Expansion or Relocation - NHL Forum

VanCan · 11-08-2008, 04:07 PM

I'm not one for expansion and pretty much anyone who tells you they are against expansion, cites the possibility of watering down the talent pool is the reason. Almost every team has at least one or two superstar players that any team would thankfully take. The league has a large number of european players being used now, and their is a very talented farm systems and minor league system. They reasoned that the talent would not get watered down noticeably, if the league was to expand. If the league expanded by two teams (winnipeg for the west and southern ontario for the east?), it would force teams to rely more on homegrown drafted talent a bit more. and the history of all professional sports has showed us the trend that teams who bring up their own talent through the minors, end up being more successful in the long run.

OR

Relocation instead of expansion. I think they could move a couple of the unsuccessful southern frachises back north to see how it plays. Adding teams to the league really would water down the talent pool. I agree that the farm system allows team the best avenue to plan for long term success. The Red Wings are a perfect example of this, and they've done it virtually without first round picks. The league needs to quit tinkering with the game so much, promote what they have better. Bring back some of the physical aspect that is the game's ancestry. I'm afraid if the league expands it may try to expand in Europe, and I don't think that would be good at all.

Thoughts.....

Alicia · 11-08-2008, 04:19 PM

I would hate to see either. They need to stop messing with aspects of the game, which make it what it is. No relocation, no expansion, why not get rid of some the southern teams who are sub par performers and refill the league with home grown talent.

tshilton · 11-08-2008, 04:57 PM

A realistic plan has to be put in place for franchises like the Florida Panthers, they have cut staff and their operating budget to the bone and have taken to giving away tickets "free" in hopes your visit may entice you to pay the required 5 bucks to come back and actually see a game. A few websites were I know some people working Spector's Hockey, Hockey Buzz have been approached by the Panthers PR reps in hopes that they would give away tickets. Amazingly in direct contradiction to this Gary Bettman was quoted as saying the franchise was "fine".

The Atlanta team is in similar trouble and is currently shedding all un-necessary staff, rumours persist that they would even part with Ilya Kovalchuk if the right package of talent with "cheap salaries" was to be offered.