Quebec Nordiques fans hit with devastating dose of reality

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Axel Williams
August 29, 2024 (7:15)

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NHL expansion is never-ending it seems and fans throughout the world are hoping and praying for their cities to get blessed with a National Hockey League franchise.

In a new report, it was revealed that there are two cities currently being touted as the most likely spots. Those two places are Atlanta and Houston. While Atlanta has failed as a hockey destination twice already, it would appear as though Gary Bettman would like to bring back the Thrashers. Meanwhile, Houston has consistently been thrown around in these discussions. Dallas has worked out tremendously, and the league would love to give Texas a second go.

"Rumors within hockey circles have long identified Atlanta and Houston as prime candidates for NHL expansion. Both cities boast thriving sports cultures, state-of-the-art arenas, and untapped fan bases eager for a taste of professional hockey. Atlanta, in particular, presents a compelling case for a NHL franchise. The city's rapid growth and diverse population create a fertile market for the league's expansion ambitions."

Unfortunately, this all comes at the expense of the passionate Quebec Nordiques fanbase. Despite begging for a team for decades, it would appear as though the league is not interested in going back. Bettman has always been hesitant about Canadian expansion. Furthermore, it is hard to imagine Quebec City is as big of a market as Atlanta or Houston. If those two places couldn't make it work, regardless of sports preferences, then Quebec certainly couldn't either.

"Quebec City's hopes of reclaiming the Nordiques appear increasingly bleak. Despite the city's rich hockey heritage and vocal fan base, the NHL's current priorities lie elsewhere.

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Source: NHL Trade Rumor
NHL EXPANSION INEVITABLE: QUEBEC CITY MISSES THE CUT