The NHL wants to expand its product across North America, and the two markets at the top of the list are Quebec City and Las Vegas. Both cities got a public message from the league on Monday.
Reports surfaced on Monday that the NHL ruled out Quebec City as a possible destination, and NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly refuted rumors almost instantly, saying that the NHL is still looking into all aspects of expansion.
"We will not comment on the substance of our process, which remains ongoing," Daly said in a statement. "No final decisions have been reached and no recommendation of any kind has been made or communicated by the League Office or the Executive Committee either to the NHL Players' Association or to the NHL Board of Governors."
Former NHLer Georges Laraque caused the stir appearing on Montreal radio station 91.9 Sport, saying the NHLPA was told the league was no longer pursuing Quebec City as a potential landing spot.
The NHL accepted formal expansion applications from both cities in 2015, however the league has been tight-lipped about any progress. It's natural for Daly to address the issue promptly as news leaked. It's likely his phones were ringing off the hook looking for a statement, and swift response was likely necessary to deter the idea that expansion in Quebec is dead, because it's not. It's a big step for the NHL to move back to a market the league left behind in 1995, and it will take time before the NHL is ready.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney leads the Quebecor group, who is looking to bring hockey back to Quebec City. Despite a rich hockey history and an established fan base, Mulroney knows success in Quebec City is about more than just hockey.
"Obviously, you know that with the Canadian dollar where it is, it is an extraordinary challenge not only for Quebec, but for all of Canada vis-a-vis the United States," Mulroney said.
As the Canadian dollar struggles, Las Vegas seems closer to getting the green light. But hockey in the dessert hasn't panned out as expected for commissioner Gary Bettman (see Arizona Coyotes), and the league wants to avoid future expansion mistakes. This has forced lead investor Bill Foley to remain patient while the NHL completes its due diligence on Las Vegas.
"I feel we're in a very good position at this point," he said. "We're respecting the process and hoping for a positive outcome." Foley said.
Expansion is a big step for the NHL. Moving back to Quebec City with an unstable Canadian dollar, or into the untested market of Las Vegas represent major gambles for the league. So it's natural to take time with the expansion process.