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Major Turnaround in NHL Expansion Talks as Gary Bettman Drops Big Update on the Process
Photo credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
A few hours before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman spoke about the Quebec Nordiques.
During his traditional annual press conference, Commissioner Bettman was asked about NHL expansion and specifically about the return of the Quebec Nordiques.
While many expected him to confirm that expansion is coming, what we got instead was a major twist.
Surprising Statement from Gary Bettman Regarding the Arrival of Two New NHL Expansion Teams and the Possible Return of the Quebec Nordiques
While the vast majority of experts agree that a new NHL expansion process is coming sooner rather than later, Bettman seemed to backtrack.. and Bill Daly added to it!
"There will be no formal expansion process in the NHL, according to Bill Daly. If a group or businessman presents a project that's worth being reviewed by the Board of Governors, the right to proceed will then be granted."
- Renaud Lavoie
- Renaud Lavoie
Groups can still make an attempt, but this was clearly not the big announcement many were expecting.
As for the specific issue of bringing back the Quebec Nordiques, Bettman stuck to his usual refrain.
Here's a longer version of his response regarding expansion:
"We've received a lot of attention from markets interested in hosting a franchise.
Several meetings on the subject have also taken place.
We have decided not to launch a process, but if someone wants to apply for an expansion team - and meets all of our requirements - we'll gauge the interest of the Board of Governors," said Daly.
"There are people we've spoken to more than others. Still, there is considerable interest." Via TVA Sports article
Several meetings on the subject have also taken place.
We have decided not to launch a process, but if someone wants to apply for an expansion team - and meets all of our requirements - we'll gauge the interest of the Board of Governors," said Daly.
"There are people we've spoken to more than others. Still, there is considerable interest." Via TVA Sports article
Renaud Lavoie's post did indeed summarize the NHL executives' response very well.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 5 | 4249 ANSWERS Major Turnaround in NHL Expansion Talks as Gary Bettman Drops Big Update on the Process Do you still believe the Quebec Nordiques will return to the NHL within the next 10 years? | ||
| Yes | 1883 | 44.3 % |
| No | 2366 | 55.7 % |
| List of polls | ||