Quebecor Confirms Plans To Bid For NHL Expansion Franchise

Media company Quebecor shortly after yesterday's formal announcement that the NHL is opening expansion bidding next month confirmed that it "plans to apply" for a franchise in Quebec City. Quebecor is among "several groups that have expressed interest" in an NHL expansion team, "along with Las Vegas, Seattle, Toronto and others." NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said that he "didn't know if there was another group interested in bringing a team to Quebec" (GLOBE & MAIL, 6/25).

Meanwhile, venture capitalist Graeme Roustan "declared he will throw his hat in the ring to acquire a second team" for the Greater Toronto Area. Roustan already has "tried to build an NHL-caliber arena in suburban Toronto" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 6/24).