Last-Minute Twist: The Checks are Ready for the Grand Return of the Quebec Nordiques

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Joe El-Khoury
May 19, 2023 (8:15)

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Since the negative outcome of the referendum in Tempe regarding the survival of the Coyotes in Arizona, speculation has been rampant regarding the franchise's future in the desert.

Even though the team will play at the Mullet Arena in 2023-2024, the possibility of relocation is highly likely. Unfortunately for hockey fans in Quebec, it appears that other American cities have a head start over the Old Capital in terms of hosting the Coyotes.

However, while many experts doubt the financial capabilities of the corporate sector in the Quebec region to sustain an NHL team, a former defenseman from the area made a statement that might reassure those hesitant about the eventual return of the Nordiques.

During his appearance on Jean-Charles Lajoie's show on TVA Sports, Philippe Boucher stated that about a year and a half ago, he encountered a former NHL executive at an airport in Florida.

Under the condition of anonymity, the executive told him that everything is in place for Quebec to regain its Nordiques relatively quickly.

"He said to me, 'Phil, I believe in it. The checks are ready. There is more than one group capable of bringing a team to Quebec. There is a lot of money in Quebec, more than people think. There are people ready to do it, and it will happen within the next two years, or it won't happen.' We're talking about approximately 14 months ago, and this is someone I greatly respect."

"I still believe in it, but it needs to happen soon."

Boucher's remarks are quite interesting, and he even suggested that if Quebec were to rejoin the exclusive circle of NHL teams, the Nordiques would not be seen as a poor relation, and there is more money in Quebec than people realize.

"We'll sell luxury boxes; there are companies doing very well," he stated. "Include Beauce in that; there is a lot of money and successful companies in Beauce. I know many people from Rimouski who have season tickets for the Canadiens, do you think there wouldn't be any in Quebec? Add Saguenay to that... we have a market for it. We wouldn't envy Winnipeg or Ottawa."

"There is more than one group ready to write the check. All we need is the green light from the National League, and we've been waiting for it for a few years."

Wow! This is a scenario that could make even the most optimistic dream of a short-term return of the Quebec Nordiques.

However, despite the comments from this high-ranking executive, the reality is quite different at the moment, and it would still be surprising for the Coyotes to move to Quebec for various reasons.

But simply mentioning that there is indeed money in Quebec to sustain an NHL team can still be good news under the circumstances, and there is always hope to one day see the blue jersey back on NHL ice.