What’s Next?

The verdict was handed down, and the jury said no. Mario Lemeiux and company is back to square one with the Penguins. Isle of Capri was not granted a gaming license, which would have signaled that the Penguins future in Pittsburgh was secure. This comes on top of the news that Jim Bastille has severed ties with the Penguins ownership after the NHL’s Board of Governors blocked the sale over concerns that he would move the team.    So, now what happens to the Pens? Sure, the idea that they can stay in Pittsburgh is open. After all, PITG Gaming, who won the contract, has proposed seventy-five million for thirty years for a new arena to replace the 45-year-old Mellon Arena. This, however, may not be the option the city would want to go, considering they would have to front the rest of the money.

    That leaves the option of moving, which could not only hurt Pittsburgh, but the entire NHL. With teams in New York, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Los Angles and Chicago, there is no viable television market that this team, loaded with young superstars, could move to. Right now, with the NHL on life support, young superstars like Sidney Crosby and Evginy Malkin need to be promoted as much as possible. So, where would the possible destinations be for the Penguins?

Winnipeg   

    Winnipeg has to be at the top of the list. Since losing their team in 1995, Winnipeg has built a brand new stadium for the Manitoba Moose. The Moose are third in the AHL in attendance at the MTS Centre averaging more than 7500 fans per game. “The `Peg” always had a rabid fan base, and would be more than willing to support the Pens, who have two Canadian superstars, Sidney Crosby and Mark-Andre Fleury.

    Under the “old NHL”, Winnipeg would have never made it. The team could not afford to be competitive, as it wouldn’t have drawn much revenue. Under the “new NHL”, however, fiscal responsibility has taken over, and even the Oilers and Flames can be competitive in this environment. There is almost no reason for Winnipeg to not have a team at this point.

Kansas City

    For years, people have been talking about Kansas City getting a hockey team. Every time a team is thinking about moving, they bring this city up. The Scouts weren’t a big draw in the `70s causing them to move after just one season in KC. Now, a new conglomerate, NHL21, has come into the fold promising to build a new arena for the Kansas City area. For now, they would have to play at Kemper Arena.

    NHL21 believes that a NHL team could get a rabid following, like the Chiefs have. They are also still looking into the possibility of bringing in the Hornets from the NBA. The NBA bid is a sure fire failure at this point, as they have found a home in Oklahoma City. If they are to get a team, the battle of Missouri would extend to three of the major sports.

Houston

    Believe it or not, Houston has a rich hockey history. The Aeros were in the World Hockey Association, and then moved to the International League before the IHL folded. Now, they enjoy time in the American League as the Wild’s AHL affiliate. Rockets owner Les Alexander has wanted to move a NHL team to the Toyota Center for a while.

    Houston would be a great fit because of their affluent society, not to mention they would become a quick rival to the Dallas Stars. However, hurricanes may play a huge factor with any team that moves down to the Houston area.

There is other outside contenders like Quebec City, Halifax, and Las Vegas. These cities all boast their own high points and low points. One thing might have been made certain though, Pittsburgh won’t be the home of the Penguins for much longer.

[editor’s note, by matt Jordan] The population information I found for Winnipeg was dated, and therefore incorrect. Hence, it has been removed, and an apology for anyone who was misinformed.