Last night, the Bell Centre and Quebec welcomed a significant guest: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who attended the Canadiens’ game. This was in reference to the matchup on Monday night between the Montreal Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Bettman’s primary purpose for attending was to discuss the new agreement with Amazon Prime Video and the future of NHL broadcasting rights. However, he also faced numerous inquiries regarding the potential return of the Quebec Nordiques.
A clear response from Gary Bettman regarding the return of the Quebec Nordiques
While being somewhat ambiguous about potential future expansions, Bettman commented on the possibility of the Nordiques’ return. He stated, “It will be up to the project promoters, specifically Pierre Karl Péladeau and any financial partners interested in joining him, to submit a formal request at the appropriate time. So far, that hasn’t happened,” he told Alain Crête during the first intermission of the Canadiens-Penguins game.
The NHL seems to be drifting further away from Quebec, and the message is clear. I believe Gary Bettman favors establishing new teams in U.S. markets and isn’t genuinely interested in Quebec’s prospects. However, it’s also true that a tangible offer is essential for him to consider it.
For instance, Utah quickly made a generous and concrete proposal to relocate the Coyotes from Arizona. If the Quebec Nordiques wish to have a chance at returning, they need serious promoters prepared to make a legitimate offer.
What about you? Do you still believe the Nordiques could return if the right owner appears at the right moment?
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