Are Winnipeg or Quebec legit NHL markets?
Like most old school, hard core hockey fans I miss the days of the Winnipeg Jets and Quebec Nordiques. There have been a lot of rumors lately of Canadian NHL teams moving from city to city and sure some of that is just posturing, but I would like to see more hockey teams in Canadian cities, and not in places like ya know the Arizona Desert or Atlanta. However, we must look at these cities and see if they could sustain a NHL franchise.
Sure the NHL is a lot different place than when the Nordiques and Jets left for Colorado and Phoenix respectively. There is a salary cap, and some argue that gives NFL franchises cost certainty. While that is mostly true, NHL salaries have risen at big rates in recent years. Since 1996 NHL salaries have grown 132%. In comparison the GDP of Winnipeg grew just 53% in the same time period.
That would mean a city that could not afford a NHL franchise 14 years ago, has not grown its economy enough to be able to afford one now, even with a salary cap. We also have to factor in that Canadian teams are at a disadvantage as NHL contracts are paid out in US dollars. That means any Canadian pro sports team is automatically at a disadvantage.
Other sports leagues have found success in unconventional markets in unconventional ways. Putting hockey where hockey is popular seems like a good idea, but maybe not a practical one.
