Coyotes update (Damien Cox article)

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This is the last year the league will own the Yotes (according to Cox)

Cox: NHL set to unload or move Coyotes - thestar.com

 

[KennyBanyeah]

Phoenix to Quebec and the NE division.

Boston to the Atlantic.

Philly to the SE.

Colorado to the Pacific.

Winnipeg to the NW.

Done. No take backs!!

 

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But if Boston moves to the Atlantic, that takes away the Boston - Montreal rivalry (the best one in hockey)

 

[higgyfan4]

But if Boston moves to the Atlantic, that takes away the Boston - Montreal rivalry (the best one in hockey)

Now I was just told that Vancouver/Chicago was the best rivalry.

 

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Now I was just told that Vancouver/Chicago was the best rivalry.

That's a riot...

 

[filosofy29]

That's a riot...

lol. Ouch!

 

[KennyBanyeah]

But if Boston moves to the Atlantic, that takes away the Boston - Montreal rivalry (the best one in hockey)

Good point.

But I'd bet the Rangers-Bruins would develop nicely.

Maybe Buffalo to the ATL?

 

[dash]

Maybe Buffalo to the ATL?

That would hurt the Sabres - Leafs rivalry.

30 teams poses a problem because I'd rather see fewer divisions and maintain the historical rivalries. The league either needs to contract two teams (to get down to 28) or add two teams so that we have four divisions of 7 teams each or four divisions of 8 teams each. Then restructure the playoffs so that you're playing against your divisional opponents to really add back the hate within each division.

 

[esls79]

That would hurt the Sabres - Leafs rivalry.

30 teams poses a problem because I'd rather see fewer divisions and maintain the historical rivalries. The league either needs to contract two teams (to get down to 28) or add two teams so that we have four divisions of 7 teams each or four divisions of 8 teams each. Then restructure the playoffs so that you're playing against your divisional opponents to really add back the hate within each division.

I miss the divisional playoffs rivalries as well. I say expand to 32 teams, bring back the divisional names (that was one of Bettman's first moves as commish, getting rid of the names) and let the hatred due to playoff rivalries ensue. The only prerequisite is of course the Norris division teams need to stock up on goons and plumbers...

 

[Slimpikins]

If I had to chose I would pick contraction. I don't think the league needs two more teams.

Why not just go to a two conference system and do away with divisions all together?
Travel budgets.

Ok that was a stupid question.

 

[KennyBanyeah]

That would hurt the Sabres - Leafs rivalry.

30 teams poses a problem because I'd rather see fewer divisions and maintain the historical rivalries. The league either needs to contract two teams (to get down to 28) or add two teams so that we have four divisions of 7 teams each or four divisions of 8 teams each. Then restructure the playoffs so that you're playing against your divisional opponents to really add back the hate within each division.

I could care less about the Sabres and the Leafs.

I like the idea of making the first round (and maybe even the second) divisional again. Two divisions may be the way to go.

The question is...contraction or expansion?

 

[elocomotive]

If I had to chose I would pick contraction. I don't think the league needs two more teams.

Why not just go to a two conference system and do away with divisions all together?

Terrible idea. Without divisions, how is my team ever going to raise up a banner?

 

[filosofy29]

I could care less about the Sabres and the Leafs.

I like the idea of making the first round (and maybe even the second) divisional again. Two divisions may be the way to go.

The question is...contraction or expansion?

Put down my vote for Contraction.

 

[KennyBanyeah]

Put down my vote for Contraction.

So who goes Filo?

Without trying to offend anyone I'd say the likely candidates are the Panthers, Isles, Jackets (seems unlikely), Coyotes or Devils (if rumours of bankruptcy are true).

 

[jstewismybastardson]

So who goes Filo?

Without trying to offend anyone I'd say the likely candidates are the Panthers, Isles, Jackets (seems unlikely), Coyotes or Devils (if rumours of bankruptcy are true).

Coyotes wont be contracted though because the league wants to recoup its ownership investment from the past 2 years > Quebec City for the most money possible ... the only market left where a new owner will potentially overpay

Id say Panthers first and foremost ... especially if their winning ways dont turn into warm bodies in Sunrise seats

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

So who goes Filo?

Without trying to offend anyone I'd say the likely candidates are the Panthers, Isles, Jackets (seems unlikely), Coyotes or Devils (if rumours of bankruptcy are true).

Despite his favoring southern teams, I think Bettman would try to prevent the Isles or Devs from going under, just because those are franchises with a bit richer of a history, with the Isles dynasty and Devils 3 Cups, plus they're the two most established of that whole group.

I'm not sure what they'd do about Phoenix since they've got a lot of history back to the WHA days as the Jets, but aren't so well established in Phoenix itself.

I'd say Florida would probably be at the top of the list though.

 

[Slimpikins]

Contract Dallas!

 

[filosofy29]

So who goes Filo?

Without trying to offend anyone I'd say the likely candidates are the Panthers, Isles, Jackets (seems unlikely), Coyotes or Devils (if rumours of bankruptcy are true).

I'd say Phoenix for sure and one of the Florida teams.

 

[puckhead]

Contract Dallas!

right in the ass!!

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

Despite his favoring southern teams, I think Bettman would try to prevent the Isles or Devs from going under, just because those are franchises with a bit richer of a history, with the Isles dynasty and Devils 3 Cups, plus they're the two most established of that whole group.

I'm not sure what they'd do about Phoenix since they've got a lot of history back to the WHA days as the Jets, but aren't so well established in Phoenix itself.

I'd say Florida would probably be at the top of the list though.

Nobody knows what's going to happen with the Isles. Wang hasn't said much of anything since the failed vote. Garth did very little this offseason. The team is a mess. Garth actually called season ticket holders who hadn't renewed their tickets over the summer. I don't know if any other GM has ever done this before.

I don't expect Bettman to help in any way.