NHL player calls for Canadian market to be relocated
The comments from The are enough to get people talking.
«Let's get out of Canada, we need some revenue,» said another athlete surveyed. - Via The Athletic
While the argument about the weak Canadian dollar is valid from an economic perspective, it's hard to deny the historical and cultural importance of hockey in Canada.
Cities like Montreal and Toronto are not only financial pillars for the league, but also places where the sport's legacy is deeply rooted and still very much alive today.
The idea of relocating the Winnipeg Jets or refusing a team in Quebec City because of the economic context may seem logical on paper, but it demonstrates the importance of a geographical and cultural balance within the league.
This means that it is not only the economic side to look at, but also that of the culture which is very strong in Canada.
If markets like Houston do indeed offer significant revenue potential, that is no reason for Canadian markets to be neglected.
Canadians remain among the most loyal hockey fans and their passion fuels much of the NHL's success, even in American markets.
As for the opinion of some players about not wanting to play in Canada, perhaps it is a mix of personal preferences and concerns related to high taxes and media pressure which can be a bit intense.
However, to say that the NHL needs to "get out of Canada" is not only an exaggeration, but also a great lack of respect for the role that Canada plays in the success of hockey and the NHL.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Canadian markets have a place in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 95 | 92.2 % |
| No | 8 | 7.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
