Positive Update for an NHL Return to Quebec City, Gary Bettman Will Get a Strong Message
After the Los Angeles Kings, it's now the Ottawa Senators' turn to visit Quebec City to play two preseason games at the Centre Vidéotron in the fall of 2025.
This visit by the Senators reignites the eternal debate about the possible return of the Nordiques, and while few believe that the presence of the team from the nation's capital in Quebec City helps bring the NHL back, a local journalist has a different opinion.
The Senators' visit to Quebec City is good for Nordiques supporters
During a recent appearance on Noovo Info, Mikaël Lalancette, a journalist for Le Soleil, argued that the Senators' visit to Quebec City is very positive.
Quebec's name will continue to circulate.
It shows that organizing games in Quebec is viable, it brings visibility, and it's an investment.»
- Mikaël Lalancette
While this does not guarantee the NHL's return to Quebec City, league executives will once again see that the city is ready to welcome a franchise in a great way, regardless of the circumstances.
However, the journalist expressed disappointment that no representative from the Montreal Canadiens-who will be one of the Senators' two opponents at the Centre Vidéotron-was present for the announcement.
I think they could have sent a representative.
That's the team that will be cheered in Quebec.»
- Mikaël Lalancette
It raises the question of whether the Canadiens organization opposes the return of the Nordiques to Quebec City.
Even if these two preseason games featuring the Senators in Quebec City are a massive success, it is unlikely that Quebec will move ahead of Houston or Atlanta in the minds of NHL executives when it comes to the next expansion.
However, if fans show up once again, it will be further proof that hockey in Quebec City can be viable for the return of an NHL team.
