NHL Relocation

I have spent the past few days thinning about this, and I am excited. I have been reading an article from Forbes trying to find out some money information about the NHL because I want to talk about some relocating in the NHL. There are a lot of teams not doing well financially, and a big reason is because of their location.

The five most profitable teams are the Toronto maple leafs, Rangers, Canadians, Bruins, Red Wings and Blackhawks. Which makes sense due to the fact they are all original six teams in good sized COLD markets.

What was interesting to me was that some of the teams in the bottom 5 weren't from the warmer areas. Like the Islanders who do not pull in much money, possibly due to the Rangers consistency as o ne of the top teams in the NHL. Columbus is also a place I would expect hockey to do well but it's not working out that way. Some teams that I expected to be sitting in the bottom five are Phoenix, and Carolina.

Here's is where we start this party. Some of the teams in the lower markets could benefit from a location change. Let's start with Phoenix. The team is playing in Glendale Arizona.... A hockey team in the DESERT???? Wonder why they aren't very profitable, I mean the games must sell tickets just for people to escape the heat. The team has been on the verge of a relocation, but the past 2 years they have been payed for to stay, and they have no owner the NHL had been running the team.

Although they are not in the bottom five, I believe Nashville is not the place for a team either Truly if it doesn't snow at least 5-6 times a winter, there shouldn't be a hockey team there.

There are a few teams that could benefit from a move, and there are cities that are looking to pick up a team, so why not get these teams to a city that wants them.

Seattle has a built a new arena, and while looking to get their Super Sonics back they would love an NHL team. Portland Oregon is looking to find a team to share the spotlight with the Trail Blazers. Amateur hockey thrives out there so why not give them an NHL team, It won't hurt. Another city looking for a team is Quebec City. Moving an NHL franchise to the great white north can never be a bad idea.

Some other cities that might work are Milwaukee and Hartford Connecticut. Get those Canes back where they belong as the Hartford Whalers, and Milwaukee is cold, and those Wisconsinites love their sports and would probably love to see some pro hockey.

I don't really want to get into what teams should go where, but I think getting the lower market teams a new home could spark the players, and create some competition, such as a rivalry with teams in Seattle and Portland, and a battle for New England with the Bruins and Whalers, if they choose to go back to that name.

It's just something to ponder, for now we will see how the new conferences work out.