My Honest Opinion on All 32 NHL Organizations: 2023 Edition

Hey all and here is an updated look at my view of all 32 teams.
0:00 Intro
0:34 Pacific Division
9:07 Central Division
17:37 Atlantic Division
27:31 Metropolitan Division
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[@sand_is_greaney]

This is false, you truly hate my favorite team and my favorite team alone

[@alecholland]

THG’s beat worst kept secret 😂

[@gblasz87]

Who is your favorite team?

[@llumys]

@@gblasz87 That's besides the point.

[@codylaighton9023]

It's been proven with science

[@J_Aaron_L]

I agree!

[@MM-me7rv]

Respect for wearing a Utica jersey, was born/lived in Utica for 15 years. Live about 10 minutes away now.

[@NorthAmericanEditing]

Go Comets and Go Devils!

[@durk182182]

I grew up in Ilion thank you Shannon for wearing that jersey

[@GWh135]

Shannon, thank you for your dedication to bringing your opinion, news, and insight to the game we love. Watching hockey became even more interesting and entertaining after I discovered you a few years ago, listening to your input helps pass by the time as well. Your commitment to the game and bringing us the facts is incredible.

[@bennyhonna8195]

The Sabres have won the fans back through last season. The building was empty at the start of the season, no one wanted to go including myself. After the fans realized this team was able to continue to win and contend for the playoffs, they started showing up again. The building was packed and rocking every night in the second half of the season. I think all Sabres fans can agree we are extremely grateful for this organization finally putting a product on the ice that we are all proud of and that shares the same passion for this game and this team that us fans have. LET'S GO BUFFALO!!!!!!!!!

[@arcadeshift5071]

Curious how Florida and Arizona fans get ripped for bad attendance but Buffalo doesn't (nor should they), despite being in a hockey market. It's almost as though people spend their money elsewhere when teams are run poorly and don't produce, no matter what location they play in. Happy to see Buffalo finally turning the corner. Their speed and skill is a lot of fun to watch, and Buffalo fans deserve to see their team in the playoffs soon.

[@jeremytaft8247]

I feel like the Pegulas learned from their mistakes and really that’s a huge positive especially when you look at how many owners in any sport are just stubborn.

[@europason2293]

Wings fan. You guys are building something special, I think. Was really pulling for you guys to make it in at the end of the regular reason. I think once my Wings get it together here in the next year or two, our clubs will be competing with Ottawa for crown of the Atlantic for quite a while.

[@yoholmes273]

I think we are going back to future in The East, where in the near future we are sure to some classic Sabres Devils battles in the playoffs .

[@danielk09]

@@arcadeshift5071 Buffalo had been selling out their stadium for years despite poor result. This year that trend ended.

[@18laxX]

Shannon you are absolutely killing it with that Utica tarp. Godspeed man

[@evann-t2915]

The colors work so well with that crest and on the red jersey, i just wish they’d have their own jersey design, not super crazy, but not and exact copy of the parent team

[@morkeljakeson9438]

Woooooooo

[@nickdenino9196]

Columbus had some of the highest single-day attendance records throughout the season, including multiple sellouts. Despite being bottom 5 almost all year, people kept coming to watch hockey. Columbus is indeed a hockey town and it hurts when others write us off. I just hope we can finally get some playoff success soon.

[@2buxaslice]

And Nasher is always fun to watch!

[@andyvulhop]

This. Comparable or better attendance percentage than markets with more "reason" to outdraw us, despite being in the basement this year. Better attendance than NJ Devils this year, who made the playoffs and were praised for improving their attendance immediately after us. Columbus is a hockey town, through and through, and we're just patiently, desperately waiting on a winning stretch with some legit post-season success.

[@CBJalltheway24]

We'll have our day in the sun.

[@seanmckenzie8813]

Blue Jackets always draw high attendance and our fan base is RABID. 5TH LINE Y'ALL!!! 💪💪💪

[@tomtakespictures]

We’ve got a better barn than most, too. With the Ice Haus and all the Chiller rinks in town supporting youth and adult leagues, I could see the Jackets fandom competing with the Buckeye fandom if we see some legit playoff success.

[@kennethwood8198]

Love the 32 team videos. Helps get through the NHL off-season. The time and effort in making the videos is amazing.

[@tbell61]

I go back to the 70's with the NHL, and the attendance today, generally speaking, is miles ahead of what it used to be in those days, when you had teams in Oakland , Kansas City and other places, where they were drawing crowds of less than 6-7,000. Even markets that are, for the most part, healthy, like LA and St, Louis and Pittsburgh, went through some rough times drawing people into their buildings.

[@JHockeyFan]

Yep. Cleveland had to contract because the NHL was even worse at marketing and attendance was horrible

[@notyurbuddyguy]

The population has also damn near doubled since then and they have the internet to help with marketing. Can't really compare.

[@FischerFan]

The Penguins were drawing less that 4,000 for some games in the two seasons before Mario Lemieux arrived.

[@Irishhaf]

Bolts also got lucky with their owner, guys buys up the restaurants and bars around the arena, buys the team expects to take a loss every year with the team, donates heavily to charity in the area through team events and makes it all back through his real estate around the arena. That helps out a ton, knowing if the product on the ice is good the people will spend spend spend around the arena when going to games.

[@vivianblair4529]

There's a crazy amount of charity that the lightning foundation do in the area and that the players themselves do. I absolutely love how much is poured back in the community

[@zekeaderenzo2966]

Hello from Utica, thanks for representing our city for this video

[@kftc1980]

Vegas attendance: if/when the team falters in the future they will be able to fall back on fans of visiting teams coming in to see the road team. At a minimum this will supplement their regular attendance in a way that doesn’t apply to any other NHL city.

[@khure711]

That can certainly work against the core base of the franchise if your home crowd is always against them. Don’t care how good a team is, having every game being an away game could be very detrimental if it works out like that.

[@kftc1980]

@@khure711 there will be an ebb and flow based on how good the team is and supply and demand. I think this was anticipated all along given the tourism economy of the city.

[@khure711]

@@wza223-fo3mc and you’re not understanding what I’m saying. It a fine line you draw that your market strategy becomes visit our city it’s cheap to get here and stay and have fun, take in a game on the cheap. Then all the hockey fans realize hey I can do that and time it around my team playing Vegas and watch them kick the crap out of Vegas then go play some blackjack and eat a steak on the cheap. Especially when it becomes cheaper to watch your team beat Vegas and stay for a few days then go to a regular home game in let’s say Edmonton. Next thing you know Vegas home crowd is all opposing fans.

[@khure711]

@@wza223-fo3mc sure buddy, and I got some magic beans to sell you too

[@khure711]

@@wza223-fo3mc lol anger. Man you’re really delusional. Do you think everyone that disagrees with you is angry? Thought we were having an interesting civilized discussion about market strategy but apparently your neanderthal monkey brain kicked in. And this has become boring. Bye forever 😂

[@daltonbaxter6892]

Hopefully attendance in NJ continues to go up as the team gets even better!

[@connorbeaudet4013]

tickets are getting pretty expensive aren't they

[@18laxX]

@@connorbeaudet4013 they are

[@From-North-Jersey]

One problem for the Devils is their stadium being in Newark. That city is the stuff of nightmares. They build the arena there to keep the Nets but it didn't work. The Devils would have the best attendance in the league if the stadium was at exit 28 on route 80 in the middle of the northern end of the state instead of exit 1 right across the Hudson from Manhattan.

[@connorbeaudet4013]

@@From-North-Jersey my girlfriend is from New Jersey, Im in ottawa and we kinda have the same thing. Stadiums so far from the city it’s hard to get there. My perception of New Jersey was newark and I actually think it’s the worst place on earth. Wasn’t until I visited where she is(I think Middletown) and realized it’s actually a nice place and hockey is pretty huge there

[@18laxX]

@@connorbeaudet4013 yea middletown’s regional high schools are always super competitive in hockey

[@davidgerlach4395]

"Tampa Bay" also refers to the area around the body of water, called "Tampa Bay" So Tampa Bay is all inclusive for the area. like the Panthers, we have a lot of transplants that invade our arena.

[@sgtschultz6956]

I laughed when you mentioned the camera angle for Sharks games. It’s so damn high.

[@chaddubois8164]

Look waaaaaaay up.

[@abull2.030]

I love your hat and sweater today! Go Devils

[@bwesnofske]

So many props for the time stamps. Thanks for not forcing me to search for my division. Found you recently, really like your content. Many thanks.

[@toddgelineau6536]

It’s astounding how many Hartford Whalers alumni are coaching/managing NHL clubs…. i.e. Dean Evason, Ron Francis, Pat Verbeek, Paul Maurice (last head coach), among others.

[@bradleykramer316]

must be so weird for them to not have their team around in the league anymore. technically they'll never work for the Whalers again because the Hurricanes don't play in Hartford.

[@pauli2951]

If there is an attendance problem in Florida next year I will travel from Finland to Florida to fix that by one.

[@ronsteier7317]

Good overview of the league. Keep up the good work.

[@callumloader8713]

Love this style of video

[@mthawksfan9483]

Thanks for the amazing content all season/year long. Being a new hockey fan (Go Kraken!) your game breakdowns and team deep dives have been a wonderful resource for learning the ins and outs/ intricacies of this great sport and it's teams!

[@hoodoogoblin4612]

I appreciate your balance with this. - An Oilers fan

[@732media]

Love the Utica jersey!! 😈😈

[@jean-philippemorin3523]

I am really suprised of the attendance overall

[@RandomPlaceHolderName]

Post covid frenzy.

[@doctorcane]

The attendance factor in Fl is well documented. Most Floridians are NY/NJ/NE transplants who won’t go support the Panthers unless their team is playing us. There is great core support here, the game is growing, there’s no threat with Vinny Viola owning the club that it will ever move. Ever. The lease will be worked to give Fla more of the revenue and that will be that. We can rediscuss this in 20 yrs. Go Cats.

[@JHockeyFan]

Basically, you have to win more, team needs to market well and do community outreach in order to grow the fanbase amongst younger people, gain more support from minorities and make them interested in hockey. A lot of transplants will stay fans of their hometown teams.

[@TheZynMan]

Based response.

[@_KRose]

I do not envy the effort they have to put in to sell hockey to the people in deep football/basketball land 😂

[@doctorcane]

@@_KRose yes, football rules the south

[@faunbudweis]

I have yet to meet a single Florida fan. Lightning fans, plenty of those.

[@adambarnes4191]

Its awesome to see how many Utica fans watch Shannon. Lot of hockey fans here.

[@vegaserik44]

The thing about Vegas is most of us that live here are from other parts of the country, alot from hockey hotbeds like the upper midwest and new england. So yes everybody has their old team they still route for, but this town fell in love with the Knights that first year, plus they're just doing better than all our old teams lol. People don't realize how many true hockey fans are here.

[@donkunes8630]

Hope they continue to do well except Eichel

[@christianwilborn7646]

The panthers arena also almost has 20,000 seats for hockey so the percentages can be a little misleading. But like you said, hopefully this run is what was needed to solidify packed buildings every night.

[@connorbrechbill6516]

This. FLA live is massive. And you really see it when you actually go there. In addition to that, the arena is built on a not so ideal location that takes 40-50 minutes to get to from the major population centers in Broward and Dade county, let alone Palm Beach county where a good chunk of the fanbase is. On days where traffic is bad, it can be really tough to get to the game. If they do leave FLA Live, I wonder if they build a new place in Fort Lauderdale or somewhere like Boca Raton in order to be closer to the major cities.

[@doctorcane]

@@connorbrechbill6516 I cant see us leaving FLA Live. The convenience of Sawgrass Expressway ingress/egress and low ticket price structure will build fan support up to 92% i think. Winning the ECF really has excited fans and will help youth involvement which is critical. The need better marketing too. Florida wont convince Boca to fund a new arena, they are wedded to the FtL area, the new practice facility opens in FtL soon.

[@timporter2850]

I part of the “attendance issue” mantra from people who just watch games on TV is the 954 Club problem, the seats behind the benches(highlighted on TV camera angles) has access to lounge above that’s out of camera view. Those seats are “all inclusive” and you have high end food/drinks for free in the lounge where you can still watch the ice. So a high percentage aren’t in the ticketed seat. Optics are bad to the people who don’t realize this. I’ve been a STH for decades going back to the Miami Arena days, I live south of Miami and the 45 mile drive during rush hour on a weekday is almost 90 minutes.

[@christianwilborn7646]

@@doctorcane I agree - It’s definitely not in the most ideal location. But, I do think sunrise is a nice area and the arena itself I feel like is very high quality especially for being 25 years old already. Hopefully the team’s first true time having sustained success will be enough to keep the building full or near full moving forward.

[@doctorcane]

@@christianwilborn7646 in so fla, they should aim for 90-92% avg on a night to night basis. Sell out a few more reg season games, and the ownership will be fine with it. Championship teams attract fans

[@killaska]

I'm really early. Love the content!! Keep up the great work!!!

[@J_Aaron_L]

If the Flyers keep Torts for his contract term, I'm perfectly fine with Briere starting out here. Hiring Jones has many upset at not looking outside the organization... however, Jones is basically an on ice pro scout who's seen every team and every guy first hand for how many years now? He knows what works in the NHL and he openly admits the team is not good. Saying we don't have a #1 D man is such a breath of fresh air. I truly believe they're going to turn this ship around and in a couple years we'll be watching a really fun product on the ice that's ready to make that jump.

[@andrewptob]

I tend to be optimistic, but man am I jaded with the Flyers. I hope you are right!

[@J_Aaron_L]

@@andrewptob I as well. It's been so hard the last decade. Good things on occasion but... Jones was on the Mike Missanelli Podcast on the 25th. If ya haven't, it's a decent listen. Starts at 14 min. I thought Torts was the right guy not just for the team but the town. Add a young GM who won't need to chase that spot elsewhere and Jonesy, who seems doofy but he's sharp. Players will have the same system for more than a couple years. Stability seems like a no brainer but it's why we are jaded. This however, is truly a clean slate. All three understand the franchise is in dire straits and it has to be fixed starting yesterday.

[@buscampers]

I love the Keith Jones hiring. His job is to be the bridge between the organization and the fanbase/city and I think his personality plus experience as a player, national and local media personality will really mesh well for that roll. He's not an empty suit like the other comcast execs in charge. He gets the city, he knows the history of the franchise, he knows the fanbase, etc. I was at the charity alumni game 2 years ago and the building was half empty. That never would have happened before Schneider passed away. Comcast did such a horrible job at promoting the event I was able to snag 5 seats in the 1st row behind the bench.....2 days after the game was announced lol. I was expecting 2nd level seats when I checked availability and couldnt believe those seats were still unsold. It was a memorable experience for my family. We're in the background of the team photo and I have some awesome video of Lindros, LeClaire, Browne coming off the ice and sitting right in front of us. Dave Brown was my favorite Flyer as a kid and LeClaire is my all-time favorite. Anyway I'm feeling good about the changes and the franchise should be on the upswing once again.

[@corporateaccountspayablenina]

Love the hat dude! I have the Whalers version 🤙🤙🤙

[@clarkpitts5393]

Well said. A+ video.

[@timothytoolman927]

Great looking jersey !

[@thedanation]

Love the Utica jersey but do you happen to have an Albany River Rats/Albany Devils jersey?

[@TreySarver]

Well like you said, most of the season Panthers weren’t playing well. Last time they didn’t have a sell out was 4/6 against Ottawa, and they were less than 400 seats from that selling out.

[@andrewsick9003]

Do you now what is a sellout? I dodn't think 1600 is a sellout.

[@TreySarver]

@@andrewsick9003 not every barn is Montreal. FLA Live Arena’s capacity is 17,040. You sell out when you reach or exceed that number. Last time the Panthers didn’t do that was against Ottawa on 4/6, when they had 16,675. Less than 400 from a sell out. If you’re gonna be snarky, come correct.

[@andrewsick9003]

@@TreySarver I will correct you. FLA Live Arena capacity is not 17, 040. It is 19,250 to 20,000. It is one of the top ten Arena in the NHL. So the 16,675 is not a sellout. But I you got the Capacity wrong, you understand Sellout.

[@joestrunk9663]

good fair thanks for making this show

[@Kjell777Iverson]

Amazed you even mentioned the western conference tbh. Nice change of pace for you.

[@TylerMorganShow]

Super Upload!

[@Dunn1219]

Thanks!

[@georgeblair3894]

(Pens fan here). The article on 'The Athletic' by Josh Yowe (sp) and one other portrays the Pens front office as dysfunctional. Even discounting what happened during the "dad's trip", the trades (Granlund in particular), the signings (Carter with a NMC), the negotiations (Malkin), Hextall was a disaster. (I also can't believe Burke let all this happen) You treat people a certain way. Yes, hockey is business masquerading as entertainment, (Cue North Dallas Forty), but still. FSG can't "throw money" at the Pens like they do with the other teams they own. (Salary Cap). The next GM has some serious decisions to make (Goalie), and some awful, awful contracts to shed - somehow.

[@matthewyoungster9280]

Thank you for shouting out that the Lightning have the longest sellout streak in the league. That is correct and we could fill an additional Tampa Bay with the tears of "traditional" market fans who have to acknowledge that we're better at selling our barn than their teams.

[@robbrown4621]

It's easy when you have a contending team. It will now change as Tampa goes into rebuild mode. I know. I live in the Tampa area...

[@JarradBruessel32]

​@@robbrown4621 they aren't going into rebuild mode yet. The lightning since the start of the playoff bubble to the start of the playoffs had played 52 more games than toronto, an extra half of a season plus 11 games. They also had played 26 more games than colorado in that span. Almost a complete playoffs with each series going 6 games at least. Vasilevskiy admitted he played hurt and wasn't recovering properly. They were exhausted from 3 cup finals runs in such a short span. They will go on another deep run next year I'm sure now that they are finally getting the rest they need.

[@robbrown4621]

@@JarradBruessel32 We'll see... I think they're done... But, we'll see...

[@JarradBruessel32]

@@robbrown4621 I called it in 2019 after the loss to columbus that they reminded me of the mid ti late 1990's red wings. I called it they would win the next 2 cups. They did so. I expected them to make the cup finals again. They did so. I expected an early exit this year. They did so. I expect a 2nd or 3rd round exit next year if everything goes as I expect.

[@jfayiii]

@@robbrown4621 'now change' - some news you know of we don't?

[@georgecastaneda1779]

This was a cool snapshot of the management around the league. It struck me how many of them were players when I started watching hockey in the 90s. What current players do you think would be most likely to become coaches/GMs in the future?

[@ljboor4788]

Ayeee nice jersey! That’s my home team 💪🏼

[@keeganl3619]

just subbed 5 seconds in cause of that sweater room

[@michaellanza6327]

Your shows are so awesome. So glad I came across this!!!!

[@toriamansfield2999]

Put it this way: I favor the Yzerplan over the Shanaplan.

[@BayBye2011]

excellent video

[@kokushi629]

Awesome jersey the Hockey Dude!!...

[@mika_prodzisgoated]

I love the vids especially finally getting your honest opinion on every team excited to see your options on mh rangers and the current state of your canucks and Bruins

[@danzed111]

Shannon! i love your whiteboard stats. (from Sweden).

[@theibault32]

THANKS

[@JupiterJones0424]

Not a buffalo fan traditionally, but once you started talking about them couple months into the season, I decided to check them out. Man did they win me over. Every game, win, or lose, was exciting to watch. I think that they are on the up and up as well. I see a lot of potential there.

[@jackmcaninch4270]

As an avs fan we sold out every game this season. I’m a season ticket holder. I didn’t see many if any empty seats

[@TheYaegerjeusmc]

Good on ya, but dude… season after a Cup? No duh it was sell outs!

[@danieldosso2455]

@@TheYaegerjeusmc They lost alot of their depth and their Captain, who from what I've seen been reported, is questionable as to his future status as an NHL player. More than likely he comes back but he's had a few injuries and there's no better way to go out than winning the Cup.

[@casey9980]

LET'S GOO PANTHERS!!! LOVE THE CHANNELL BRO.

[@timjansen7694]

As a Columbus guy, I need a Stanley Cup run. That is a step beyond a "playoff" run. After 20+ years, the time has come. Look at Seattle and Las Vegas. To me, the only real problem is that the top free agents do not want to come to Columbus. That would include their own free agents. Johnny Gaudreau was a step in the right direction, but not _near_ enough. And when Gaudreau decided on Columbus, everyone wondered aloud, why Columbus? How do you solve the negative reputation that keeps free agents away? I don't know.

[@FirearmofMutiny]

It's called "winning", something the Jackets have never sustained I still worry that attendance is going to fall off a cliff next year the same way it did after the Jeff Carter year. Sure it will get me a better spot in the arena, but I know damn well that when everything gets resolved with Arizona, we're next

[@mikewalters3048]

It's pretty much the same problem in Buffalo, Ottawa and Arizona. To a lesser degree it exists in a number of other franchises.

[@cope847]

I was so bummed that Columbus didn't win the draft lottery. I really wanted you guys to get Bedard. From Buffalo fan.

[@FirearmofMutiny]

@@mikewalters3048 Yeah remember when Carolina had the "Relocanes" nickname during their 9-year playoff drought, or when Nashville couldn't establish themselves as a hockey market to start out? Now it seems ridiculous that either of them were ever considered for relocation

[@cope847]

​@@mikewalters3048it's more down to having a good team. Good teams can usually bring in good players in FA.

[@garychandler7632]

Love the comets jersey. I live near Watertown if you ever want a FHL wolves jersey let me know.

[@CurriedBat]

Went to my first and last Flames game at the old Saddledome this fall... was pretty nice. Would be cool to have an upgrade.

[@morkeljakeson9438]

Woooooo New Jersey!!!

[@viperswhip]

What kind of pricing do these teams have, I think that would have been a valuable addition to this board.

[@michaelkirkpatrick7483]

yeah, I agree. Maybe that's a separate video down the road

[@angiebee2225]

And price relative to income or cost of living factors. I suspect prices in St Louis are lower than in NYC, but with lower population you have to rely on more fans attending multiple games.

[@Lakingsfan140]

I love San Jose fans say they got such a good atmosphere and fan attendance and that they’re underrated yet only have 79% attendance lmfao.

[@pomerlain8924]

This is the longest stretch of non-competitiveness for this franchise since their inception.

[@ApolloandZak]

Concerning the Tampa Bay - Tanner Jeannot trade. Give it time. Consensus was that Branden Hagel cost too much after he took time to adjust to Tampa's game and didn't help in last years playoffs. Now he is an unbelievable value, maybe another "Brayden Point". Not saying Jeannot is that kind of player but give it a year before you call it "bad"

[@nodefense]

San Jose didn’t wear stealth this year lol but I get your point

[@bartphlegar8212]

Great breakdown...I took the liberty of parsing some of the attendance stats. (I hope I got the figures right, because I had a hard time seeing some of them - especially in the Metro). So, Canadian teams averaged at 95.7%, US at 95.2%. The O6 teams came in at 96.2%. I broke the rest of the non-Canadian teams into three groups: West Coast (including Arizona and Colorado) - 7 teams at 94.9% (the lagging California teams dragged everybody else down); Sun Belt - 5 teams in the South, Texas, and Florida at 97.3%, and; Rust Belt (all other US teams outside the O6 - usually in the North, except for DC) at 95.2%...The one number that screams out of all this is for the so-called "NASCAR" teams, who are often derided as "non-hockey markets". Yes, one could make the argument that all of those teams are strong at the moment, and there has always been some question about the fans being fair weather fans who abandon their teams in down years. But I think that's true of any market as we can see in California, and in Buffalo at the moment...As for Florida, they have a big geography problem with that arena in Sunrise. That part of Broward County is almost irrelevant to Dade County - the biggest pop center of that SoFla market - due to distance, traffic, and tolls. They really need to be somewhere closer to Miami-Dade - maybe Miramar, Miami Gardens, or Opa Locka, but certainly no farther north than Hollywood. That is a heavy lift to secure a venue in that area, but right now for fans it's a 7 or 8 hour time investment to get from Miami proper to Sunrise (to-game commute, game itself, then home commute from Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, (cringe!) or Miami Beach - all areas with incomes sufficient to afford multiple game tickets, say nothing of being the 6th Borough of New York. Yeah, the rent may be cheap in Sunrise for the Panthers, but in the end it costs them terribly in attendance...

[@victorsmith11]

This guy knows hockey, we should call him the hockey guy

[@mobailey6666]

Yeah Shannon Let’s Go Comets, Let’s Go Devils!! Fitzy was snubbed

[@luvslogistics1725]

Florida is a market that would be foolish to give up. There’s no way that they’re ever moving out of Miami. Now, people there have a lot of choices, year round, so maybe you won’t have sellout crowds every-night, maybe not for a few years until you build a culture of it but it works for many other reasons. Ottawa has bad attendance but they’re not mentioned for relocation. Florida has a fantastic owner now and front office and a very deep roster signed through next year. Lay off Canadian, they’re not coming north.

[@ianbick7851]

UTICA!!!! SHANNON YOU NEED TO COME TO UTICA!! For a comets game ofc

[@betterturns2120]

Would have been nice to include the average ticket price and/or the ticket price range.

[@pomerlain8924]

The main move the Jets need to make is getting rid of Cheveldayoff. You just cannot be a GM of a team for 12 seasons and only have 3 playoff series wins. He is too conservative. Proper changes cannot happen for this team until they start at the top. And I believe that is why attendance is not where it once was. The honeymoon period is over. Fans aren't happy just to have a team again. They want a contender. And they don't want to pay higher ticket prices to see a mediocre product.

[@kartzstormstool861]

still better than the Leafs

[@JuniorNationFan]

@@kartzstormstool861 This year would say otherwise.

[@facepainter7297]

Whatever they do, they should keep their amateur scouts. I am not a Jets fan but man do they seem to draft well.

[@kartzstormstool861]

@@JuniorNationFan talking about the 3 playoff series wins.

[@maxrcrypto]

Jets need a bigger arena to be honest. That would help bring ticket prices down a bit.

[@ZachWhoIsTall]

San Jose was a crazy franchise to support this year. I work at the rank and surprisingly we had higher merch sales than many years prior, and throughout the whole season

[@Pikabo0]

Guessing that’s because of the new threads?

[@AbsentWorker]

one of the if not the best hockey youtuber outhere

[@ColonizerChan]

Sharks may not have a cup rn, but least the jerseys should be more affordable at the right time with that adidas contract ending. New uniforms look clean too

[@68pongto]

Vegas attendance is so good because the visiting team fans travel to see their team play in Vegas. I am from St. Louis and we travel every year to see the Blues play there, I would say at least 40% are Blues fans when we go there. Lot of "lets go Blues" chants when I have been there.

[@Bouncer-id1rh]

That's an urban myth....with respect The Knights org tracks opposing teams attendance at T-Mobile and the highest % I've seen was 13%(Kings), and that was the first season. The only other team with double digit numbers was the Rangers, also that first season. As far as "chants", any opposing team that tries to start a chant at T-mobile almost immediatly gets drowned out by Knights fans. Kings fans always show up at T-Mobile and always try and get a chant going, but it never works, they're just never enough to not get drowned out.

[@68pongto]

@@Bouncer-id1rh Urban myth my ass! I have watched the Blues play in Vegas 4 times now and every time I have been there the Blues fans are about 40% of the crowd. I might add that the Blues won 3 of the 4 games that I have been to and by the 3rd period when all the fair-weather Vegas fans left, the "Let's Go Blues" chants were very loud. Yeah, maybe in the 1st period the Vegas fans TRIED to drown out the Blues fans, but it was feeble at best. Let's just put it this way, when I was there I felt that I was very much among friends. The last time I was there Vegas had a rare back-to-back home games and played the Flyers the next night and the T-mobile plaza was full of Flyers fans too. We always stay at New York New York and are right in the thick of things. Whenever the schedules are released the first thing we do is see when the Blues play in Vegas and book rooms, my wife always gets free rooms at MGM casinos. We make a vacation out of it, I'm sure many other NHL fans do too! I also have season tickets to the Blues, and maybe the best opping team fans are Chicago, they might get 15 to 20%, (when they're good) but most other visiting fans are less than 5%.

[@Bouncer-id1rh]

@@JayRoberts244 Ok. It's B.S. Now send me the link that proves it wrong. I'm waiting. Failure to provide that link will be proof you're full of it, and we both know you have ZERO data, so go ahead!

[@newjerseyfan101]

Devils hat and utica jersey means he believes in the next dynast

[@squidMB]

Me personally, canucks will be in mediocre hell (seems to be the place we’re most comfortable) as long as we’re in this “stay competitive” era

[@andysorensen1737]

Honestly when I was in Vegas last Fall I was really surprised how much Vegas has taken to the Golden Knights. I’d imagine a lot is being first to the punch and the fact Vegas has always been quite good, but I absolutely could see it sticking even in bad times…I mean they’ve got the Raiders and probably A’s so when you’re the one relative winner in town…

[@kurtwpg]

I was thinking about Nashville today and looking them over. To me, this is a team poised to hang around the playoff line for 3 or so more years then fall off sharply. I do wonder if Trotz might be well advised to sell high on some of his older players and try to rejeuventate to a team that has more than one key player under the age of 30. I think there are a number of teams out there that would give up assets for Matt Duchene, based on his past 2 seasons and them only being signed for 3 more.

[@marcheprovencal592]

thank you

[@derekhand7904]

Sick jersey I work in utica

[@fantasticvoyage262]

I like the funky roof on the Saddledome.

[@williamhinchcliff6290]

I absolutely loved Craig Conroy when he played for the Blues. I truly wish him all the best in Calgary (except of course when they play the Blues).

[@edwardsmith6609]

Personally...as a Wings fan, Looking at the what was left as far as their AHL team, prospects and contracts at the end of the Holland Era, I am tickled pink with where they are now. Now I know it wasn't ALL Holland's fault, as the owner dictate making the playoffs over a retool/rebuild...but the difference in 4 years is night and day.

[@JarradBruessel32]

No, it was hollands decisions. Holland was always pressing to make the playoffs and refused a rebuild.

[@muttonmark]

@@JarradBruessel32 What else can you tell us as the foremost DRW insider?

[@JarradBruessel32]

@@muttonmark well seeing as once holland got moved out of gm role, he instantly jumped ship and went to edmonton who is trying to win a cup now, and after 5 years is still in the same position they were before but with crappier contracts, I would say yes, it was holland.

[@connorkelleher2537]

Much respect for that Comets jersey

[@salvatorebullaro862]

Utica reppin, absolutely love it

[@michaelkirkpatrick7483]

Interesting video. The attendance in San Jose jumped out at me. Team has to be a bit alarmed, and it might explain why they've resisted a rebuild for a long time. Same concerns may exist in Winnipeg. I agree that if Panther's head counts don't improve after this incredible cup run they're on, the organization would have to start to wonder a bit. I'm happy to see Buffalo's situation has started to improve. It was really looking bleak not that long ago. CBJ have to start getting better, or their numbers may drop dramatically.

[@LBdave]

Sick hat

[@cmz5847]

Utica native here🔥🔥

[@bobbyhulll8737]

Percentage is important , overall capacity is important and what you are able to charge for a ticket is important …

[@davecomstock9544]

Shannon, you're not the only one who thought adding a light only visible when a (non-retractable) seat at The Tank is unoccupied was a weird idea. During the Sharks' last few playoff years, the Sharks handed out wristbands at each playoff game -- initially single-color and later multi-colored, controllable either by code or by section. I believe during our last playoff season, they discontinued the wristbands and added the seat lights, which were visible when everyone stood during the national anthem and pre-game, when not everyone had made it to their seats. But now that the playoffs are a distant memory and regular-season attendance is way down -- 79.2% must be tickets issued; typically more than half the seats were empty at the games I attended (~16) -- they've turned into empty seat beacons. They make a much nicer light show now, but they're a constant reminder that the team is playing badly and there are more empty seats than bodies at most games.

[@pstandlee]

For some reason when Shannon started talking about players on the Ducks I thought of Mathews playing next to Zegras. That would be mighty entertaining.

[@nimportepas]

wait this is a crazy video i like this idea

[@FrostbiteRep]

this should go over well

[@dingdongditch1000]

Issue with Florida’s arena is the location… people in South Florida always supported the Panthers but the arena is far from the main population centers and is literally the edge of the swamp. Literally, if you look west from the top of the arena, there is the Sawgrass Express and then a long stretch of marsh land.

[@jonathanreiss5008]

You know you're getting old when players you watched as a kid are now general managers and coaches.

[@ponyboy9765]

The one thing you have to remember about Vegas, is that it’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country. You have people coming from all over the place to come spend money and have fun so I’m sure that even if the team was trash they would be full almost every night from visitors of other teams or just people wanting to see a hockey game.

[@JHockeyFan]

Correct

[@JustinGreene0224]

Great breakdown! Funny you mention the talk about fan support when a team is not winning. I started following the VGK right after the SD Chargers situation leaving for LA, and I'm always have had a problem giving taxpayer funds to a private sports team's stadium for taxpayers that may or may not be a sports fan of that particular team. When people like to flaunt they always support a team even when they are losing, I just see that as corporate welfare, especially when they threaten to move the team unless the taxpayers take up billion dollar contracts to build them new stadiums. On that note, I'd love to see a breakdown of where people's money goes when they buy a ticket, jersey, etc. Examples (random guess): $100 Replica Jersey = 50% Owner, 30% player, 10% NHLPA, 10% shop.... Live Ticket = .... Keep up the great content!

[@bruins7708]

I'm sure you have been asked alot but where do you order your Jersey's from in Canada

[@xtripledee8022]

Sweet Utica Comets jersey!! LGD

[@YuiFunami]

nice comet's jersey! who's the number?

[@tannerythetanner2462]

Where did you get the comets jersey? I’ve been looking and I don’t know if I should get it from their website itself or the AHL.