnipeg or Kitchener/Waterloo did not recieve a team. Of course I think Winnipeg is more likely as the Leafs Organization will fight tooth and nail to keep their market huge. Through the two team expansion, a 1 and 1 split between the U.S. and Canada would help U.S. hockey and also give respect back to the places in Canada that deserve a team! If Betmann and the NHL office send one team to Vegas and one team to KC, I won't rebel by refusing to watch hockey because only i would be hurt. I SURE WONT BE A HAPPY CAMPER THOUGH!
I think that in 4-5 years expansion will be more than likely. If this occurs, I would hate to see the NHL pick the wrong markets to expand into. Maybe Vegas is right, maybe KC is, I dont know enough about these two places to judge. The expansion, as stated by the NHL, will be from 30 to 32 teams. Im quite Anti-NHL office right now because Canada (the heart of the hockey world) is being shafted as attempts to expand in the States are undertaken. *NBC getting pick over CBC was a classic display of this* I agree that we must do all we can to raise the popularity of the game in the States, but is pissing off the already faithful really the way to go? 2 expansion teams BETTER not head off to the States. It would be a tragedy if Canada and more specifically Winnipeg or Kitchener/Waterloo did not recieve a team. Of course I think Winnipeg is more likely as the Leafs Organization will fight tooth and nail to keep their market huge. Through the two team expansion, a 1 and 1 split between the U.S. and Canada would help U.S. hockey and also give respect back to the places in Canada that deserve a team! If Betmann and the NHL office send one team to Vegas and one team to KC, I won't rebel by refusing to watch hockey because only i would be hurt. I SURE WONT BE A HAPPY CAMPER THOUGH!
As much as I would like to see Winnipeg get an NHL team again I don't think it's ever going to Happen. They Built that new Building (MTS Centre) way too small. 15,000 People is not big enough in my Opinion.I hope I am wrong....I wouldn't Mind beating up the Jets again.
Vegas seems obvious, and might even be a draw elsewhere in the league. Winnipeg and Kitchener, not so much. I'd love to see Hartford get a team, but I won't hold my breath.
This may not be a popular opinion, but is more likely than Winnipeg. What about Europe? There's already an existing draw -- how many players cross the pond to play here?The only bad thing about expanding, is the effect on the talent pool. There are already too many AHL calibur players in the NHL.
As far as Canadian teams go: Hamilton, Winnepeg, Quebec City, and Halifax should be considered.US Teams: Portland Oregon, Seattle, or Las Vegas. Having lived in KC folks out that way don't know much about hockey. Portland Oregon however, know there's a town. I'm a huge Islanders fan and watch Isles games on TV at local bars, people love the sport. They ask me who I'm pulling fo and usually chant along with me "lets go ISLANDERS". I think Portland would be a fun place to expand.As far as the Leafs market is concerned, screw them. I'd love to Hamilton in the league. Anyone have any suggestions about a Hamilton's team name? How about Leaf Eaters!