Listen up Hockey Fans: Las Vegas & Quebec City apply for NHL expansion teams!

Yeah Baby....the Nordiques hopefully will be back in Quebec City!!!!!

The Sports Exchange - MSN Sports - 20 Jul 15

"Prospective ownership groups in Las Vegas and Quebec City submitted bids for NHL expansion teams by the deadline Monday, although no groups from Seattle made a bid.

Quebecor Inc., a media company, said it has submitted its "candidacy for the NHL expansion process in order to bring the Nordiques back to Quebec City." The Nordiques left in 1995 to become the Colorado Avalanche.

Las Vegas Hockey Vision, a group that includes the Maloof family, applied as "Black Knight Sports and Entertainment LLC," ESPN reported.

Ownership groups had to submit applications, along with the $10 million fee ($2 million non-refundable), by Monday.

None of the three groups that have discussed bringing the NHL to Seattle submitted a bid. Two groups previously had indicated they would not apply. The third, Connecticut-based businessman Ray Bartoszek, apparently balked at the expected $500 million price tag for a team on top of $500 million for a new arena, The Seattle Times reported.

The NHL has said expansion would not occur until 2017 at the earliest".

Read More: http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nhl/las-vegas-quebec-city-apply-for-nhl-expansion-teams/ar-AAdg3ow

If and when the team is allowed in the NHL expansion, will they use new logos & uniforms (see below), but why not go with the old logo
& uniform?

However, "before the decision was made to move the Nordiques to Denver, Aubut had decided to change the entire look of the team in the event he was able to attract enough financing to play in Quebec for the 1995-96 season.

The Nordiques would have abandoned the blue, white, and red palette they had worn throughout their history in favour of a teal, black, and navy scheme.
Had the team stayed in Quebec, it would have adopted this as their new logo & uniform.

The team would also have abandoned the "igloo holding a hockey stick" logo they had used for their entire existence in favour of a fierce looking Siberian husky, with "NORDIQUES" in gray block letters below it and the "I" in the team's name fashioned to look like an icicle. These designs were published in local papers before the team ultimately decided to move".

Read More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_Nordiques

The Nordiques 'classy' last home & away uniforms & crest that were unveiled starting with their 1979 – 1995 (their last), season.



[FONT=&amp]“Hockey...The Coolest Game on Earth”!! NHL Official Slogan[/FONT]

I believe because Marcel Aubut still owns the trademarks to the old logos and marks. I may be wrong, it could just be PKP wanting something different, too.

Not sure I care for the colour choices, but I like the logo. Maybe a dark blue, silver and white would look better.

The old Nordiques uniform is classy.

I would have been favor of an expansion franchise in Seattle if they could make it work. That said, I'd much rather they brought back the Sonics.

Don't understand the serious interest in a pro franchise in Vegas. Seems like it's doomed to fail.

Las Vegas or Quebec. That's easy, if there is only one expansion team, it will go to Las Vegas because Bettman has only one vision and that is US expansion. Quebec would sell out season's tickets in days, if not hours. Vegas is struggling to get to the minimum (10K I think). Does that matter, nope.

Just what the NHL doesn't need; another apathetic desert team. Bring it back to where it should have never left. Nordiques all the way!

ZeroGravity said:

Las Vegas or Quebec. That's easy, if there is only one expansion team, it will go to Las Vegas because Bettman has only one vision and that is US expansion. Quebec would sell out season's tickets in days, if not hours. Vegas is struggling to get to the minimum (10K I think). Does that matter, nope.

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As much as I want to disagree here, he's nailed it.

I would have preferred to see Seattle in the mix rather than Vegas. Although Vegas would be a more successful venture than Phoenix. If the Arizona franchise is closing up and moving to Vegas that would be a move in the right direction anyway, on their eventual permanent home in the Seattle area.

I don't agree with the comments about US expansion only. The NHL is in business to make money and will go where the fields are greenest. I believe the Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg is a good example. If Quebec has the fan base and ownership money to back it they will get a franchise. As a hockey fan living in the US I would love to see Quebec get a team back. The Jets have been an awesome addition. I went to a couple Jets / Wild games the past season and the vibe was fantastic and you could tell the seeds of a good rivalry are being planted.

Regarding the suggested Husky logo and colors, I thought it looked a bit familiar....believe me, the Timberwolves franchise is jinxed, if Quebec gets a hockey team they should not do anything remotely similar to the Timberwolves.

I am meh on the whole expansion thing to begin with especially Vegas. I think Quebec could work, but do we really need to dilute the talent pool any further?

JerYnkFan said:

I am meh on the whole expansion thing to begin with especially Vegas. I think Quebec could work, but do we really need to dilute the talent pool any further?

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There's something to this. Although it could be argued that more kids are playing hockey, and in more places, than ever before.

I'd love to see a team back in Quebec City. Not crazy about the husky logo, though. I'm sure they can come up with a better one. For the life of me, I don't understand the NHL's interest in a team in Vegas. Seattle would be a better choice, or even a second Toronto team.

Bring back the Hartford Whalers. They had the best goal song in all of Hockeydom. How can you not love 'Brass Bonanza'!? It gets in your head and just kinda rattles around there for a while.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTHqwMFY8r8

HEY!!! No way they put a pro hockey team in Toronto . . . then the LEAFS would have to start acting like one. Okay, obligatory joke out of the way, Vegas will get the nod over Quebec. The reason being that when it comes to Canadian cities, the NHL KNOWS they can succeed, so why not milk some cash for the Owners from a US location first? They can always move the team if it craps out in Vegas. My curiosity would be in knowing how many of those season tickets are being purchased by individuals as opposed to casinos (as comps). That would tell the story on viability right there.
And, in reality, a second franchise in Toronto would be GOLD> I could actually root, root, root, for the "home" team if they did that. Not that I am looking to dump my 'Hawks.

snowman said:

I don't agree with the comments about US expansion only. The NHL is in business to make money and will go where the fields are greenest. I believe the Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg is a good example. If Quebec has the fan base and ownership money to back it they will get a franchise. As a hockey fan living in the US I would love to see Quebec get a team back. The Jets have been an awesome addition. I went to a couple Jets / Wild games the past season and the vibe was fantastic and you could tell the seeds of a good rivalry are being planted.

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Really?

Put teams in non-traditional markets with lacklustre support, little interest from the general population, or no youth hockey systems systems etc etc. versus putting them into traditional markets that have been clamouring for years to get them (back). Keep in mind that the only reason why the left Quebec and Winnipeg was the crappy Canadian dollar at the time (i.e 0.65USD) that went on for several years and they just couldn't compete on salaries.

Bettman has already said his priority is to expand into more US markets and isn't interested in any more "small market" Canadian cities, trying to fuel TV revenues and the like. I say the return to Winnipeg has been a success as would a team in Quebec or a second Toronto area team (also killed by Bettman and the Leafs despite serious billionaire backing). These aren't exactly the greenest fields but a risk taking venture on his part that has so far failed.

ZeroGravity said:

Las Vegas or Quebec. That's easy, if there is only one expansion team, it will go to Las Vegas because Bettman has only one vision and that is US expansion. Quebec would sell out season's tickets in days, if not hours. Vegas is struggling to get to the minimum (10K I think). Does that matter, nope.

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dwsteen said:

Just what the NHL doesn't need; another apathetic desert team. Bring it back to where it should have never left. Nordiques all the way!

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Sadly, there's the city that should get a team, and the city that will get a team, and ... yeah, that means don't bother getting upset at those proposed new Nords sweaters.

*sigh*

Thank you, Gary Bettman.

Orville said:

HEY!!! No way they put a pro hockey team in Toronto . . . then the LEAFS would have to start acting like one.

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Actually, I believe there is some sort of contractual protection Toronto has that the NHL won't put another team in the GTA without the Leafs' approval (which will never come.)



I think that Seattle would be a decent opportunity ... I don't see it as a great "hockey market" like Quebec City, but big enough and a good enough "sports market" to support a team ... and a good rivalry with Vancouver to brew. Of course, there isn't just expansion to consider, but the eventual relocation of at least one shaky American franchise ... probably Phoenix, but there are several struggling southern teams that are three lousy seasons away from bailing to the north.

ZeroGravity said:

Really?

Put teams in non-traditional markets with lacklustre support, little interest from the general population, or no youth hockey systems systems etc etc. versus putting them into traditional markets that have been clamouring for years to get them (back). Keep in mind that the only reason why the left Quebec and Winnipeg was the crappy Canadian dollar at the time (i.e 0.65USD) that went on for several years and they just couldn't compete on salaries.

Bettman has already said his priority is to expand into more US markets and isn't interested in any more "small market" Canadian cities, trying to fuel TV revenues and the like. I say the return to Winnipeg has been a success as would a team in Quebec or a second Toronto area team (also killed by Bettman and the Leafs despite serious billionaire backing). These aren't exactly the greenest fields but a risk taking venture on his part that has so far failed.

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I'm not a Bettman fan and have serious issues with the NHL in general. I was a Northstars fan and watched a hockey team move from an area that lives and breaths hockey to Dallas of all places. It would make my day if the Dallas Stars pick up and move to Quebec..or anywhere else (sorry Stars fans but I still have a grudge).

What I disagree with is the notion that the NHL has an issue with Canada in general. I don't think its a Canadian issue at all. I think Bettman has a common sense issue. Or lack thereof. He is looking for TV revenue and wants large markets like the NFL. He is missing the heart and soul of Hockey which is mid sized towns all over the snow belt (Canada and US).

Vegas will get a team because it makes financial sense. The NHL will be the only pro-sport in that town. They will be the anchor tenant of the arena. An arena which will make boat loads of money sponsoring other events...ie boxing, concerts, etc. It is Vegas after all. All of the suites will get gobbled up by corporate sponsors. All winter long people in big hockey towns will plan 4 day long visits to Vegas when their favorite hockey team is in Vegas playing the Las Vegas Outlaws (or whatever they end up being called). After X number of years...if the fan base falls apart...its an easy exit from town because the arena will still be worth millions of dollars for other events.

I'm not saying I like it...just saying its going to happen and I don't think its because the NHL hates Canada. I think it will happen because the NHL likes money. I think for the most part we're on the same page.

snowman said:

I'm not a Bettman fan and ... disagree with is the notion that the NHL has an issue with Canada in general. I don't think its a Canadian issue at all. I think Bettman has a common sense issue. Or lack thereof. He is looking for TV revenue and wants large markets like the NFL. He is missing the heart and soul of Hockey which is mid sized towns all over the snow belt (Canada and US).

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Agreed. I don't think Bettman stays awake at night throwing darts at a picture of a mountie. It's not a nationalistic "danged furrinners ... they tuk-ur-j'bs an' ur cup" sort of thing ... he'd much rather see franchises in big cities, and get a pin stuck in the big cities all over the map of the USA ... be just like the NFL, NBA, Baseball ... rather than focus on the northern areas where people actually WANT the game. Play the game. Understand the game. Buy seasons tickets for the game not because it's the only game in town (*cough*Vegas*cough*) but because it's friggin' hockey man!!!

Which girl do you want to take to the prom ... the one who agrees reluctantly because nobody else asked her and it's you or stay home and watch Wheel of Fortune ... or the girl who jumps up and down, squeals with delight and screams Omygodomygodomygodyesyesyes!!! when you ask her?

Gary picks the first girl, because she lives in Dallas and the other one lives in Hamilton.

Vegas will get a team because it makes financial sense. The NHL will be the only pro-sport in that town. They will be the anchor tenant of the arena. An arena which will make boat loads of money sponsoring other events...ie boxing, concerts, etc. It is Vegas after all. All of the suites will get gobbled up by corporate sponsors. All winter long people in big hockey towns will plan 4 day long visits to Vegas when their favorite hockey team is in Vegas playing the Las Vegas Outlaws (or whatever they end up being called). After X number of years...if the fan base falls apart...its an easy exit from town because the arena will still be worth millions of dollars for other events.

I'm not saying I like it...just saying its going to happen and I don't think its because the NHL hates Canada. I think it will happen because the NHL likes money. I think for the most part we're on the same page.

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See my "girl and prom" argument above.

I guess you will get some attendance from hockey-mad regions who want to see "their team" play even if it's just against the lowly Las Vegas Bookies (seriously, that'd be a cool name) and it could fit with a "Vegas getaway" plan ... but this just feels wrong. No matter if the money manages to trickle in, and barely enough foreign fans fly in to pay, if you don't have a loyal and interested local fan base, you just won't have success.

(But seriously, if I want to watch my beloved Montreal Canadiens play ... it'd be cheaper for me to fly to Dallas or Phoenix ... or Las Vegas ... and buy a decent ticket at a "decent" price, than to fly to Montreal and pay a scalper through the nose.)

I miss the Expos.

August West said:

I miss the Expos.

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Me too! The heckuvit is, they were looking at contracting the Twins along with the Expos. Years later the Twins have a gorgeous new stadium and a team on the rise. They should have left the Expos alone. I hope they get a team back again someday.

ZeroGravity said:

Quebec would sell out season's tickets in days, if not hours. Vegas is struggling to get to the minimum (10K I think). Does that matter, nope.

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You hit it right on the nose. I'm not sure if he's only interested in US expansion necessarily, I just think that he REALLY likes the idea of being the only sports team in Vegas, where he thinks they'll make lots of money.

dwsteen said:

Just what the NHL doesn't need; another apathetic desert team.

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Good point though.

JerYnkFan said:

I am meh on the whole expansion thing to begin with especially Vegas. I think Quebec could work, but do we really need to dilute the talent pool any further?

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I was just reading the other day that there are more young Russians entering the NHL drafts than ever before. I see the talent pool increasing - along with increasing popularity in the States.

snowman said:

Vegas will get a team because it makes financial sense. The NHL will be the only pro-sport in that town. They will be the anchor tenant of the arena. An arena which will make boat loads of money sponsoring other events...ie boxing, concerts, etc. It is Vegas after all. All of the suites will get gobbled up by corporate sponsors. All winter long people in big hockey towns will plan 4 day long visits to Vegas when their favorite hockey team is in Vegas playing the Las Vegas Outlaws (or whatever they end up being called). After X number of years...if the fan base falls apart...its an easy exit from town because the arena will still be worth millions of dollars for other events.

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You make some good points.

My question is with Quebec City and Las Vegas both receiving franchises (because Quebec deserves one and.. well, what are we gonna do, have 31 teams?) are we going to sent the Red Wings back to the Western Conference while they're on easter time? That was always an issue.

So it costs 1 Billion dollars if you want a new NHL hockey team and arena?

1 Billion....really? For a hockey team?

What would a new NFL team cost...5 Billion?

That's nuts!