TSN's Darren Dreger Tweet 1
TSN's Darren Dreger Tweet 2
Report: NHL investigating alternative plans for Phoenix Coyotes
What's that, you say? We've seen this before. Well, you're right, we have seen this before.
For numerous reasons that may be obvious, but we will not get into right now, it is good from a marketing and sustainability standpoint for NHL (hockey's highest level of competition in, arguably, the world) to have franchises in non-traditional hockey markets. Some reasons include, but are not limited to: spread the game, open up hockey to new markets, create a wider base instead of just regional (i.e. Canada and the Northeast), large television markets, etc. That being said, there are numerous negative financial consequences that can occur. But, that's not the point.
Basically, if the Greg Jamison deal, which gained so much momentum only a short time ago, falls through, the NHL will be more than happy to listen to offers from ownership groups ready and willing to swoop in and carry the team away from Glendale financial hell. "Plan B", if you will.
Of course, of the possible relocation cities mentioned by Dreger (Seattle, Quebec City, Las Vegas, and Kansas City), KC is the only one with an NHL-ready arena (read: large enough, actually exists, and not crap). And, of course, that is not the only thing needed to have a franchise (read: OWNER, OWNER, OWNER...). I'm not saying to start dancing on tables and buy up Coyotes merch in anticipation of the super-duper new KANSAS CITY COYOTES, nor am I saying to be pessimistic and depressed about the NHL ever coming to Kansas City. Maintain. The NHL probably won't come here, but then again, the NHL did operate a struggling franchise for three years in a non-traditional market. I suppose anything could happen. It's about perspective.
And, at least the NHL has a Plan B, unlike some people :
Haha, it's funny because "Curtis Painter"
(UPDATE concerns labeling potential Coyotes owner Greg Jamison by the wrong name. I said Tim Jamieson, the name of the Mizzou baseball coach, because, apparently, I am dumb.)
