.jpg)
Let’s take a look at the five possible NHL relocation teams who could make way for cities that need an NHL team:
Arizona Coyotes
The Coyotes went bankrupt in 2009 and would only stay in Arizona because the bankruptcy court denied a sale to Canada. The NHL stepped in to buy the franchise and it would take them until 2013 to find a new buyer, but not before losses of almost $130 million. Only recently have their ownership problems been resolved but Arizona isn’t a hot hockey market. The Arizona Coyotes are the lowest valuable NHL franchise and are currently on a year-to-year deal at Gila River Arena, which needs to be solved urgently. Attendance records are also among the lowest in the NHL, which you can check out at ESPN.
Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina seems to always be among NHL relocation rumours and being among the lowest attended teams in the league doesn’t help. A new five-year lease at the PNC Arena should quieten those rumours as well as accelerating population growth in the region. The 2006 Stanley Cup champs are also one of the best teams on the ice which would make it even harder for NHL relocation away from Carolina.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are worth $310 million, third lowest in the league. Fans can rest easier, the purchase of Nationwide Arena locking the Jackets to Columbus until at least 2039 unless any owner is willing to pay $39 million in damages. On the ice, the Jackets haven’t had much success for a franchise founded in 2000 and they’re yet to become division champions, making them a target for NHL relocation rumors.
Florida Panthers
Florida is probably the most likely option. Nobody cares about hockey in Florida. The Panthers are valued at $295 million, the second lowest in the NHL, and almost always rank last in NHL attendances. The lack of a fanbase doesn’t help with the Miami Dolphins (NFL) and the Miami Heat (NBA) already in the city. Even Panther’s captain Aleksander Barkov reckons there are more fans in Finland than in Florida. He may be joking, but you get the point.
New York Islanders
NHL relocation rumours will always hang about if franchises have low attendances. The New York Islanders are always among the bottom for attendances and often finish dead last. It’s hard to imagine any team winning four Stanley Cups in a row suffering NHL relocation. A move to the new $1.5 billion UBS Arena may just be what the Islanders need to increase attendances and rid all the NHL relocation rumors