WINNIPEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Chuck Norris]

i wonder how long they'll last in winnipeg before another move lol

The problem last time was the Canadian dollar was at like $.67

Yeah in 1996 when they left we were $0.73 on the dollar. Were now at $1.03 - BIG difference.

[Nick]

My main fear with this return -> right now is an ideal circumstance for their market. Strong canadian dollar, CBA which allows for smaller market teams, strong western canada economy, strong winnipeg resource based community, currently a barely big enough building & lets not forget -> all the hype of returning. By the sounds of it they are not talking about big profit margins even as it stands.

It's really understandable when you look at it: smallest building in the NHL, only 700'000 people, fairly spread out, no-multi nationals, not a destination city, no chance of major growth, this is very unlikely to be a 'strong' market - anyways I really hope the succeed. Getting 8 or even 9 Canadian teams would be wicked fun - no more BS about "Canada's team".


Getting 13'000 ticket holders is an awesome start, however corporate support will also be required and for it to be worthwhile they'll need to be good, and soon. Lots of buddies in central Canada are really pumped though, perhaps if they start hot they'll build up enough of a culture that it'll stabilize.

[MSP4LYFE]

It's all going to be dependent on the corporate support. However the ownership group is lucky in the sense that they are taking over a young and talented hockey group that will only get better, not to mention a strong core of Canadian talent (Byfuglien, Kane, Ladd), which is a SIGNIFICANT edge on most new teams via relocation or expansion.

[Nick]

True north is also a fully setup sports management organization - less teething issues.


PHX/ALT are lottery ticket locations - PEG is a free savings account.

[Shep]

They said last night True North is the richest ownership in the NHL now. Which means they'll likely be spending to the cap and able to absorb losses (if need be).

[MSP4LYFE]

They said last night True North is the richest ownership in the NHL now. Which means they'll likely be spending to the cap and able to absorb losses (if need be).

It will be really exciting if this team spends to the cap consistently. They already have a great base of talent.

[Chuck Norris]

My main fear with this return -> right now is an ideal circumstance for their market. Strong canadian dollar, CBA which allows for smaller market teams, strong western canada economy, strong winnipeg resource based community, currently a barely big enough building & lets not forget -> all the hype of returning. By the sounds of it they are not talking about big profit margins even as it stands.

It's really understandable when you look at it: smallest building in the NHL, only 700'000 people, fairly spread out, no-multi nationals, not a destination city, no chance of major growth, this is very unlikely to be a 'strong' market - anyways I really hope the succeed. Getting 8 or even 9 Canadian teams would be wicked fun - no more BS about "Canada's team".


Getting 13'000 ticket holders is an awesome start, however corporate support will also be required and for it to be worthwhile they'll need to be good, and soon. Lots of buddies in central Canada are really pumped though, perhaps if they start hot they'll build up enough of a culture that it'll stabilize.

But one could argue that Winnipeg, being the 8th most populated city in Canada at present; has a legit shot. Since the Jets left in 1996 the poopulation has grown by over 70,000 people, which isnt huge but shows that there is still growth within the city. Unemployment levels have been dropping steadily for years and now to add a big job creator like an nhl franchise will help Winnipeg attract alot more people. Its a risk but I think a calculated one.

The thing they need to understand is the Thrrashers franchise was in mid-rebuild so theyre a few years away from playoff contention and need to keep supporting the team through the next couple years of rebuild. Im concerned they'll spurn the team after a few years of not making playoffs.

[shooker]

The thing they need to understand is the Thrrashers franchise was in mid-rebuild so theyre a few years away from playoff contention and need to keep supporting the team through the next couple years of rebuild. Im concerned they'll spurn the team after a few years of not making playoffs.

Disagree here. If kane breaks out like I thought he was going to this past season and burmi steps up and becomes even a 20-20 guy, I think this team could realistically make the playoffs. 6th to probably 11th is wide open in the east from year to year. I see no reason they can't be a playoff team next year if their players continue to develop.

[Scott]

It's all going to be dependent on the corporate support. However the ownership group is lucky in the sense that they are taking over a young and talented hockey group that will only get better, not to mention a strong core of Canadian talent (Byfuglien, Kane, Ladd), which is a SIGNIFICANT edge on most new teams via relocation or expansion.

Buffy's American but your point stands.. I completely agree.

[MSP4LYFE]

Buffy's American but your point stands.. I completely agree.

Is he really? Wow...Did not know that.

[MSP4LYFE]

The thing they need to understand is the Thrrashers franchise was in mid-rebuild so theyre a few years away from playoff contention and need to keep supporting the team through the next couple years of rebuild. Im concerned they'll spurn the team after a few years of not making playoffs.

Disagree here. If kane breaks out like I thought he was going to this past season and burmi steps up and becomes even a 20-20 guy, I think this team could realistically make the playoffs. 6th to probably 11th is wide open in the east from year to year. I see no reason they can't be a playoff team next year if their players continue to develop.

Completely agree.

[Arian The Insider]

Once the American dollar recovers and the fact that Winnipeg is cold as hell and has a high crime rate, it will be interesting to see if they can get players to come there. Either way, it's still better than leaving the team in Atlanta.

[Chuck Norris]

The thing they need to understand is the Thrrashers franchise was in mid-rebuild so theyre a few years away from playoff contention and need to keep supporting the team through the next couple years of rebuild. Im concerned they'll spurn the team after a few years of not making playoffs.

Disagree here. If kane breaks out like I thought he was going to this past season and burmi steps up and becomes even a 20-20 guy, I think this team could realistically make the playoffs. 6th to probably 11th is wide open in the east from year to year. I see no reason they can't be a playoff team next year if their players continue to develop.

Completely agree.

Dont get me wrong, theyve made some HUGE steps in the past year to become truly legit, but if you look at teams 6-8 that made the playoffs I still cant put Atlanta/Winnipeg in the same group. Not far back but still a step behind them. Once their kids (Kane, Burmi, etc...) develop a bit more they will absolutely be playoff contenders. Not to mention the lack of a true #1 in goal for the time being (I see Mason and Pavelec more as 1B/2 as opposed to 1A kind of goalies). Although Im sure an improved team in front of them would certainly help...