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As Canada is 1/9th the pop of the US, that's hardly a groundbreaker. There is a lot of missing equity there. So basically, a group with 1/9th the pop, is a mere 0.125 behind this GREAT BIG DEAL in terms of money. And will equal or better it very soon.
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Well if that is your argument...you win. Its not that simple though and I think anyone with a grasp of the debate would admit that.
However, and I will never ever understand this, is why we compare the total populations in this debate.
The demographics of the two countries are so different when looked at in an overall context.
In Canada, you grow up with the game from the minute you are born. You can go outside in winter time and skate on local outdoor rinks in about 95% of the country. You are bombarded by the game and there are fewer (in comparison) options for the elite athletes to consider. Also, hockey is, by far, the most expensive sport to get invloved in.
Now look at the US, particularly below the upper part of the country. they grow up playing basketball, football, baseball etc. The majority of the country cannot go outside on a winters day and find a rink or pond to skate on. They can find open areas to play any of the other sports however. Grab a pair of sneakers and you can go play any of them at most times of the year. Inner city youth, rural youth...all have the same opportunity.
So now that leads to what people will watch on TV. The game(s) they grew up playing or the game they never had an opportunity to. It's plainly obvious which way that question will be answered.
That doesn't mean, though, that hockey cannot succeed to various levels in places it is not native to. This has been proven repeatedly. But if you want to keep comparing it to Canada...well there really is no way it could ever be claimed as being successful other than a few markets.
Growing the game takes time...lots of it. Yes there will be successes and failures along the way, much like life itself. The NFL which is the model of success when it comes to growing their sport IMO, has had over 50 franchises fold since they started playing professionaly I remember reading. MLB was over 15.
So when you put things in context as far as the most recent TV deal the NHL signed to show games in the US....it is a massive coup for them. They have never approched such numbers, that much is a fact. Whether or not it is a good deal over the entire 10 year term, only time will tell. For now though? Cannot be spun as anything but a win for the owners and the players alike.