Quote:
Originally Posted by powderjunkie
Leafs
Canadiens
Rangers
Blackhawks
Flyers
Red Wings
Canucks
Bruins
Kings
Those 9 are probably the only guaranteed unmovables...Flames are 12th least likely behind only Edmonton and Pittsburgh (due only to their brand new arenas). The other 19 teams are all more likely to relocate today, tomorrow, or in 20 years, whether Calgary builds a new arena or not.
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I think part of the issue with the other 19 teams is Calgary is next in line for a new arena. I wouldn't be surprised if the worry, for the league, is that if the Flames get a "bad deal", then that is used by other cities as a precedent for the next number of small-mid market teams that need a new arena, and the league overall, not just the Flames end up being worse off in their eyes. Worst case scenario, the Flames are a sacrificial lamb/example for other cities when they don't play by the league's rules.