NHL Officials Reportedly Mulling Adding Second Toronto Team
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Could A Second NHL Team
Join Maple Leafs In Toronto? |
NHL governors are "talking informally about placing a second hockey team in Toronto" alongside the Maple Leafs, according to sources cited in a front-page piece by David Shoalts of the GLOBE & MAIL. One NHL governor said, "Why shouldn't we put another team in the best and biggest market in the world?" The governor added that a potential scenario is for RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie to be "rewarded with an expansion team in Toronto after helping to restore financial ballast" to the Predators. Flames co-Owner Harley Hotchkiss: "I've heard bits and pieces of this scenario, although not in that kind of detail. Our priority is to have the existing franchises solid." Hotchkiss added the Balsillie plan is an "interesting scenario, but I can only speak generally." Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) President & CEO Richard Peddie said that MLSE "would not automatically reject the idea of a second team in Toronto." Peddie: "When and if the league brings expansion to the table, we'll listen and decide what is best (for hockey)." The governor said the Maple Leafs "would not be hurt one bit" by a second Toronto-based team. The governor: "In fact, it would help them. They could make all kinds of money renting the Air Canada Centre to the other team." Two more governors said that the NHL "should put a second team in Toronto," but one of them said that it "should be by relocating an existing franchise rather than expanding." Another governor said that the NHL "will never allow Mr. Balsillie to put a team in Hamilton for two reasons" -- the city "would be a tough sell for U.S.-based teams, and the other, more significant reason, is the belief it would ruin" the Sabres (GLOBE & MAIL, 10/21).
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