Howard Bloom (Sports Business News): The NHL will add four expansion teams by 2017, collecting about $1.4 billion in expansion fees: Las Vegas, Quebec City, Seattle and Toronto.
Matt Brown: A team executive has said that he wouldn’t use the term “done deal” with regards to what he’s heard about expansion to Las Vegas.
Jimmy Murphy: Multiple sources still saying that a team could end up in Markham, Ontario.
James Mirtle: One of the bigger reasons that Las Vegas is on the NHLs list is that they want to balance out the conferences and there are not a lot of options in the West. Seattle could be the top pick though according to what Mirtle has heard.
David Pagnotta: “I haven’t heard Vegas is a “done deal” but it’s definitely in serious contention. Again, needs sound ownership and proof of local support. And when I say “local support” for Vegas, I’m not talking about the casinos. That’s over and above local season tickets. The Vegas arena being built by AEG & MGM will also be heavily populated with suites, which you’d assume the casinos would scoop up. As for Quebec City… Their new rink is projected to be open for business in Sept 2015. I know NHL would love to get into SEA market & be 1st big league into LV (group is also trying to bring MLS to Vegas). But lots of variables. For those suggesting PHX/FLA should move: with new ownership groups for both, despite struggles/losses, expansion is far ahead of relocation. Expansion also = BIG money expansion fees, which gets split solely among owners (and creating more jobs for players). On SEA: NHL has said no to using KeyArena. That said, if a new rink is being built & new team has to play there for 1yr, I’m sure it’ll fly.
