NHL Expansion: 5 Cities Named, Including Two Small Markets, as Quebec Nordiques Snubbed Again
As the famous NHL Board of Governors meeting took place in recent days, the topic of expansion came up frequently.
Obviously, when we talk about future expansion, we immediately think of the Quebec Nordiques and the return of hockey to Quebec. However, Gary Bettman seems, once again, to be trying to muddy the waters.
As Chris Johnston reports in his latest article, even though expansion wasn't on the official agenda for this meeting, it was one of the most talked-about topics in the hallways.
The journalist even mentions some city names.
5 Cities Named for Future NHL Expansion, Including Two New Small Cities: Quebec Nordiques Ignored Again
That's a good one.
Here's the relevant excerpt:
Wow, Cincinnati and Nebraska now..
Clearly, they're looking far and wide to ensure they never have to consider a market like Quebec.
It's become a habit, but it's yet another little slap in the face for everyone still hoping to see the Quebec Nordiques return one day.
Among the other topics discussed at this NHL Board of Governors meeting were the collective bargaining agreement (with its expiration date rapidly approaching), the salary cap, possible changes to the schedule, and player participation in the upcoming Olympics.
A full report will follow.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 11 | 3802 ANSWERS NHL Expansion: 5 Cities Named, Including Two Small Markets, as Quebec Nordiques Snubbed Again Do you believe the Quebec Nordiques will return within the next 10 years? | ||
| Yes | 1012 | 26.6 % |
| No | 2790 | 73.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team United States at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531078.webp "Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team United States at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images")
![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) stops Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531009.webp "Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) stops Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530954.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530884.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
![Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530730.webp "Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images")
