Shockwave in the NHL as Gary Bettman's right-hand man, Bill Daly, confirmed that expansions will occur in the coming years.
In a recent piece by Elliotte Friedman, the information is very encouraging on this topic. Rumors suggest that four new teams might join the NHL by 2029.
"Bill Daly was very interesting when talking about expansions.
It's coming-and the union believes so too-but he was careful not to commit too much.
'At the appropriate time,' he said. It's clear that the league sees genuine interest and is setting up an appropriate process, organizing meetings and gathering information. He noted that in the U.S., the NHL is present in fewer markets than its professional counterparts, while Seattle and Vegas prove that there is 'a model that works, a model that allows you to be competitive right from the start' [...]
34 teams, is that the maximum, or could we see 36? Is there a maximum number you wouldn't exceed? 'Yes. Do I know what that number is? No.'"
- Bill Daly, via Elliott Friedman's article
It's coming-and the union believes so too-but he was careful not to commit too much.
'At the appropriate time,' he said. It's clear that the league sees genuine interest and is setting up an appropriate process, organizing meetings and gathering information. He noted that in the U.S., the NHL is present in fewer markets than its professional counterparts, while Seattle and Vegas prove that there is 'a model that works, a model that allows you to be competitive right from the start' [...]
34 teams, is that the maximum, or could we see 36? Is there a maximum number you wouldn't exceed? 'Yes. Do I know what that number is? No.'"
- Bill Daly, via Elliott Friedman's article
With the abandonment of the Arizona Coyotes' situation and the new team in Salt Lake City, it's clear that the news is positive for the return of the Nordiques.
Bill Daly wanted to remain cautious but seemed very encouraged by what he sees. And we have reasons to be hopeful too. It's no longer a question; it's now a certainty that expansions will happen, just a matter of when.
Source: Sportsnet
32 Thoughts: A collection of late off-season notes
32 Thoughts: A collection of late off-season notes
| POLL | ||
AOUT 26 | 196 ANSWERS Return of the Quebec Nordiques: Bill Daly finally confirms the long-awaited news Do you believe in the return of the Quebec Nordiques in the coming years? | ||
| Yes | 104 | 53.1 % |
| No | 92 | 46.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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