46 replies to this topic

[Ozzie30]

TSN - Dave Naylor

Basically states that the NHL could allow either of theses teams to move up to Winnipeg next season. If it happens and the Thrashers find themselves planted directly in the middle of the Western Conference, I don't see how the Wings are kept out of east. Because the Wings are a huge draw in every market and have really helped attendance in the unorthodox hockey markets out west, I can see Bettman screwing them. How? Technically speaking, Columbus is a bit (and I mean minuscule) further east, but the Wings have been fighting this fight much longer than the BJs and I think Illitch would absolutely lose his s*** if they're moved ahead of his team.

[Shoreline]

Still has two requisites -- one, to see how financially viable Winnipeg is (wouldn't be a good idea to just jump from Point A to B without imperiling Winnipeg the same way Glendale is happy to do to their residents), and two, for Bettman to pull his head out of his ass. The latter has the worst odds of happening.

I definitely think the Wings moving to the East would be a good change. Without a doubt would bring back more Toronto and Montreal matchups.

Edited by Shoreline, 02 April 2011 - 02:36 AM.

[Zata fan 40]

As much as I'd like to see the Leafs and the O6 teams in the East,I'd miss just as many in the West.

[stevkrause]

As much as I'd like to see the Leafs and the O6 teams in the East,I'd miss just as many in the West.

I personally think they should do away with East and West all together and go back to Campbell and Wales and have every team travel equally... you want real parity, that's how you do it... as for the moves, give Winnipeg their Jets back, move ATL to Quebec and call it a day... we can revisit what to do with that abortion of an idea of putting a hockey team on South Beach another day...

Edited by stevkrause, 02 April 2011 - 07:54 AM.

[grwingfan]

I would love to see both Atlanta and Phoenix move.

Send Phoenix to Winnipeg and Atlanta to Quebec City.


PS.....Why haven't we heard Milwaukee mentioned as a possible destination for a NHL franchise? Hockey is big in Wisconsin.

[Buppy]

If Atlanta moved to Winnipeg, the most logical move would then be Nashville to take Atlanta's spot, Minnesota moving to the Central, with the new Winnipeg going to the Northwest.

[Uncle Danny]

I think it's wishful thinking to believe that the NHL would allow Detroit to move to the east, regardless of what happens with other franchises. The east already has four of the original six, and the top two non o6 teams from a marketing perspective (Caps and Pens). People talk today about the eastern conference bias -- moving Detroit would multiply that.

As much as I'd like to see it, I sincerely doubt it'll happen. This is a business, after all.

[GMRwings1983]

The entire Southeast Division (minus Washington) should move elsewhere.

[Crymson]

I think it's wishful thinking to believe that the NHL would allow Detroit to move to the east, regardless of what happens with other franchises. The east already has four of the original six, and the top two non o6 teams from a marketing perspective (Caps and Pens). People talk today about the eastern conference bias -- moving Detroit would multiply that.

As much as I'd like to see it, I sincerely doubt it'll happen. This is a business, after all.

Are you kidding? Putting Detroit in a division with Toronto, Bostom and Montreal would provide for some intense matchups on a regular basis.

[Uncle Danny]

Are you kidding? Putting Detroit in a division with Toronto, Bostom and Montreal would provide for some intense matchups on a regular basis.

I wish I was kidding. It would also remove one of the largest draws from any WC matchup Detroit is involved in.

Edited by Uncle Danny, 02 April 2011 - 12:40 PM.

[cusimano_brothers]

From TSN:

...
"The guys have been talking about it a bit more every day, and the one sure thing is that we want to play in Phoenix and not in Winnipeg," Belanger told Sun Sports. "Personally, and I won't name any names, but I've chatted with guys that have played (in Winnipeg) and don't want to go back. There are reasons why hockey wasn't working in Winnipeg at the end, I don't see how that would have changed."
...

I can see why Belanger and the rest of "we" whould want to stay in Phoenix; after all, the crowds are so small, they know the fans by their first name.

In an attempt to save anyone the time of looking: Belanger was born in Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.

[Tr!PoD#19]

Winnipeg is a s*** hole. I hope they don't get a team.

[Barrie]

I think eventually teams will be moved back to Winnipeg and Quebec City, and there will be a second Toronto team.

Also I think Columbus will move East before the Wings. The Wings are the biggest draw in the West. No way they move East.

[WorkingOvertime]

I think eventually teams will be moved back to Winnipeg and Quebec City, and there will be a second Toronto team.

Also I think Columbus will move East before the Wings. The Wings are the biggest draw in the West. No way they move East.

It has been reported on many sites that the league agreed to allow the Wings to move first if there was a change in the divisions. I believe this was years ago though, so I am not entirely confident it would still be applied.

[nosyt612]

I live near Vancouver so for selfish reasons i hope they stay in the west. I also think playing in the west makes the Red Wings better. The west in consistently better and having to compete in the west year in and year out is one of the reasons the Wings are so good.

Edited by nosyt612, 02 April 2011 - 04:11 PM.

[VM1138]

Honestly, I'm tired of hearing this over and over. It's been "rumored" for years, and it usually ends up being some fan's pipe dream that gets promoted as coming from "official sources."

[commadore183]

Here's a better idea on what to do with both Phoneix and Atlanta: drop them both and have the other 28 teams choose the players from those teams. Deepen the talent pool by contracting the league. That will put on a better product than moving two teams round.

Oh, and also get rid of some of the god-awful refs in the league and dump Bettman and company that way we can get some competent people in charge that actually care about hockey.

[Barrie]

Here's a better idea on what to do with both Phoneix and Atlanta: drop them both and have the other 28 teams choose the players from those teams. Deepen the talent pool by contracting the league. That will put on a better product than moving two teams round.

Oh, and also get rid of some of the god-awful refs in the league and dump Bettman and company that way we can get some competent people in charge that actually care about hockey.

Agree with both, especially Bettman. Also, I'd be in favor of dropping the league to 26 teams. The only players the league would lose would be the goons.

Edit: Again, great profile pic. I was listening to that album in the car tonight. I can't get enough of "Dead End Friends".

Edited by Barrie, 02 April 2011 - 10:00 PM.

[luvpucks]

Phoenix....if I had to choose one.


Atlanta is only a 2 hour drive, so I can go to a Wings game at least once a year (this year sucked). If Atlanta goes, I'd have drive 4 hours to Charlotte to see them play the Canes once a year.

[Jersey Wing]

East please.

Sincerely,
Jersey City