Return of the Quebec Nordiques: Gary Bettman sends a clear message to make a concrete offer

PUBLICATION

Greg Wilson
October 15, 2024 (4:25 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

During the first intermission of Monday night's game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins, Alain Crête broached the subject of the Nordiques' possible return to Quebec City with Gary Bettman.

True to form, the NHL commissioner, who was at the Bell Centre to celebrate the arrival of Amazon Prime as a broadcaster, did not rekindle the flame of Quebec hockey fans regarding a return of the Blues, but instead mentioned that no serious buyer had knocked on his door to express the desire to bring hockey back to Quebec City.

This statement by Bettman inspired veteran journalist Marc De Foy to write a piece in the Journal de Montréal, and the latter somehow mentioned that it will become increasingly difficult for small markets to integrate major professional sports in North America.

"The world of professional sports is there. It is becoming more and more out of reach for small markets like Quebec City. The same is true for baseball in Montreal."

We know that Quebecor was in the picture during the expansion process in 2016, but the journalist persists and insists, someone will have to raise their hand very high to attract the attention of the NHL leaders.

"I have already written it and I repeat it: it will be up to the promoters of the project, namely Pierre Karl Péladeau and the financial partners who would like to join him, to file a formal application at the appropriate time. Which has never been the case until now."

He therefore encourages the latter to act quickly because the more time passes, the more difficult it will be for Quebec to obtain a franchise and he also added that the success of the Los Angeles Kings' preseason games at the Videotron Centre will not change the situation.

"The solicitations of the Quebec government and its Minister of Finance, Eric Girard, are not of much use, without wishing to be disrespectful to anyone. It is not the visit of the Los Angeles Kings that will change the situation either.

It will be up to the financial supporters of the project to demonstrate that Quebec has the means to support an NHL team."

Even if Marc De Foy's comments may seem pessimistic, there is still hope in the air to see the Nordiques back in Quebec, but it would be necessary for someone with the means to be able to fully invest in this project that has been simmering for too long.