Expansion - Hockey Wiretap

Senators Owner Says Team 'Could Look Good Somewhere Else'

Dec 17, 2017 2:37 AM

Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk floated the notion of relocating his franchise, saying Friday that the team "could look good somewhere else" if its market conditions don't improve.

Melnyk spoke to reporters on the eve of the NHL 100 Classic, an outdoor game in Ottawa, Ontario, between the Montreal Canadiens and the Senators to commemorate the NHL's centennial.

His remarks came at a time when cities such as Seattle, Houston and Quebec City are all seeking NHL teams.

ESPN.com

Tags: Ottawa Senators, Expansion, Legal, Misc Rumor

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NHL Invites Seattle To Apply For Expansion Team

Dec 10, 2017 2:13 AM

Seattle has been invited to apply for NHL expansion, commissioner Gary Bettman said Thursday.

The NHL's price for Seattle's expansion bid: $650 million.

"It is envisioned that the terms of an expansion agreement, would it go forward, would basically be the same as Las Vegas -- except the price," Bettman said, speaking at the league's Board of Governors meeting. "If we decide for whatever reason for the 2020 season, instead of expanding, using an existing franchise, that's always an option. But that's not something we're focused on right now. Because we're not anticipating anybody moving right now."

ESPN.com

Tags: Expansion, Misc Rumor

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Seattle's Chance For NHL Team Improves

Dec 8, 2017 2:35 AM

Seattle's chance to land a NHL franchise improved greatly on Monday, when the Seattle City Council overwhelmingly approved a memorandum of understanding for the $660 million, privately financed redevelopment of KeyArena.

The council vote was 7-1.

The Oak View Group was given the MOU months after unveiling plans to dramatically redevelop KeyArena, which opened its doors in 1962, and improve transportation around it. Currently, the WNBA's Seattle Storm call KeyArena home. It previously was home to the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics, who relocated to Oklahoma City to become the Thunder in 2008.

The ambitious timeline laid out by Oak View would have the building ready by October 2020, if it obtains the necessary environmental approvals by October 2018.

ESPN.com

Tags: Expansion, Legal, Misc Rumor

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