Phoenix Coyotes likely to move very soon.

[BornRuff]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/glendale-mayor-talks-tough-on-nhl/article2391952/

The bottom line in this whole Phoenix Coyotes mess is that they are still in Glendale because the city has been paying the NHL 25 million a year to cover the losses of the team. If the city refuses to pay anymore, the Coyotes will be on the move.

The city might be waking up to the fact that a team that loses 25 million dollars a year is not an attractive commodity. The only deals to sell the team that have really come close to reality have involved the city throwing in a pile more money or moving the team.

This certainly isn't ideal for the league, since it really hurts their ability to attract non traditional markets to invest in hockey. If they look at Glendale, they see a city that invested hundreds of millions of dollars in an arena and 10's of millions paying the NHL to keep the team there a few more years, only to lose the team.

The idea of an NHL team in Glendale seems like it was doomed from the start though.

Do you guys think we will see another Canadian team?

[TheRealVinsanity]

From what I hear in the news, it looks like the Phoenix Coyotes will be moving to Quebec city. Personally, I would like to see the Coyotes in Toronto because I really believe Toronto could support 2 NHL teams.

[BornRuff]

From what I hear in the news, it looks like the Phoenix Coyotes will be moving to Quebec city. Personally, I would like to see the Coyotes in Toronto because I really believe Toronto could support 2 NHL teams.

They certainly could support another team more so than many other markets can support even one team. It would unquestionably eat into the Leaf's business though, and sorting that out would be messy business.

[Mr.Sea]

They will move to LA. QC doesn't have an arena yet.

[DdBigs]

I think Quebec. They can play in whatever they have for a few years. New stadium is on its way.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/400-million-18-000-seat-arena-quebec-city-184051414.html

[Psubs]

From what I hear in the news, it looks like the Phoenix Coyotes will be moving to Quebec city. Personally, I would like to see the Coyotes in Toronto because I really believe Toronto could support 2 NHL teams.

Of course. If NY can support the Giants and Jets and L.A. can support the Lakers and Clippers (in the same division), Toronto can support 2 NHL teams.

Though, Quebec and Hamilton should get teams.

[BornRuff]

Of course. If NY can support the Giants and Jets and L.A. can support the Lakers and Clippers (in the same division), Toronto can support 2 NHL teams.

Though, Quebec and Hamilton should get teams.

Well, those are not great examples since they are both way bigger markets than Toronto. Toronto has such a huge appetite for hockey though that another team would certainly be able to survive.

[Biff88]

Speaking in hockey terms, NY has 3 teams (2 franchises struggling) and LA has 2 teams (1 franchise struggling)...The GTA is a better hockey market than those 2 cities. No question that a second team here would thrive.

[iridium001]

No way in hell would MLSE let another team come to the GTA. They have too much money to keep it from happening. A new team would eat into the profits of the Leafs, even though they suck!

Where would this new team play in the GTA?

Hamilton maybe as they have Copps Coliseum, but that place is in major need of an upgrade. I've seen the area around Copps Coliseum and they do not have the infrastructure to support a sell-out hockey game. There's a major lack of public parking. In 2-3 years yes but for the moment, definitely no.

I don't wanna see them go to Quebec city though, they haven't really lobbied for a team like Winnipeg did. In fact, I feel like as you go east of Montreal, the more isolated from the rest of Canada it is. That or the Quebecers are very quiet and keep to themselves. When was the last time you heard of Quebec city up in arms about hockey? In Montreal, yes but Quebec city? No, not at all.

[Poulet]

^ You should read the Quebec newspapers. It is constantly in the news and the mayor is pushing real hard to have one. They have decided on building a new arena and they have decided on who would buy and manage the team franchise IF the NHL wants NHL in Qc City.

[coriolis]

What if the Yotes win the Cup?

[kennyhohoho]

What if the Yotes win the Cup?

Ask how Quebec City feels when the Avs won in 95/96 :lol:

But then again, I don't think there are many hockey fans in Phoenix to begin with.

[GP Legend]

Before they go I hope they destroy the blackhawks.

[BornRuff]

Before they go I hope they destroy the blackhawks.

Lol, is somebody scared?

[Shimso]

What if the Yotes win the Cup?

If they win the cup this year? They might get enough fans out for the celebration to occupy half of a Pizza Hut.

[bobbings]

Lol, is somebody scared?

Lol

[Beradon]

They will move to LA. QC doesn't have an arena yet.

Good. The last thing I want to see is QC getting another hockey team. Too many whiners there and their "french" first attitudes is really tiring.

[angel_wing0]

But then again, I don't think there are many hockey fans in Phoenix to begin with.

well at least they are going to the playoffs unlike some team in Toronto...:D

[GP Legend]

Lol, is somebody scared?

Scared of what? We've already proven we can beat them.

Typical laffs fan, lol. Keep crying.

[BornRuff]

Scared of what? We've already proven we can beat them.

Typical laffs fan, lol. Keep crying.

I wouldn't say that was exactly a decisive victory, would you? Almost blowing a 3-0 series lead, only escaping because of a lucky bounce in OT of game 7?

[GP Legend]

I wouldn't say that was exactly a decisive victory, would you? Almost blowing a 3-0 series lead, only escaping because of a lucky bounce in OT of game 7?

A win is still a win. So you're just going to have to deal with it. Maybe one day the laffs can start winning, too.

[Nettles]

They actually had a decent playoff crowd last season so they should sell-out if they get deep but obviously the ticket prices will be much cheaper than other places.

But they won't win...I can guarantee it. This is a system team and that might be good enough to get you into the playoffs but it's not good enough to win a best of seven series against more talented teams. Their goaltending might have been great in parts of the year from Mike Smith but this is a goalie who's had a below avg career until this year and it's a case of his team's collapsing style protecting him. I will admit he's stolen some games for them but he's not an elite goalie and I don't see him winning them 3 or 4 series in a row which is what would be needed here.

The defence has actually gotten worst. The biggest improvement is that Oliver Ekman-Larsson has become a no1 dman and probably the 2nd most underrated in the league (I'd say Enstrom on Wpg is the most underrated, maybe Vlasic or Smid or Spurgeon). However, Yandle isn't as good defensively or offensively as he was last year, Derek Morris went downhill completely and looks like he's done, and Roszival/Aucoin/Klesla are past their peaks. OEL and Yandle are young but the other guys aren't so you don't know how they'll handle it.

With the fwd group...Ray Whitney and Vrbata are the two top scorers. Vrbata is one of the most inconsistent players in the NHL and he's a decent goal scorer but not a game changer. Shane Doan was their best fwd in the playoffs last season but he's also declined a bit and I don't see him having the same impact. Ray Whitney had a great season but again it's that concern of his age catching up to him late in the season, he's around 40. So if you look at the fwd group, there isn't a single difference maker or super skilled or star fwd on the team which is what you need during a tight playoff series. They have some great two-way fwds like Hanzal, Vermette to a lesser extent but I don't see it happening unless Whitney maintains his production and Boedker plays like he did earlier (he's a young player so I dunno).

I think Phx can beat Chicago...Chicago have had fairly bad defence all season long and Toews is injured plus their offensive depth isn't the same as even last season. But I don't see them beating a team like Nashville or STL or Vancouver which will have good goaltending and tighter defence than Chicago.

Hopefully the team moves back to Quebec, it would be nice for them to be able to sign some FAs and take the next step which they can't in Phx.

[BornRuff]

A win is still a win. So you're just going to have to deal with it. Maybe one day the laffs can start winning, too.

Just diving, biting, and pulling hair on their merry way to make a disgrace of Canadian hockey :)

[BornRuff]

They actually had a decent playoff crowd last season so they should sell-out if they get deep but obviously the ticket prices will be much cheaper than other places.

But they won't win...I can guarantee it. This is a system team and that might be good enough to get you into the playoffs but it's not good enough to win a best of seven series against more talented teams. Their goaltending might have been great in parts of the year from Mike Smith but this is a goalie who's had a below avg career until this year and it's a case of his team's collapsing style protecting him. I will admit he's stolen some games for them but he's not an elite goalie and I don't see him winning them 3 or 4 series in a row which is what would be needed here.

The defence has actually gotten worst. The biggest improvement is that Oliver Ekman-Larsson has become a no1 dman and probably the 2nd most underrated in the league (I'd say Enstrom on Wpg is the most underrated, maybe Vlasic or Smid or Spurgeon). However, Yandle isn't as good defensively or offensively as he was last year, Derek Morris went downhill completely and looks like he's done, and Roszival/Aucoin/Klesla are past their peaks. OEL and Yandle are young but the other guys aren't so you don't know how they'll handle it.

With the fwd group...Ray Whitney and Vrbata are the two top scorers. Vrbata is one of the most inconsistent players in the NHL and he's a decent goal scorer but not a game changer. Shane Doan was their best fwd in the playoffs last season but he's also declined a bit and I don't see him having the same impact. Ray Whitney had a great season but again it's that concern of his age catching up to him late in the season, he's around 40. So if you look at the fwd group, there isn't a single difference maker or super skilled or star fwd on the team which is what you need during a tight playoff series. They have some great two-way fwds like Hanzal, Vermette to a lesser extent but I don't see it happening unless Whitney maintains his production and Boedker plays like he did earlier (he's a young player so I dunno).

I think Phx can beat Chicago...Chicago have had fairly bad defence all season long and Toews is injured plus their offensive depth isn't the same as even last season. But I don't see them beating a team like Nashville or STL or Vancouver which will have good goaltending and tighter defence than Chicago.

Hopefully the team moves back to Quebec, it would be nice for them to be able to sign some FAs and take the next step which they can't in Phx.

They do seem to be able to draw a decent crowd when they make the playoffs, if last year is any indication, but they really have not shown any ability to be financially sustainable over any period of time. If the city doesn't want to keep subsidizing the team, I don't really see many realistic possibilities of keeping the team there. The last attempt at realignment seemed to confirm that the league is seriously considering moving the team.

[GP Legend]

Just diving, biting, and pulling hair on their merry way to make a disgrace of Canadian hockey :)

True, your Laffs really are a joke and a disgrace to Canadian hockey. Glad we could agree on something. :)

But back on topic, I'd love to see the Nordiques upset the blackbirds. Would be epic.

[nauru]

Toronto really needs a second hockey team. The current monopoly by MLSE is out of control and turning people off of the NHL.

Even though MLSE would be the loser financially, they can easily afford the revenue hit and the league could benefit substantially from regaining fans/consumers who had largely disengaged from NHL hockey due to the Leafs' super-high ticket prices for absolute dogsh*t performance.

[BornRuff]

True, your Laffs really are a joke and a disgrace to Canadian hockey. Glad we could agree on something. :)

But back on topic, I'd love to see the Nordiques upset the blackbirds. Would be epic.

Lol, when was the last time a Leafs player bit someone or pulled their hair? When was the last time a Leafs game drew comparisons to soccer? How often do our players or GM claim that the refs are conspiring against them to explain losing games?

The Canucks have given people a lot of reason to hate them over the last few seasons.

[kennyhohoho]

I find it funny how a team with almost no fans and support can make the playoffs, but a team with the largest fan base and all the money in the world can barely avoid last place.

Maybe we should trade jerseys with the Coyotes. No one in Phoenix will notice. :lol:

[GP Legend]

Lol, when was the last time a Leafs player bit someone or pulled their hair? When was the last time a Leafs game drew comparisons to soccer? How often do our players or GM claim that the refs are conspiring against them to explain losing games?

The Canucks have given people a lot of reason to hate them over the last few seasons.

We're hated because we win. It's as simple as that. Not to mention, it seems to be only idiots who know next to nothing about hockey that come up with these dumb criticisms. You being an example. Diving? Give me a break. Every team does it, and that is a fact. Not to mention you are clearly jealous that we have a GM who has balls to tell it like it is, and of course has the ability to put together a competent team.

No one talks about your pathetic laffs because they suck. Deal with it. :lol:

[BornRuff]

We're hated because we win. It's as simple as that. Not to mention, it seems to be only idiots who know next to nothing about hockey that come up with these dumb criticisms. You being an example. Diving? Give me a break. Every team does it, and that is a fact. Not to mention you are clearly jealous that we have a GM who has balls to tell it like it is, and of course has the ability to put together a competent team.

No one talks about your pathetic laffs because they suck. Deal with it. :lol:

Lol, who was your team's GM from 1998-2004?

You can think that people have it out for your team because you are just too damn good, but I like many good teams, many that actually have an actual impact on the Leafs. The Bruins for example. They embarrass the Leafs on a regular basis, but I really like their team. I also loved watching the Blackhawks win the cup.

I'm not a fan of Pittsburgh though, mostly because of the way Crosby plays. It is a similar style that many Canucks employ. Cheap shots, diving, and whining left and right. With Crosby it is even more disappointing because he has more than enough talent to succeed without doing this stuff.

Diving does happen on other teams, but you only think it is so common place because you watch so many Canucks games! Most hockey fans are disgusted by this kind of stuff, but Vancouver seems to celebrate it. They dive more than the average team. You can't really argue with the fact that there are numerous guys on the team that are well known around the league for diving. If you watch other games, you don't get the same sort of theatrical flare, with guys leaping through the air, anywhere near as often.

Tell me how often you see this elsewhere in the NHL?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=M9YNTSo9aeE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgrjJclqSxU

How often do you see guys turn into rag dolls?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um74UJB_hPs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8XHcG8DwrY

Look at all the theatrics in this one game?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1duUYJE0eA

Look at the jump at the end of this one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urIlWcdT6i4

You must also think that biting and hair pulling is common place, and that refs routinely tell players that they are going to "get them". Whining is deeply embedded into the organization, with everyone from the GM, to the players, to the fans coming up with stories about how the hockey world is conspiring against them whenever they lose.

It is a very easy team to hate.