Third time’s a charm? Why the NHL believes an expansion team in Atlanta will work. https://t.co/yIfx3mYhK8
– Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) September 12, 2023
You can’t stop a heart from loving. Even when you know it’s not an ideal situation.
You’ve all heard of a couple who break up every half-hour and come back together too often. It’s sometimes exhausting to follow for the people around the couple in question.
And I have a feeling that’s what we’re experiencing between the NHL and the city of Atlanta.
Because yes, the name of Atlanta still comes up in discussions. There’s a lot of talk about Houston and the Georgia city for a possible expansion, and Bill Daly, the NHL’s #2, has confirmed that Atlanta is a possibility. There’s no rush, but there’s talk.
While the good guy from Quebec City waits his turn with his fine fan base and top-notch arena, the NHL is still eyeing a bad boy without a home that hasn’t worked out in the past.
But wait: the NHL doesn’t want to be fooled. Nonsense.
That’s why Bill Daly and his group did their homework. And that’s why Gary Bettman’s assistant says that Atlanta’s bid makes him think the changes are worthwhile.
I think a lot of the big companies are in Atlanta now. – Bill Daly
We’ve hit the nail on the head: the bad boy now has money.
Of course, I’m not fooled: it’s clear that having major companies in Atlanta helps. It takes money in today’s NHL, of course, but it can’t be everything.
And that’s not me saying it: it’s Daly.
In Daly’s eyes, the location of a future arena will be important. He cites the example of the Atlanta Braves (MLB), who have had better crowds since the club got its new stadium.
I think the location of the arena will be important in deciding whether or not to bring a franchise to Atlanta. – Bill Daly
That’s why I’m a little freaked out.
Why? Because we’ve learned that, in view of a third NHL club in Atlanta, the target location for an arena would be in the suburbs of the city.
The newest executive for the proposed $2 billion arena and entertainment district known as the Gathering at South Forsyth made one thing clear this week in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution – they want an NHL team. https://t.co/dOPTUaW3wA
– Atlanta Journal-Constitution (@ajc) September 5, 2023
Normally, when a naughty boy wants to prove his seriousness, proposing a move to the suburbs, where it’s better to raise a family, is a good idea.
But in the case of the NHL, it doesn’t apply.
But hey. If Atlanta breaks the NHL’s heart again, maybe Canada could still pick it up with a spoon. After Calgary and Winnipeg, Quebec City could- ah pis laissez faire.
Breaking news
– Sens sale to be completed soon?
In an interview with @TVASports Bill Daly mentioned that the goal is for the @Senators sale to be finalized, by a vote of the Board of Governors, by the opening of training camps next week.
– Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) September 12, 2023
– Seeing players represent their country is increasingly a realistic project for the NHL. [Sportsnet]
– This is Kent Hughes’ old agency.
A visit to the Quartexx facilities, where the focus is on the specific needs of the players. “We see them play all season, we’re able to establish things they need to improve.” @RDSca https://t.co/xWdxVzl7Su
– Eric Leblanc (@eleblancRDS) September 13, 2023
– Exactly. The Force has opened bigger doors.
Kevin Raphaël | No animosity, just pride https://t.co/iHQe9Yhq4F
– La Presse Sports (@LaPresse_Sports) September 13, 2023
– Oh boy.
The playoff race is really interesting this year. https://t.co/QvgrNMHCsx
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) September 13, 2023