(10-01-2026 01:05 PM)BePcr07 Wrote:  I really think this is the route they go. If they give Atlanta a third chance and Phoenix a second chance, surely they give Quebec City a second chance as well.

Atlanta and Phoenix are getting another chance because there is at least one qualified ownership group in each city who is interested. Right now I'm not aware of one for Quebec City. It also helps that Atlanta and Phoenix are top 15 media markets, while Quebec City is slightly smaller than Hartford (DMA #34) in terms of media market size. It wouldn't be a bad pick, but right now there are better options available.

I do not see the NHL adopting a Canadian Division outside of an emergency - having a division that spans four time zones goes against everything the NHL has done in recent years, aside from the pandemic.

I think the NHL is more likely to go to six divisions, mainly to maximize the chances of getting every team playing in every building at least once every two years, if not annually.