How would the CEO of Research in Motions plan to buy the Coyotes and move them to Southern Ontario impact the Sabres and the Maple Leafs. Do NHL teams have a territory rights like they do in football where they could block such a move?
The Maple Leafs have a decades-long waiting list for season tickets. Somehow, I just don’t see their STH (I’m one of them) bolting. The Leafs are an iconic global brand (and unrelated, this blue and white koolaid…they made me a good batch today…yum!). Buffalo’s STH base has been the subject of much discussion. I believe that approximately 10% of their STH are based in Ontario (give or take).
Buffalo could vote against the proposal, but it’s one vote. A Southern Ontario team may have to pay a territorial indemnation fee. MLSE (owners of the Leafs) have been on record as saying they do not oppose a second team in the GTA.
Here’s my two cents (worthless): if you’re a fan of either the Leafs or the Sabres, then you’re a fan, right? I mean, if you like the Sabres, are you really going to jump allegiance for some new team? For me, I know the answer and it didn’t require that much thought.
Look…if the GTA were in America it would be the 4th largest media market, and it’s a pretty hockey-centric market.
Put ‘em back in Winnipeg…
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It would just cost him MILLIONS of more $$$$$$ just so he can have the rights to infringe on their territorial rights……eg….NY ISLANDERS and NEW JERSEY DEVILS had to pay off the NY RANGERS…..that’s all, but such moves also create a local rivalry between two or even three teams in close proximity to each other. We all know that hockey mad TORONTO can easily sustain two if not three local teams, and it would also FORCE the MAPLE LEAFS to get better quicker if they want to hang on to existing fans or they could easily lose them to the prospective team(s).
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nah, I think its a good idea.
To me, and Im just a grumpy Northern Massachusetts hockey fan here…. I think no hockey teams belong below the Mason-Dixon Line! If it don’t snow in your state, you shouldnt have anything to do with a professional NHL team!
Hockey came from Canada… give them back a team for Peat’s sake! Winnipeg Jets again anyone?
Quebec Nordiques again anyone? I for one would LOVE To see it!
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The Maple Leafs have a decades-long waiting list for season tickets. Somehow, I just don’t see their STH (I’m one of them) bolting. The Leafs are an iconic global brand (and unrelated, this blue and white koolaid…they made me a good batch today…yum!). Buffalo’s STH base has been the subject of much discussion. I believe that approximately 10% of their STH are based in Ontario (give or take).
Buffalo could vote against the proposal, but it’s one vote. A Southern Ontario team may have to pay a territorial indemnation fee. MLSE (owners of the Leafs) have been on record as saying they do not oppose a second team in the GTA.
Here’s my two cents (worthless): if you’re a fan of either the Leafs or the Sabres, then you’re a fan, right? I mean, if you like the Sabres, are you really going to jump allegiance for some new team? For me, I know the answer and it didn’t require that much thought.
Look…if the GTA were in America it would be the 4th largest media market, and it’s a pretty hockey-centric market.
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The Leafs are always going to be SRO every game. Mr. Balsille could compensate the Teacher’s fund by giving them a big chunk of RIM shares, but apparently the lot he owns in Cambridge is just outside the Leaf’s designated territory. I think the impact on the Sabres would be negative, but if they are dependant on fans driving 3 hours and crossing a border-what does that say about them? The border just gets to be more of a hassle to cross every day, so homeland security is as much a threat to the Sabres as the Cambridge Coyotes.
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I don’t know how that area would even figure on supporting another pro team. I know everyone’s banking on Hamilton…why? Its dead center between two already established markets, moreover, I’m sure, as you mentioned, territory rights come into play. In the event someone was stupid enough to make this move, I don’t see it having an impact on Toronto or Buffalo’s market. Nobody is going out of their way to travel across the border continuously for what will ultimately be a novelty team.
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