2023-11-14 20:37:16
It is not necessary to light lanterns and make incantations to bring about the return of the Nordiques, but Minister Eric Girard confirmed that he was going to meet NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in New York at the end november.
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The one who is nicknamed the “minister of the Nordics” had recently revealed his intention to go see Bettman since he will already be in the Big Apple for the Bloomberg conference on November 29.
Alongside the announcement of the Kings coming to the Videotron Center, he mentioned that his wish would be granted, without revealing more details about this other meeting between the two men.
“I have seen Mr. Bettman and [Bill] Daly and the agenda are always the same: remember that Quebec has changed, that we have a dynamic economy, solid public finances, large businesses, hockey fans, major league infrastructure and that we would like to have a team. That if one day we have an opportunity, we will respond: present,” he indicated.
Getty Images via AFP
No second hand
Mr. Girard took care to point out that there was currently no opportunity, whether for an expansion team or for sale, but that Quebec “is a hockey city and we want to events”.
He also mentioned that he takes Geoff Molson at his word when the owner of the Canadiens promises that he would stand behind Quebec if an opportunity presented itself.
“I have no reason to doubt. The excitement that the presence of a second team would have would be important for hockey in Quebec, but also for the Montreal Canadiens,” he said.
Towards a group of investors
The operating manager of Quebecor’s Sports and Entertainment group, Martin Tremblay, for his part reiterated the company’s interest in acquiring a team.
The latter also recalled that the value of franchises has increased drastically in recent years and that a partnership with other investors would be welcome.
“At the time, we were the only buyers. Would there now be groups of owners? We see it everywhere in the National League right now. The interest is there, but the way to get there could be different,” he summarized.
“We never resigned, but there is no expansion or team moving. We have always stayed away from false promises to the people of Quebec. We know that they have been disappointed in the past. However, we are a financially solid company and the interest is still there,” he added.
A serious market
Luc Robitaille believes that Quebec remains a serious market in the eyes of the NHL. Photo Stevens LeBlanc
For his part, as president of the Los Angeles Kings and a former star forward who played many times in Quebec, Luc Robitaille says he is convinced that the NHL does not make fun of Quebec and treats its interest seriously.
“Every time there are discussions, several cities come up and Quebec is always a city that is named,” assured the one who is present at the table during the NHL governors’ meetings.
“I never forgot where I came from. Every time I’m asked, I say that Quebec is an exceptional city. I remember playing against the Nordiques. It was always fun and the players loved coming here. If I am asked, I am always a person who will say that hockey is special here,” he added.
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