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Bettman: NHL continues to grow, but ‘we’re not in an expansion process’


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The commissioner and deputy commissioner were in Seattle recently:

Two days ago, the National Hockey League scored big at the SportsBusiness Journal Awards.

So, with all the success it has had since emerging from the lockout in January 2013, talk and speculation continues into whether the league will expand beyond its 30 markets. Seattle remains at the forefront of the discussion around the hockey world, along with Quebec City and Las Vegas. In fact, all three of those cities have been mentioned as potential expansion markets for some time now. Not really anything new there.

In fact, commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly were in Seattle recently to get a better idea of the situation involving a new arena in the city.

It’s also been reported that Los Angeles-based real estate tycoon Victor Coleman wants to bring a team to Seattle.

But, as Pierre LeBrun of ESPN reported, the NHL still has no plans to expand just yet.

“Things are popping up, but we’re not in an expansion process. Could we get to one at some point? Maybe,” Bettman told ESPN. “But right now we’re not focused on going through an expansion process.”

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/23/bettman-nhl-continues-to-grow-but-were-not-in-an-expansion-process/

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I always find Bettman quotes interesting. He makes Mike Gillis look like an amateur intern with his lawyer-speak. Note that he asks the question Could we get to one at some point?. Totally leading the interview.

Essentially he's saying yeah, we're gonna do it, but not for a couple of years.

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Seattle vs Vancouver ... Imagine if the Bruins relocated to Seattle. Probably won't happen though

Probably

PROBABLY??

It wouldn't happen even if the Bruins were near to bankruptcy, they are a original six team.

Florida to Seattle

Phoenix to Quebec City

I think that would be smarter than expansion, that would just lead to watering down the talent in the league. Poor Lou, all he wanted was to go back to Florida. In a few years time he might be playing for Vancouvers ONLY geographical rival.

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THIRRTTTYY-ONE! Bwahaha...THIRRTTYYY---TWOOO!!..Bwa HAha...

lol that was bad but funny.

Anyway, I'd love to see venues in all those places (Quebec/Vegas/Seattle). Seriously, 2 teams in Florida, 3 in California, 3 in NY (though I admit this is a good market), 1 in Arizona.

Just looking at the list there are so many other venues where the NHL wouldn't have to subsidize teams like in Florida. The current spread of teams is just stupid.

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If $$$$ is a reason, expansion to 32 teams and every team makes the playoffs.

Toyota Center in Houston is a newer arena and is looking for a hockey team. One of the largest cities in America, with a vibrant economy, and an amazing television market. It should get consideration too.

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If $$$$ is a reason, expansion to 32 teams and every team makes the playoffs.

Not happening. Playoffs are long enough as it is, and if you make it so that every team makes the playoffs, what's the point of the 82 game regular season?

If $$$$ is a reason, expansion to 32 teams and every team makes the playoffs.

Toyota Center in Houston is a newer arena and is looking for a hockey team. One of the largest cities in America, with a vibrant economy, and an amazing television market. It should get consideration too.

It might be a large sports/television market, but it's a city that knows nothing about hockey. Dallas already struggles with attendance and fan support when the team is not winning. Seattle and Quebec city are much better markets in terms of hockey revenue, even if they are smaller cities.

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If $$$$ is a reason, expansion to 32 teams and every team makes the playoffs.

Toyota Center in Houston is a newer arena and is looking for a hockey team. One of the largest cities in America, with a vibrant economy, and an amazing television market. It should get consideration too.

Not good idea about Houston, its another one of those sunbelt city.. People down there care about basketball, baseball and rodeo more than hockey...

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