Who will be laughing hardest when Winnipeg watches another team leave for the desert in 5 years?

When (and it sounds like a tuesday announcement is inevitable) the Thrashers announce they are moving it will become a matter of the Canadian economy remaining viable long term. Winnipeg was a victim of the 35% to 40% devalued dollar and the obligation to pay contracts in U.S. currency along with other issues most of us are aware of. The new potential ownership group do have very deep pockets and incredible access to media coverage. Attendance really wasnt a issue in Winnipeg and a salary cap makes smaller market teams with real fan support, a good tv deal and solid corporate money (which with the new groups connections I dont see as an issue) all are factors that favor at least short term sustainability. At this point the Atlanta ownership doesnt care what happens to the hockey club, they are only interested in salvaging the arena and their BA interests so a move anywhere will be good for the Thrashers and the NHL at large.

As far as Vegas...I simply dont see them as a realistic option anymore. The economy there is in the toilet and to depend on a transient crowd every night is a gamble probably even to risky for Vegas. I suspect Houston and Seattle will be the catchy "new" destinations for the rumor mongers on every team in financial disarray. Houston has the population, corporate money, arena and tv market. Seattle has a pro team gap with the Sonics gone, the major tv market the NHL craves and is close enough to the border with Canada to draw enough hockey fans (plus their local economy is is relatively good shape compared to most cities right now).

Bettman and the NHL made a major mistake in over expanding the league, there simply isnt the passion for hockey in 30 cities that there are in many northern U.S. and Canadian cities (Atlanta, Florida, Phoenix...etc). And there arent 500+ players that are good enough to wear NHL sweaters to begin with. I see far too many games where minor league guys get to big a role in the NHL out of shear lack of overall talent. Contraction would be the best cure for ailing franchises and for the game overall from a skill standpoint.

If I were running the league (and I know I could do it better than Butt-Man), here's the plan:

Phoenix -> Vegas (that way the few true 'Yotes fans aren't THAT far away)

Atlanta -> Winnipeg

Florida -> Hartford/Quebec

Anaheim -> Kansas City

Expansion in Seattle/Portland and Indianapolis

Detroit & Columbus -> Eastern Conference

That makes 32 teams, 16 per conference, 8 per division

Top two teams per division get slots 1/2 and 3/4 (Home Ice in Round 1)

Next 4 teams (either division) are in the playoffs - 16 teams miss out

Economic times are hard and I am wondering why Winnipeg thinks they can support a team now when they couldn't before. It's going to put a LOT of pressure on their fans. Let's see, should I buy groceries this week or go to a hockey game?

Wow, are you bitter? From my understanding of Vegas is the economy fluctuates so much a professional team would be taking a huge risk (imagine that in Vegas) because of the fluctuation. I would imagine a football or basketball team would be better to test out pro sports in Vegas.

Somebody's bitter.

But so you know, most Winnipeggers could not care less what you or anyone else thinks about their city or their future franchise's economic viability. Chipman and Thomson have run the numbers and decided that it is economically viable for the NHL to return to Winnipeg... I think they are more qualified to make that justification then you are.

Not Vegas, but probably Seattle or Michigan. Man it would be so awesome to have 1 in Michigan. But hey, if they move, there are more dull U.S. teams to come to Canada as well, like Panthers, seriously, Panthers are the only team in the NHL thats like oblivious to hockey fans and they have no history, no known players, no one ever mentions them or roots for them, lame team in general, but i heard that they are not doing as bad as phoenix in money so phoenix better move to quebec city or hamilton....

Hi

I guess anyone who thinks it is stupid for Winnipeg to get a team again lol. Honestly, I'm neither for, or against it. But I do think Vegas would be a good area to explore for an NHL team.

Your Welcome :o) haha

edit: Kid- Uhhhh, there is a team in Michigan....has been for a very long time. The Detroit Red Wings.........

To Vegas? There's a reason why Vegas doesn't have a professional sports team; it looks immoral to have a team there.

David Thomson can support a team with change he finds in his couch. He owns the MTS Centre so now he gets to pay rent to himself. He must be so like...Muwahahahaha.

Like Atlanta is going to after losing the Flames? ;)

Your bitterness and butthurt is very evident.