Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainYooh
What does Bettman & Co. know about the secret benefits of NHL teams in non-hockey markets that we cannot figure out?
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Nothing. They're large markets (but small "hockey markets") which means that they have large growth capacity and more importantly give the NHL a nationwide footprint for the purposes of getting a large national television deal in the U.S.
Personally I think Bettman and Co. are putting the cart before the horse with regards to franchise location and should aim to have financially solvent franchises first and foremost which means longterm support for the game of hockey in untraditional markets such to create a demand for an NHL franchise before creating the supply. I think the field of dreams method "If You Expand There, They Will Come" hasn't worked out to well.