by Luke Rasmussen

Created on: January 10, 2010

Expansion in the NHL, I suppose, could be somewhat of a hot-button issue. To be quite honest with you, I think this topic could have been made into a debate subject.

I will get this out of the way from the very start: I am from Minnesota, and as most NHL fans know, Minnesota received an expansion franchise in 1997, to begin play in 2000. And, as many NHL fans know, the departure of Minnesota's former team, the North Stars, still brings up negative feelings. But, we have a new team, some of the highest-selling merchandise in the league, an arena that ten years later still sells out, regardless of the team's play on the ice.

Those that balk at the idea of expansion in the NHL typically turn their noses at the "southern expansion" of the 1990s. Quite honestly, I am one of those fans.

Looking at the standings nowadays Anaheim, Florida and Tampa replace former NHL standards such as Winnipeg, Hartford and Quebec. What is that all about? Winnipeg, Hartford and Quebec all lost teams to relocation back in the 1990s. The Winnipeg Jets flew south to Phoenix. The Hartford Whalers swam downstream to Raleigh, NC. And the Nordiques took off for Denver. These relocations took place in the mid-90s.

So, when the NHL decided on another round of expansion in 1997, why on earth was Atlanta considered over Hartford? Or Nashville over Winnipeg? It is interesting to me how some of these relocated teams and some of the newer expansion teams are struggling. And, it's more than just the economy. They struggled long before the economy flew south.

The Nashville Predators have been considered targets for relocation for quite some time. They're staying, for now. The Phoenix Coyotes a couple years ago were also considered to be relocating because of bankruptcy issues. They're OK for now as well. So, here we have a recent expansion team that's struggling; and a team that relocated from a true hockey market to a southern city.

So, is it an issue of expansion in and of itself; or is it more about where the NHL is deciding to place itself? It's expensive for an expansion franchise. You have to find an ownership group to put up a good sum of money to the league. Then you have to figure out how to pay for a new arena. And then there's all the startup costs when and if you get your expansion franchise. From that standpoint, it doesn't matter if it's north or south.

But long-term, you have to consider the market you're placing the team. When Minnesota got their team, the Wild, the mantra seemed

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