The player votes for the city they want the most as new franchise: Good look for Quebec
Forty years after the infamous Good Friday brawl between the Montreal Canadiens and the Quebec Nordiques, the memories of this fierce rivalry remain vivid.
As reported by Fanadiens, that unforgettable game had 198 penalty minutes and 10 ejections, becoming a defining moment in hockey history.
The possibility of the Nordiques returning to the NHL continues to ignite conversations as fans reflect on Quebec's rich hockey heritage.
A recent survey of 175 NHL players revealed that Quebec City is a favored destination for expansion just behind Houston, ranked first with 54 votes, Quebec was a close second with 47.
Despite this enthusiasm, several challenges remain like the economic hurdles, including the weaker Canadian dollar.
The high taxes that we pay in Canada, that the players are not willing to pay, and the intense media scrutiny that is a common issue in Canadian hockey markets, remain as hurdles.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has made it clear that expansion is not a priority for the league at this time.
- Gary Bettman
The league concentrates on other issues like broadcasting rights and collective bargaining agreements that leaves little room for immediate discussions about new teams.
Despite the obstacles, Quebec's strong showing in the survey is an encouraging sign and the city remains a viable candidate for future expansion, ready to seize any opportunity.
If the stars were to align, the Nordiques could return to the NHL and bring back one of hockey's most passionate rivalries and bring a cherished franchise back to life.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Nordiques should return before a team in Houston in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 80 | 80 % |
| No | 20 | 20 % |
| List of polls | ||
