Rapporter Les Nordiques

[getbak]

That's pretty much what I hope the Flames new arena looks like.

Although, I'm not a big fan of the ice-level suites because you get the big swath of empty seats in the main bowl to start every period like they have in Toronto.

[troutman]

Translated, tender to upgrade refrigeration system at Pepsi Coliseum:

http://translate.google.com/translat...Pos%3D&act=url

The renovation of the Coliseum will cost less than expected
http://translate.google.ca/translate...26prmd%3Dimvns

Regis Labeaume explained that the main problem of the old Coliseum is that it is difficult to keep the inside temperature around 18 degrees celcius to meet the standards of the NHL.

The City will lease two air conditioners and dehumidifiers. These will be installed inside the Coliseum. The City says it is ready to do the work in May, but only if an NHL team in Quebec confirms his arrival.

The windows, the skating rink and safety nets will also be replaced.

[troutman]

http://translate.google.com/translat...24-163050.html

The last weekend, Jamison stated that an agreement could take up to two months before being finalized. Daly was later mentioned in a Sports VAT decision on the future of the Coyotes in Glendale would be made "well before two months."

Is a move to Quebec is an option for now?

"We will consider and evaluate this avenue when it is appropriate to do so, he admitted. I can not be more concise and precise than that. "

[troutman]

"Very critical week for hockey," said Mayor Labeaume


http://translate.google.com/translat...e-labeaume.php

We live in a "very critical week for hockey," dropped Regis Labeaume Tuesday. But do not expect the mayor to say more about the top secret file the return of the Nordiques.

Again, do not expect the mayor to loosen his tongue on the fate of the Coyotes. "Currently, we must be cautious," he said to justify his silence.

[troutman]

http://translate.google.com/translat...rde-espoir.php

"In Quebec City, we will change nothing in our plans. So much so that when we try to vote next Wednesday on the Executive Committee the tender for the changes to the Pepsi Coliseum. "

March 19, City Council passed a $ 6.8 million to spend on renovations of the building. The aim was to produce the plans and specifications to launch a tender originally scheduled for late April.

If we had then learned that a NHL team was coming to Quebec City and would have given contracts by the end of May The schedule remains virtually unchanged, Labeaume said Tuesday. "We continue to implement our plan."

And if the tentative agreement announced Monday in Glendale turns into concrete sales in the coming weeks, the City can always cancel the tender. "It was always an opt-out, he said. A tender, it takes one month. I guess one way or another in a month the case will be closed. "

[Fire]

I have a feeling they will build the arena and it will never see a NHL team. It will just more wasted taxpayer money in Quebec, nothing new there.

The NHL will go to the GTA before Quebec.

[c.t.ner]

Originally Posted by Fire

I have a feeling they will build the arena and it will never see a NHL team. It will just more wasted taxpayer money in Quebec, nothing new there.

The NHL will go to the GTA before Quebec.

I'm starting to agree. The Phoenix situation was the perfect storm for essentially forcing the NHL's hand in moving the team to Quebec. I don't forsee another team ending up in a similar situation to what we saw in Atlanta last year or Phoenix for the next couple. The Bettman and the NHL will try to move mountains to retain any of the southern teams in their cities. Even Columbus, which many casual observers are saying is the team with the potential to move is a strong season and a renegotiation of their lease away from becoming a viable team.

I also think that by the time I team does come up for Relocation cities such as Seattle and a second Toronto team will be far more lucrative for the NHL...

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by c.t.ner

I'm starting to agree. The Phoenix situation was the perfect storm for essentially forcing the NHL's hand in moving the team to Quebec. I don't forsee another team ending up in a similar situation to what we saw in Atlanta last year or Phoenix for the next couple. The Bettman and the NHL will try to move mountains to retain any of the southern teams in their cities. Even Columbus, which many casual observers are saying is the team with the potential to move is a strong season and a renegotiation of their lease away from becoming a viable team.

I also think that by the time I team does come up for Relocation cities such as Seattle and a second Toronto team will be far more lucrative for the NHL...

If the Coyotes are magically saved, where will the Islanders go in 2015? To a 14,000 seat arena in Brooklyn?

[JerryUnderscore]

Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat

If the Coyotes are magically saved, where will the Islanders go in 2015? To a 14,000 seat arena in Brooklyn?

Actually, isn't the new Quebec arena supposed to be completed in 2015? I think I'd rather see the Islanders moved than just about anyone else.

[CrusaderPi]

Seems to me the quickest way to crack open the pot of gold that is Canadian hockey is.... Expansion. How much money would that be worth to the NHL and it's member franchises again to get into Toronto and Quebec City?

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by CrusaderPi

Seems to me the quickest way to crack open the pot of gold that is Canadian hockey is.... Expansion. How much money would that be worth to the NHL and it's member franchises again to get into Toronto and Quebec City?

Agreed, however, with Seattle's situation an expansion team is the best bet as they need a team before they can begin construction of the new rink. Currently, there's nowhere to play in the Seattle area.

[JerryUnderscore]

Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat

Agreed, however, with Seattle's situation an expansion team is the best bet as they need a team before they can begin construction of the new rink. Currently, there's nowhere to play in the Seattle area.

That seems like a Catch 22. The NHL won't award an expansion to Seattle if they don't have an arena. But if Seattle isn't willing to build an arena until they secure a franchise...

[getbak]

Seattle is more likely to get an NBA team back first because they can temporarily play in the Key Arena until the new building is open.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by JerryUnderscore

That seems like a Catch 22. The NHL won't award an expansion to Seattle if they don't have an arena. But if Seattle isn't willing to build an arena until they secure a franchise...

Not really. San Jose didn't have an arena when they were awarded an expansion team, but part of the deal was solid assurances that the arena would be built. The same situation has played out with many other expansion teams in many professional sports.

[c.t.ner]

Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat

If the Coyotes are magically saved, where will the Islanders go in 2015? To a 14,000 seat arena in Brooklyn?

That's a good question.

I'm not a 100% convinced that the Islanders will go anywhere but New York... That being said, it looks bleak for any possibility of a suitable arena in the New York area.

The one thing I think may happen, and of course I'm just a spectator, is that I think the next team that's on the verge of having to move will be sold to an interest within the US. Either Seattle or Kansas or else where.

Quebec City is really putting themselves in a perfect situation for an expansion team. They'll have a new arena in 2015 and a local owner/government chomping at any chance to fill it with a NHL tenant.

[JerryUnderscore]

Originally Posted by valo403

Not really. San Jose didn't have an arena when they were awarded an expansion team, but part of the deal was solid assurances that the arena would be built. The same situation has played out with many other expansion teams in many professional sports.

I think the difference is that back then the league was actively looking to expand. Right now, Bettman continues to preach "were not looking for relocation or expansion."

Obviously, Winnipeg shows us that Bettman's hand can be forced if there is a true losing market and a city ready to take them. However, I'm not convinced Bettman will allow a franchsie to move to Seattle without an arena.

Now, if the league agrees in principle to a 2015 expansion of Seattle and Quebec City soon, that would give them enough time to build the arena. However, historically have we ever seen an expansion announced 3 years out? In any sport?

[troutman]

PKP always confident the NHL in Quebec City


http://translate.google.com/translat...ec-143773.html

Pierre Karl Peladeau was extremely cautious, Wednesday, facing the possible sale of the Phoenix Coyotes to an American businessman who would keep the team in Arizona, while many already saw her move to Quebec the year next.

We continue and we will continue to work on the back of a share of the construction of the amphitheater and the most efficient operation possible, 'he said about the new amphitheater in Quebec, where Quebecor assume management under an agreement with the City.

"It is also clear that we will continue our work to try to convince the League of the importance and depth of the candidacy of Quebecor Media and Quebec City for the repatriation of a hockey team of the National Hockey League , "he said during a press briefing.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by JerryUnderscore

I think the difference is that back then the league was actively looking to expand. Right now, Bettman continues to preach "were not looking for relocation or expansion."

Obviously, Winnipeg shows us that Bettman's hand can be forced if there is a true losing market and a city ready to take them. However, I'm not convinced Bettman will allow a franchsie to move to Seattle without an arena.

Now, if the league agrees in principle to a 2015 expansion of Seattle and Quebec City soon, that would give them enough time to build the arena. However, historically have we ever seen an expansion announced 3 years out? In any sport?

Well we were talking about expansion here, not relocation, so the discussion presupposes that the league is actively looking to expand.

Minnesota and Columbus were both awarded franchises 3 years prior to joining the league.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by JerryUnderscore

I think the difference is that back then the league was actively looking to expand. Right now, Bettman continues to preach "were not looking for relocation or expansion."

Obviously, Winnipeg shows us that Bettman's hand can be forced if there is a true losing market and a city ready to take them. However, I'm not convinced Bettman will allow a franchsie to move to Seattle without an arena.

Now, if the league agrees in principle to a 2015 expansion of Seattle and Quebec City soon, that would give them enough time to build the arena. However, historically have we ever seen an expansion announced 3 years out? In any sport?

Minnesota and Columbus were announced in November 1997 and began play in October 2000.

[JerryUnderscore]

Originally Posted by valo403

Well we were talking about expansion here, not relocation, so the discussion presupposes that the league is actively looking to expand.

Minnesota and Columbus were both awarded franchises 3 years prior to joining the league.

Fair enough. I'll concede the point. If the NHL could announce this summer that they will be expanding into Seattle and Quebec in 2015 upon the completion of both arenas, then that would be awesome.