Second Toronto Team?

[RockStar36]

NHL governors are talking informally about placing a second hockey team in Toronto alongside the Maple Leafs, The Globe and Mail has learned.

“Why shouldn't we put another team in the best and biggest market in the world?” one of several NHL governors who spoke with The Globe anonymously said of the Greater Toronto Area.

According to this governor, one idea floated is for prospective owner Jim Balsillie to be rewarded with an expansion team in Toronto after helping to restore financial ballast to the Nashville Predators.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081020.shoalts21/BNStory/National/home

[Michael82]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

You gotta be kidding me. When they should be thinking contraction or moving a team, they are actually talking about expansion?

[RockStar36]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

I know. I wouldn't mind a second team in Toronto as long as it was moving one of the Southern teams currently in the league.

[SabreEleven]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

Now they'll have two teams that can't win the Cup.

[JD]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

If it means more money for the league, move a southern team to Toronto. Then move another southern team, like Phoenix, to Winnipeg or even Halifax..

[BlackMetalNinja]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

If it means more money for the league, move a southern team to Toronto. Then move another southern team, like Phoenix, to Winnipeg or even Halifax..

Yes, because Winnipeg worked out so well the first time... that is why the team is in Phoenix now after all.

[rbochan]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

Toronto couldn't even get 2000 people at the Marlies PLAYOFF games last season, Syracuse Crunch fans outnumbered them.

WTF would they be starting another team there for?

[RockStar36]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

They should move Phoenix, Atlanta, Nashville, Columbus, and probably both Florida franchises. Either that or eliminate them. They are hurting the game at this point.

[BlackMetalNinja]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

They should move Phoenix, Atlanta, Nashville, Columbus, and probably both Florida franchises. Either that or eliminate them. They are hurting the game at this point.

I would say Tampa and Atlanta might be alright. Columbus is too small of a market I think, Nashville isn't big either and they just don't care... Phoenix, probably the same...
Atlanta draws fairly well still though and it's obviously a large city, and Tampa still does pretty well too and don't forget they won the cup not that long ago. The biggest question is where would you put those teams. Lots of people say "more teams in Canada", but I'm not sure what's really viable there still. I've heard talk of both Winnipeg and Quebec getting teams back, but I think there are issues with out of date arenas in both too.

[RockStar36]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

I would say Tampa and Atlanta might be alright. Columbus is too small of a market I think, Nashville isn't big either and they just don't care... Phoenix, probably the same...
Atlanta draws fairly well still though and it's obviously a large city, and Tampa still does pretty well too and don't forget they won the cup not that long ago. The biggest question is where would you put those teams. Lots of people say "more teams in Canada", but I'm not sure what's really viable there still. I've heard talk of both Winnipeg and Quebec getting teams back, but I think there are issues with out of date arenas in both too.

You make good points. I just don't like most of the Southern teams so I say get rid of them all, but I guess some would have to stay.

[Dude]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

Would the second Toronto team suck as much as the original one?

Columbus is too small of a market I think

Columbus is a huge hockey market, surprisingly. They market regionally rather than just in the city and surrounding suburbs, so their fan base covers the entire state as well as some border areas of neighboring states. Their fan support is exceptional given the performance of the team since they joined the league.

[Michael82]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

How about Hamilton? Give them the Panthers.

[Dr. Lecter]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

Toronto needs one team before they have two, correct hbf and Valerie?

[Dr. Lecter]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

Yes, because Winnipeg worked out so well the first time... that is why the team is in Phoenix now after all.

One of the bigger problems at that time was the Canadian dollar was worth so little at the time. With the better value and new NHL economic structure it might work out better.

[Michael82]

Re: Second Toronto Team?

Toronto needs one team before they have two, correct hbf and Valerie?

Good point!