Quote:
Originally Posted by CroFlames
True about the expansion part and the dollars that go with. But if the league plans on expansions anyway, it doesn't matter if its Vegas, Seattle or QC who are paying the fees, since the expansion fee will get paid one way or the other. The coyotes are leaving Arizona, it's just a matter of time. Why not move them to Orleans Arena in LV until the new rink is done. Like I said in another thread, that might actually prove to be a great move.
I would literally be like a kid in a candy store if the NHL moved from Arizona to LV.
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The difference is value. Much like how the Flames are worth only a fraction of the Maple Leafs, an expansion franchise in a place like Seattle may be worth only a fraction of an expansion franchise in a place like Las Vegas. There is likely more money to be extracted from expansion into Vegas than to Seattle.
As far as just relocating the Coyotes into Orleans' arena temporarily goes, the lease prevents that. Until the lease is terminated or until the team reaches the time where their exit clause becomes available, they are locked in. And I doubt it is much of a concern for the league at this point, as those costs and losses are the owner's and city's problem.
Beyond that, those 13,000 commitments to a Las Vegas team were sold with the understanding they would be paying for a seat in the new rink. Going to Orleans arena instead - even temporarily - would essentially be a bait and switch.