If pro hockey business wants to increase their revenue, then it would be best for them to invest and be co-owners alongside their AHL owners and have long-term identity with those franchises in those cities AND invest to co-own and develop/expand the next level down of minor league hockey, e.g. ECHL or IHL or whatever you call it with a similar objective. Broaden the base of fans, without watering down the NHL so much.
Remember, hockey's most important revenue source is fans in stands. Yes broadcast viewership has increased with exposure to more markets and better video technology. But it still is difficult for the casual fan to watch the puck. And it is still a relatively expensive sport to play...equipment, operating costs and availability of ice facilities. If you can attract fans to the game in person, have them develop an admiration & loyalty for the players on their local team, when that player makes it to the show, they'll tune in to the broadcast...hated to see Boom-Boom Caron and the Braves leave St. Louis...just saying, but my love of the game and my local team kept going.
And it gives kids hope to somehow pursue the game as young adults and realize their dream for awhile.
Back in the day, if you knew somebody whom had connections in Canada, then they could ship you equipment from up there for a lot less money. I don't know if the equipment costs differential still exists? But I do know one thing: Canada gets natural ice for a lot longer in the winter, they don't have as many competing major league sports for their discretionary entertainment dollars (and just thinking of hitting a baseball with a bat in chilly weather still hurts my hands).
I also do want to point out that about 6 years ago or so, Florida Panthers had very few butts in the seats in their arena and folks in the know around the league were questioning if that franchise there made sense.
In summary. NO to expansion. Some already are moaning about paying too much for the likes of Toropchenko and others...of course what would our Forum be like without that kind of opportunity?
And the next team that struggles and wants to MOVE, I would give Quebec another chance. This is not a bash on Atlanta, or Phoenix, or Houston, or even Winnipeg. But Quebec has invested in a nice arena, they have the fans. And if increasing TV revenue is the goal, if their play is not watered down and they have a great team with some great players to watch, then I don't care if the signal is emanating from Florida, Quebec, or wherever...Montreal is still my second-favorite team, I also love watching the way those Finns all play for Florida.
League Expansion is
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