A straightforward poll conducted by The Athletic, involving several NHL star players, took an unfavorable direction for the Montreal Canadiens and other Canadian franchises.
Players were asked which city should be the next to host an NHL team, but some responses reflected disappointment, notably one that stood out for negative reasons.
Players prefer Houston over Quebec
According to TVA Sports’ report referencing the article, the debate around potential NHL homes has pivoted towards Houston and Quebec. Here’s a notable excerpt:
“Houston,” one player stated. “It’s the fourth largest city in the U.S. and still lacks a team. Right now, we can’t enter a Canadian market, especially given the state of the Canadian dollar. Quebec isn’t an option; the Canadian dollar is terrible. They should think about moving the Winnipeg Jets.”
“Let’s leave Canada; we need revenues,” said another player. “Houston has five million residents. Quebec is a wonderful city, but I don’t believe it has the size for an NHL team.”
– This came from an unnamed athlete.
Such sentiments certainly won’t ease the worries of Montreal Canadiens fans who suspect that some players are reluctant to play here. Additionally, the commentary comes from a well-known player, though their identity remains anonymous.
While it’s reasonable for a player to favor Houston, suggesting that the NHL should entirely abandon Canada seems extreme.
Canada plays a vital role in the NHL’s success; cities like Toronto and Montreal have proven to be lucrative markets.
The NHL requires markets like Montreal and Toronto!
What are your thoughts on this issue?
