WHAT HAPPENED TO THE QUEBEC NORDIQUES? // DEFUNCT TEAMS: A SUPER QUICK HISTORY OF THE NORDIQUES

In this All Sports History video we'll look back at what happened to the Quebec Nordiques when then owner Marcel Aubut sold the team to the COMSAT entertainment group, who then moved the team to Denver, Colorado.
Here's what this "Quebec Nordiques History" video covers:
The Quebec Nordiques were one of the few WHA teams to merge with the NHL in 1979, where they would stay for the next 16 seasons. So what exactly led to the team leaving the city they called home for so many years? In today’s video we’ll take a look back at how a small market team defied the odds, developing intense rivalries and cementing their legacy as an iconic franchise along the way.
We'll also look back at some Quebec Nordiques highlights throughout their history, like the how the team name came to be and the design of their unique igloo and hockey stick logo. Then we'll go through playoff runs of the late 1970's and through the mid 1980's, featuring matchups like the Quebec Nordiques vs Montreal Canadiens (ex. April 20, 1984 - The Good Friday Massacre), and the Quebec Nordiques vs Boston Bruins. Finally, we'll see how the team's legacy continues on to this day with the Colorado Avalanche donning Quebec Nordique inspired retro reverse jerseys.
What did you think about the Nordiques moving to Colorado and becoming the Avalanche? And what’s one of your favorite memories of the Nordiques? Or even about the WHA merger with the NHL? Let me know in the comments below!
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WHAT HAPPENED TO THE QUEBEC NORDIQUES? // DEFUNCT TEAMS: A SUPER QUICK HISTORY OF THE NORDIQUES

[@jackmiller-johnston8689]

That the Avalanche win the Cup in their first season in Denver, is the very definition of pain in sport for Quebec. That is actually, rock bottom

[@oilersridersbluejays]

If the Nordiques didn’t relocate, a Canadian team would most likely have won a cup in 96 and 01

[@newtjorden1957]

@@oilersridersbluejays Keep in mind that if the Nordiques doesnt relocate, Montreal wouldnt have traded Patrick Roy to them. Roy would probably have been traded to Detroit.

[@CdeHavillandMosquito]

It makes our souls more humble than they would normally be. We win in the end.

[@85passthru]

@@newtjorden1957 GOOD POINT...NO WAY THE HABS GIVE HIM TO NORDS

[@roccosteo8328]

@@newtjorden1957 exactly no way Montreal trades with their rival.

[@stephaniegormley9982]

I'm not a Quebecois. I'm a Detroiter but I think it's a shame Quebec City has no NHL team.

[@zvbx]

I’m a Detroit also and I agree with you, along with Quebec City I think Hamilton should have an NHL team.

[@dwlopez57]

Do t worry, they probably will next year. Coyotes need to play somewhere

[@waynebrady1819]

Trust me, the Coyotes will go to Houston if they eventually leave and Bettman finally ends this travesty after 25+ years. Quebec will never get another NHL team, at least not as long as Bettman is in power. There would be so many teams in non-hockey markets that are on life support.

[@jdastudios8208]

same bro im from Detroit

[@Golbez1991]

Respect to you from Québec City. Love Detroit.

[@johnshumski8362]

I was a Hartford whalers season ticket holder for over 15 years , trips to Quebec was always on our schedule , many great memories in Quebec. I know the feeling of losing a team😢😢😢😢

[@vinceniederman]

Quebec City Needs Another NHL Team So We Can See The “Battle of Quebec” As a Rivalry in The NHL Which Happened Before I Became a Flyers Fan in 1995!

[@Hoovie9596]

Winnipegger here I feel for you. Thank god we got our beloved Jets back. I want to see the Whalers and Nords return! Build the old Adams division back up And Whalers uniforms were best in the NHL all time

[@MarquisdeSuave]

My grandparent's were Czechoslovakian and knew the Stastny family in Europe from way back. One of the first places Peter Stastny visited when he defected was my grandfather's farm in Upstate NY. He and his family would visit my grandparent's every summer throughout the 80's. Anyway, its why I switched teams from the Islanders to the Nordiques and still own a gane worn Peter Stastny Quebec jersey as well as a couple of sticks. My mom still get Xmas cards from his family.

[@KrolKaz]

Yup he visited my grandpa's farm too in Connecticut

[@dougmphilly]

nhl was known for rivalries ... boston/montreal never stopped. but the battle for quebec wowed hockey fans for years. it was must see tv. nhl seems hellbent to bury everything that made hockey special. bring them back.

[@pomerlain8924]

Exactly!!! All we seem to hear is how the NHL wants add new fans, and grow the game. But they seem to forget about the original NHL markets with dedicated fan bases, and they typecast them as being too small and won't make money. And that just couldn't be further from the truth. And as we saw with Atlanta, twice, a bigger market isn't everything.

[@gocygo63]

...ha...welcome to college football...

[@humankirk9196]

The irony is that Avalanche fans still harp about Wings Avs rivalry... which is completely dead and only lasted a few seasons. But that Nords Habs rivalry was the most intense in hockey's 150 year history. The closest today is the Battle of Alberta (neighbors feuding) and the Bruins Habs rivalry (akin to the bitter centuries long enmity between France and England). But the Battle of Quebec was akin to straight-up family feud, and in many families it turned into a literal family feud. Forget about giving a franchise for Quebec City's sake, rather give a franchise to Quebec City for hockey's sake.

[@trondeaf]

Montreal/quebec and Rangers/islanders were the best intercity rivalries in sports

[@trondeaf]

​@@humankirk9196 Rangers/Islanders?

[@quincee3376]

I live in Toronto but i really hope they get an NHL franchise again. Quebec City is so beautiful.

[@jimbobogie8204]

Hi Quince-maybe Toronto will get a franchise one day too!😄

[@quincee3376]

@@jimbobogie8204 lmfao.

[@ronniesouthern7829]

You would think Toronto would have a team already.

[@quincee3376]

@@ronniesouthern7829 lmfao. Well played!

[@coastaku1954]

Quebec hates anyone from Toronto, why are you giving them any respect?

[@gynandroidhead]

That Nordique logo is awesome.

[@vinceniederman]

My Brother Loved That Logo Even Though He’s a Flyers Fan Like Me!

[@Jiltedin2007]

They moved to Colorado to become the Avalanche. Patrick Roy was why they won their 2 Stanley Cups in 1996, immediately after being acquired from Montreal, and 2001.

[@Polytrout]

One overlooked irony of Patrick Roy being traded to Colorado: we all know that he wouldn't have been traded by Montreal to Quebec, a division rival. But Patrick Roy is from Ste-Foy, A SUBURB OF QUEBEC CITY!

[@Jiltedin2007]

@@Polytrout Those Habs wanted to send Patrick Roy somewhere out West to where he could not harm them. Unfortunately someone in Montreal didn't do their homework seeing that Colorado was the old Quebec Nordiques.

[@Polytrout]

@Jiltedin2007 It's not that someone didn't do their homework, once the Nordiques moved to Denver, Patrick Roy was no longer a threat to them. But there was often talk about the Nordiques moving but there was always someone to stop the sale or to purchase them to keep them in Quebec City. Unfortunately, Quebec City was and is a small market and fell victim to the 60 cent dollar.

[@strawnobi]

I always find this conversation interesting. People forget Colorado lost their first NHL franchise too that became the New Jersey Devils. Having an NHL club in Colorado made a ton of sense especially with some of its history in the sport at the college level. (The 1980 US hockey tryouts were there as well). Having one in Arizona didn’t. Not only have the AVs worn Nordique Sweaters but also Colorado Rocky throwbacks as well. It’s awesome they’re acknowledging their history.

[@ariccua6101]

Interesting to note that COL won their 2nd Cup against that Devils team that left them.

[@Jiltedin2007]

I remembered the old Colorado Rockies. Pisses me off to see that The City of Denver would actually give that name to a Baseball Team today. Someone please explain to me why did the Rockies move to New Jersey and become the Devils after the 1982 Season?

[@secondguess3128]

@@Jiltedin2007 The Rockies didn't draw well during 6 seasons in Denver. They were a bad team with a lousy arena deal (no revenue from advertising, concessions or parking) and fly-by-night ownership. Their last owner was all but broke before selling to a New Jersey businessman -- the new Meadowlands Arena seated more than 19,000, and the NHL was salivating at the prospect of a team playing there, even with 2 teams already in greater New York City. (I've never thought the league was well-served by having 3 teams in the same metropolitan area -- occasions have been rare during the last 4 decades when either the Devils or Islanders haven't had issues with attendance.) I seem to recall reading that the copyright for the "Rockies" name was sold to the baseball team for next to nothing, but can't swear to it.

[@analogkid4957]

@@secondguess3128 In 1982 it was the Islanders peak dynasty years. Hockey was very popular in the New York area given the Islanders huge success and fan base and the Rangers already had a huge fan base given they have been playing in NY since the 1920’s. Th Islanders-Rangers rivalry was intense. So John McMullen the original Devils owner was excited about bringing a new hockey team to what in 1982 was a hockey hotbed of sorts. The New Jersey suburbs similar to Long Island where the Islanders play has a dense population of millions so McMullen figured there were enough potential fans to go around and Devils would somehow carve their own identity. Almost 40 years later while the Devils clearly are the 3rd hockey team in the New York metropolitan area they have built a sizable fan base. The Northern New Jersey suburbs have millions of people so getting a solid fan base backing is doable. The Devils eventually had an arena built primarily for them some years back in Newark NJ. They eventually won a couple of championships and had a legendary GM in Lou Lamiorello .

[@jasonharris1636]

@@Jiltedin2007 Well said, mate! Cheers🇦🇺🍻🏒

[@mjgasiecki]

A ton of Quebec fans came to a red wings game a few years back. Great fan base that deserves a new team.

[@cradlis3456]

I was there wearing my nordic shirt, it was awesome! We made a lot of trips around the US and Canada (I went to New Jersey to see the Devils too) to promote the return of our team but Bettman don't want Québec in the NHL

[@danh9676]

As a huge Avalanche fan, all I'm going to say is, thank you Quebec.

[@denislaferriere2693]

After they have failed with the Colorado Rockies....the NHL gave them a second chance....to me it means it is not a solid hochey state..... Ava need to be a winning team to have every chances to stay there....

[@denislaferriere2693]

Better thanks the Habs for the first 2 cups....without Patrick Roy they had no opportunity to even played the finales....

[@mikekeeler6362]

Yeah but they need to move back to Quebec

[@danh9676]

@@mikekeeler6362 The hell they do.

[@michaelleroy9281]

​@@denislaferriere2693And since 1995 and 2 Stanley Cups later they are still there

[@de132]

I'd love to see the Nordiques come back

[@gregm766]

I remember watching that brawl, it was epic and it led to the rule that players would be automatically ejected and I think also suspended for a game if they did.

[@secondguess3128]

I was at the Forum, watching it -- watching them (there were separate brawls after the 2nd period and before the 3rd) -- live. The narrator suggested Peter Stastny left the game after 2 periods due to injury -- not the case. He was ejected after throwing some of the nastiest sucker punches I've ever seen at Mario Tremblay, who was already fighting with Robert Picard.

[@dannyheraty3044]

As a Red Wings fan, it's bittersweet because as much as it sucks that Quebec lost their team, the move gave us the best rivalry in the league from 96-02.

[@Fonztyc]

I think it’s awesome that they’re wearing the Nordiques logo again. It’s about time to be honest.

[@AllSportsHistory]

Agreed! Hopefully they’ll make the Nordiques logo a regular alternate.

[@joeyrivaldo5239]

@@AllSportsHistory They need to wear the Reverse Retro with their new Blue Pants. Then it'll be perfect!!

[@Bart848]

It’s great that they do,Carolina does it as well being the Hartford whalers

[@ariccua6101]

MacKinnon and the gang looked awesome in those jerseys, not gonna lie.

[@victorlikesmetal3662]

It's not the same tabarnak

[@SausageandWine]

Thank you for this video which taught me a lot about the Quebec Nordiques, it is clear that Quebec is not a big city like Montreal but Quebec is the cradle of hockey and with the videotron center, this city deserves a franchise . From a French supporter of the Rouen dragons, best team in the Magnus league, French hockey is not at a high level but the atmosphere is great.

[@AllSportsHistory]

No problem! Glad you found it informative, and yeah I’d love for Quebec City to get another team but as of right now it seems unlikely 😕

[@SausageandWine]

@@AllSportsHistory Yes, anyway I would love to see a Montreal Canadian game at Bell Center.

[@pdcrmr]

As a Canadian, I’d love for Quebec City get their NHL team back. Some say that struggling teams like Florida or Arizona could move north but I think the league would rather stay in those bigger US markets (KC, Houston) than go to a smaller Canadian market but you never know. Winnipeg got their team back...

[@amyshoemaker8430]

I agree kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIHMo6mQr6x5eKc

[@amyshoemaker8430]

I agree kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIHMo6mQr6x5eKc

[@de132]

Florida and Arizona have never been given a fair shake. The Panthers moved outside of Miami and have had bad management until basically 2020. Arizona moved out of Phoenix and still have bad management. San Jose, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Vegas, Dallas, Tampa Bay can all form legacies, why can't Arizona and Florida? I don't like relocation. I'd rather see the NHL expand to 34 teams by 2032

[@dodovomitory3496]

@@de132 The divisions wouldn't be balanced

[@pomerlain8924]

@@de132 In 25 years, they Coyotes have never once finished in the black. That is the definition of a money pit. They've been given chance after chance after chance, and they still don't make money, and they don't draw, even with tickets at bargain prices. And if fans really cared about the Yotes, they would go to the games instead of complaining how far out of the way the arena is. The same goes for Florida. They have had weekend matinee games, and the arena is still 60-65% full, at best. And teams like San Jose, Los Angeles, and Anaheim can form legacies because they've had consistent fan support, even during the lean years. The same can't be said of the Panthers and Coyotes. And the jury is still out on Vegas because we have to see what happens when they stop winning and they don't have all the money to pay for some of the best players.

[@matthewforbes2969]

“And that’s the terrifying tale of how the Quebec nordiques became, the Colorado avalanche”

[@yesnomaybe1220]

I remember that game so well. Who in the lords name thought the rocky mountain extreme was a good name

[@AllSportsHistory]

Hey Sports Historians! ***CORRECTION*** I mispronounced Maurice Richard’s name using the English pronunciation rather than the correct French pronunciation. I messed up, the man was and is a legend and deserves better, so I apologize for that. What did you think about the Nordiques moving to Colorado and becoming the Avalanche? And what’s one of your favorite memories of the Nordiques? Let me know!

[@BM_2002]

Don't get me wrong, Denver should have a team but they shouldn't have moved the Nordiques.

[@AllSportsHistory]

@@BM_2002 Yeah agreed! It will take a team like the Coyotes or the VGK (eventually) to have enough bad seasons to move. Very interested to see how well Seattle supports their team, I think they’ll be popular as they love their soccer and football teams.

[@rileykazama3145]

@@AllSportsHistory I don't think the Vegas golden knights fanbase is going to ditch them for having a few bad seasons they might be one of those loyal fan bases you might never know because the golden knights weren't the first ones to be a hockey team in the city of Las Vegas

[@stephaniegormley9982]

Pronounced ree-SHARD for those who don't know

[@rwboa22]

They should move the Coyotes to Quebec and the Avalanche should allow the Coyotes to resurrect the Nordiques name.

[@MrAce-lm8es]

Quebec Nordiques Jersey, FIRE!

[@cooperwolfe5478]

Yeah I feel the same way. The Nordiques had arguably the best logo and uniforms in the NHL. I hope one day that they come back.

[@R2-D292]

I always watch all the videos about Quebec Nordiques. It will probably tell you how much I miss that team back in the league.

[@cooperwolfe5478]

Yeah I feel the same way. The Nordiques had arguably the best logo and uniforms in the NHL. I hope one day that they come back.

[@vinceniederman]

@@cooperwolfe5478 The Nordiques Had a Amazing Logo And Hoping Quebec City Gets Another Change In The NHL!

[@jacoballen4189]

It's unfortunate Quebec won't get another team anytime soon. The move to put Arizona in the Central Division this year and the city announcing they won't renew the lease after this year is a clear path to bring the NHL to Houston next year.

[@AllSportsHistory]

Yeah that would be interesting if they end up in Houston! Certainly seems like a move is eminent.

[@davidford3968]

​@@AllSportsHistory Won't happen. When the league expands again I can see Houston getting a team then, but not through relocation because the league would much rather make that expansion money off of them, and hopefully the next expansion is a 2 team expansion and finally brings back a team in Quebec

[@stillill3375]

Yeah I love the Quebec Nordiques and their jerseys and logo. Bring them back!

[@Dreadlock1227]

I’m from Seattle originally, but I feel like Quebec City 100% deserved to get a team more than Seattle did. I’m stoked about the Kraken, but if we’re being real, it should’ve gone to Quebec

[@pomerlain8924]

It should have been Quebec City over Vegas, and then Seattle.

[@KrolKaz]

Giving Quebec a team doesn't grow the game of hockey. There's no point , plus it's jn Canada and thier economy sucks.

[@dwlopez57]

I disagree. I think the NHL owed Seattle a team for nearly half a century. They awarded Sesttle an expansion franchise in 1974. Then they pulled it. Then, when Key Arena was remodeled the Sonics assured that it wouldnt be acceptable for a. NHL team. Of course a few years later it wasnt good enough for them and they deserted the city. Then when the Kraken first pit the season tickets on sale they sold out very quickly. A d Kraken gear can be seen all ov er town. Seattle supports the team. It's a big city with loyal fans.

[@universenerdd]

@@KrolKaz No they don't??? Canada roughly has the same gdp per capita as the USA. Canadians are also bigger hockey heads

[@user-hm1zb8js5i]

@@universenerdd Canada GDP per capita is only $43,000 USD compared to $68,000 USD in America. The fact that Canadians are huge hockey fans only means that there is no reason to put a team there. The NHL wants to expand its audience to new fans, so any relocation or expansion will always be in the USA.

[@DJVexillum]

I actually special-ordered a 95-96 Nordiques jersey as a fun what-if. I think the teal and purple are (while not really representative of Quebec) really sharp together and would have been a hit in the mid-90's. I really hope the NHL returns to the city one day!

[@tomjones2121]

what happened to them , The Montreal Canadiens and Gary Bettman is what happened to them neither of them wanted them .

[@Kwolf1]

Geoff Molson says he’s interested in Québec City having a team again.

[@sootchh4055]

Great video. I've always wondered which NHL team those former Nordiques fans would cheer for nowadays.

[@BM_2002]

The Nordiques NEED to return to the NHL

[@elithewolf2250]

I agree

[@thebrotasticbro9465]

Facts

[@djmonaco39]

no, did you watch the video?

[@tonyfinor]

In the newer area naturally. The old 1949 building isn’t what it used to be any more.

[@BKIslandersfan]

No they don't. Its too small.

[@joeprete7424]

Very good research, this bright back many memories!

[@AllSportsHistory]

Thanks, glad it brought back those memories!

[@vinceniederman]

@All Sports History I Hope Quebec City Gets Another NHL Team in The Future in My Mind!

[@BM_2002]

The Quebec Remparts have a bigger fanbase than majority of the sunbelt teams combined

[@AllSportsHistory]

Haha I wonder how many diehard panther fans there are?

[@totallynotalpharius2283]

@@AllSportsHistory two

[@jimmycrackedcorn226]

@@totallynotalpharius2283 Alexandr Barkov's mother... and his father lol

[@TheTempleOfBoom]

Great job , enjoyed it .

[@AllSportsHistory]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Dilemina]

I think the old logo is cool, and still makes sense for the Avs. To tell you the truth, if you squint a little the Avalanche and the Nordiques logo looks similar. The "n" igloo was tuned into an "A" mountain. And the hockey stick resembles the snow falling down the side. So I think they had that in mind when they created it. Glad that wolf one never came to be. BTW, Quebec City is a beautiful slice of Europe in north America. Out of all the cities in Canada that I visited, it is my favorite. Hope they get the phoenix team of they ever move.

[@wilderac2250]

I know very little about hockey but it’s always interesting learning about these teams that unfortunately leave cities that have decades of history in

[@nappingBOB]

These are some great videos. The only recommendation I would make is seeing more years on screen. Like in this video when you showed the 91 draft logo it makes it easier for visual learners like me to remember when we are in time.

[@AllSportsHistory]

Thank you! That’s a great recommendation, I’ll definitely try to add more of a visual for the timeline, as I know it’s a lot of information.

[@WingDiamond]

Bloody 'El. I love the "Snarling Siberian Husky" logo. There was one on line that had a Nordic Viking motif that was even more 🤘🏻

[@emt5330]

My memory of Quebec is the Good Friday Brawl. I could not believe what I was watching. It was one of the reasons that arenas are now designed like they are, so that the teams do not cross each other's paths when they leave the ice.

[@estebanswan]

Awesome series! I'd like to put in a request for a Minnesota North Stars video next!

[@AllSportsHistory]

Thank you!! I’ll for sure add the North Stars to my to do list, gotta a few to get through first but that’s definitely a great one to cover!

[@CHICANO1975]

I did like the Nordiques jerseys. Hopefully someday the NHL will let another team relocate there.

[@panowa8319]

Would you do a video of how and why Atlanta lost both their NHL teams the Flames to Calgary, and the Thrashers to Winnipeg as the new incarnation of the Jets?

[@AllSportsHistory]

Yeah, a video on the Thrashers will be coming soon! And eventually I’ll do the flames as well :)

[@independentvoter9973]

Solution - Relocate the Arizona Coyotes to Quebec where they will change their name to the "Nordiques." Also, the ownership group that manages the team should mandate that their PA announcer(s) make game announcements in both French and English - just like the Montreal Canadiens do - since English is the most widely used language in the NHL. That said, the rabid hockey fan base in Quebec (from both the city and province) will fill the seats in a quality arena that has an intense, engaging atmosphere. It will become one of the premier venues in the NHL.

[@michaelleroy9281]

A team that has moved to Quebec City can't be expected to play in the Western conference

[@NYCQuint]

Great Video

[@AllSportsHistory]

Thank you!!

[@vinceniederman]

@@AllSportsHistory Which Other Sports History Videos Do U Plan to Upload Someday?

[@reedr7142]

Love these videos you do. I've never heard Maurice's last name pronounced Richard. I've only ever heard it pronounced "Ri-SHARD."

[@AllSportsHistory]

Thank you!! You’ve never heard it that way because I screwed up pronouncing it lol, that’s totally my mistake.

[@jimbobogie8204]

At least Eric Lindros never got his name on the Stanley Cup. As for the Colorado Rockies their unis and name were better than the Avalanche (incorporating the state flag). With respect to McNichols Arena, I attended a game there against Detroit. The arena was right beside Mile High Stadium so parking shouldn't have been a problem and there were many other arenas that didn't have sponsorship deals back then. The team wasn't very good. They weren't very good when they were the original Kansas City Scouts either. As for market size-Phoenix and Florida (actually the arena is nowhere near Miami or even Fort Lauderdale blow a hole in that one. I have attended a Panther "home" game against Buffalo. There were more Sabre jerseys in the "crowd" (the upper level was completely empty-and when I say "completly" I mean nobody but ushers). We got centre ice tickets for sixty dollars-not sixty dollars each-sixty dollars for the pair. When you see plastic mice on the ice at a Panther game think "comp". How successful (at least off the ice) would the Sabres be without fans just across the border? And will the Golden Knights continue to be successful now that their winning roster has been gutted? How many Knight tickets are included in Vegas e hotel packages? Just wondering...there were a lot of Canadiens sweaters in the crowd in last season's playoff. There are still viable markets in the US (Houston, Portland and there's still a fan base in Hartford). Actually 36 is a better number for both divisional and conference play...let's leave Phoenix and Florida where they are-that will keep Bettman happy. As for the issue of language-look at the number of European players who have come to North America-and there's always the talk of European expansion. Do you think that Lindros would have played in France or Germany or Russia...the list goes on. The retro jersey in Denver was an insult, not onlt to Quebec but to the entire country,. There's one more possible way to get les Nordiques back where they belong: 1. Award an expansion franchise to Atlanta 2. Wait 😄 It's worked before-twice.

[@antoineglazer]

I was too young to live the Habs/Nordiques rivalry but I will love to see it one day

[@victorlikesmetal3662]

Sooo as I grew up with it, It was like having 2 Jersey in the closet as we loved both

[@secondguess3128]

@@victorlikesmetal3662 Your house was the exception. As a Canadiens fan, my experience was that our fan base hated the Nordiques with a passion unequalled before or since. You may recall there were several layers to the rivalry -- big city/small city, Molson/O'Keefe, federalist/separatist, even some English/French -- and you can be sure it extended to the players and coaches, who simply loathed each other. That said, I miss the Nordiques, too. Quebec is a hockey hotbed -- and much as we hate the Bruins, it isn't the same.

[@michaelleroy9281]

The Canadiens have a better rivalry with the Bruins

[@evenkeel6131]

That Avs/Nordiques mashup jersey actually looks pretty good.

[@cinnabread9306]

Great content, got a sub from me. Some other teams I think would be interesting are North Stars, Thrashers and Seals franchise. Hope your channel starts getting more traction!

[@AllSportsHistory]

Thanks for the sub! Yeah I definitely plan on making videos about all of those soon, most likely with the Thrashers first :)

[@henryca03]

@@AllSportsHistory I believe that the failure of both the Flames and the Thrashers goes WAY deeper than just "LOL, Atlanta can't keep two hockey teams", which is what most ignorant people post whenever Atlanta hockey fans lament the loss of either team.

[@AllSportsHistory]

@@henryca03 For sure! I’m from LA and growing up losing two NFL teams at the same time was painful. After that happened everyone seemed to assume that the NFL just couldn’t work in LA (which is total BS). The issues as you said go way deeper than that, which I’m excited to dive into soon with the Atlanta Thrashers!

[@wyattgreen9921]

I wish they were still there 😢

[@sheltered_k]

Subscribed!

[@AllSportsHistory]

Awesome, thank you!!

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

As we all know, on Ice the team was poised for greatness but bad business management just ruined everything. I feel for Nordiques fans that had to watch it all unfold in Denver a year later.

[@hina9234]

the nordics moved to colodrado, im still happy that they still sell the logo and they should get the team back cause the nordics is the 5th logo most selled in the nhl merch

[@jmill3147]

I wish they'd ditch Arizona and send the team to Quebec to become the Nordiques.

[@krissmonte6374]

Yes it's a good idea it pays homage and serves as a reminder of the rich history of the. NHL

[@MrOctober44]

I hope Quebec gets a team again. Peter Stastny was an incredible player.

[@cooperwolfe5478]

I hope so too. They definitely deserve another NHL team, but my guess would be that the next NHL team to move will go to Houston

[@vinceniederman]

@@cooperwolfe5478 Me Too and I Don’t Remember Quebec As Much Cause I Became a NHL Fan in The 1995-96 Season When I Was a Kid Since I Wanna See a Team in Quebec City in The Future!

[@HG-bp4im]

Your videos are crazy good. One thing, just remember that it's penalty minutes, not 'penalty points' ;)

[@AllSportsHistory]

Ah yeah I slipped up there, Definitely should be minutes and not points! Thanks!!

[@sampicano]

Every major population center in Canada (except one) ALREADY HAS AN NHL TEAM. It's literally just a matter of time. 1 Toronto Maple Leafs (5,647,656) 2 Montreal Canadiens (3,675,219) 3 Vancouver Canucks (2,426,160) 4 Calgary Flames (1,305,550) 5 Edmonton Oilers (1,151,635) 6 Ottawa Senators (1,068,821) 7 QUEBEC (839,311) 8 Winnipeg Jets (834,678) EVERY NHL TEAM IN CANADA GENERATES REVENUE FOR THE LEAGUE Atlanta had 5.1 million people in 2010...lost 130 million the previous 5 years. Then moved to Winnipeg...731,000 in 2011...and INSTANTLY started generating revenue for the league. Winnipeg soldout every home game from 2011 to 2020...41 games a year for 10 years straight (until covid 19 hit) #BringbacktheNordiques #FireGaryBettman

[@fel24thecat]

You have a Very good French prononciation

[@marqueswilliams345]

Okay I'm a fan now well research hey should cover the Vancouver Grizzlies next

[@AllSportsHistory]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video! And yeah, I've got the Grizzlies coming up pretty soon on my list :)

[@azuredusk991]

13:08 that’s Mahmoud, nice reference for Denver nuggets

[@thedyingfetus9493]

Im born and raised in quebec city and never had the chance to see the nordiques. Get the Coyotes out of the desert and get them up North where hockey is meant to be played.

[@luisvaldes1568]

It always amazes me that sticks are not used in these fights. Go Nordiques, loved the logo as a kid and still love it. Have a print copy of it on the wall.

[@luisvaldes1568]

Struggle in last place? They where horrible in those years.

[@Missfireblossom]

The fans at Le Colisee loved their team but were very quiet! That's what i remember most.

[@donaldferrell1714]

Loved their jerseys

[@AllSportsHistory]

Yep they were great!

[@WarioSaysSo]

While you can heavily argue if the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes have honored the legacy of the Winnipeg Jets, I have a hard time to say the opposite of the Colorado Avalanche's honoring the legacy of the Quebec Nordiques. You could say the very same about Carolina Hurricanes to the Hardford Whalers (as both teams became champions), the Colorado Avalanche have IMO done a great job. Have had a lot of sucsess and 3 championships and overall been a stabile organization ever since the move back in 1995. Still, myself and millions of hocket fans miss the Quebec Nordiques. In such a big region of Canada, there must be a solid market for a return?

[@sjdrifter72]

The Coyotes have not honored the legacy of the Winnipeg Jets, far from it. The Jets won 3 AVCO Cups in the 1970's, The Coyotes can't even make the playoffs or get out of the first round, with 2012 being the only exception. If they truly want to honor the Jets legacy, they need to give back the history of the original Jets to the current Jets franchise.

[@WarioSaysSo]

@@sjdrifter72 That I fully agree with !!!!

[@dumby88]

Honestly one of the sadest day of my life. I was 15 back then and it still hurt.

[@Polytrout]

Since the NHL won't be expanding anytime soon, it would be nice to see Colorado play neutral site games in the Centre Vidéotron wearing Quebec Nordique sweaters (and colours). Oh yeah, I suspect that Quebec City will be Hamilton 2020...remember when Copps Coleseum was built in hopes of bring the NHL to Hamilton?

[@aidanwotherspoon905]

I don’t remember how integral (if at all) Patrick Roy was to the Avalanche’s first Cup, but do you think the Habs would have traded him down the highway if the Franchise hadn’t relocated

[@chrisphillips348]

I was PISST when they moved and knew they’d win a Cup. Forsberg was my fave non Gretzky player. To celebrate the Av’s Winning Cup, I bought a NORDIQUES Shirt! I already had a white and a blue Authentic jersey. I’m pictured in a Blue Red Wings shirt, but liked the Av’s also, (I know, insane) through their rivalry. Always reminding people, they began in Quebec!! And I almost cried when Peter Forsberg quit!

[@pinkwolf6407]

Those Nordiques husky jerseys are fire though!

[@AllSportsHistory]

At least someone likes them!

[@pinkwolf6407]

@@AllSportsHistory I mean yeah the colour scheme is awful but I’m a sucker for animal logos 😅

[@0512tommy]

The nordiques never lost money. The arena was always full even then they sucked. We loved the Nordiques. They needed a new building ordered by Gary Bettman but the government would not agree to build one at the time. The other reason is that there was not a salary cap and the contracts were getting bigger and bigger so they were afraid they couldn’t offer big contracts to their players. Since then the NHL is helping smaller markets financially.

[@LucForgeron]

Revenue sharing would have been great for the Nordiques, to your point. But it's all about TV revenue. Canada is a saturated market. Whether Canadian markets fill the stands or not is irrelevant. It's in TV sales. This is why untapped viewership markets such as Vegas or Seattle will always be the goal. Under Bettman, there will never be another Canadian team. All of those Canadian tv rights are sold.

[@0512tommy]

@@LucForgeron if Quebecor were to bring the Nordiques back, they wouldn’t even have to negociate a contract with the TV distributors because they own TVA sports who already owns the rights to show NHL games. What they need to multiplicate their revenues is a team in Quebec

[@LucForgeron]

@@0512tommy It would be awesome if they could. Does Quebec city have the corporate sponsorship (outside of Quebecor) to support and sustain this?

[@secondguess3128]

The Nordiques were also crushed by the low Canadian dollar -- it was worth around 60 cents U.S. for much of the 1990s. The team's salaries and most of its travel expenses were in American greenbacks. Just to demonstrate the impact of relative currency value, the Canadian dollar was at 85-90 cents after the lockout in 2005 -- and the 6 remaining Canadian teams were generating half of the NHL's gross profit.

[@0512tommy]

@@secondguess3128 even with the low Canadian dollar, they were never in the negative. But I agree there was concern about the future of the team based on the CAD. It only gave Gary Bettman another reason to pressure the owners to sell

[@96Eman21]

As a fan of the #DetroitRedWings, bring back the #QuebecNordiques WIth 8 #NHL Teams based in Canada 🇨🇦 you have a reason to celebrate #HockeyDayInCanada during the NHL Season. Plus, you would see on the schedule….. Quebec Nordiques @ Colorado Avalanche Colorado Avalanche @ Quebec Nordiques What if these 2 teams played against each other in the #NHLStanleyCupFinals?!

[@souk6965]

I am a Habs fan we had some great games and playoff series against the Nordique, it was sad to see the Nordique leave Quebec. In 2022 they have wanted and are ready for another franchise but the NHL is set on only giving franchises in the states. Hopefully one day they will get another chance to support another team in Quebec. Maybe when Betman retires.They gave Seattle a franchise lol instead of Quebec. Maybe the NHL will get tired supporting the coyotes and let them relocate to Quebec, and we will get to see my Habs and the Nordique battle it out in the Battle of Quebec!!! With strong financial blocks put in by the NHL I think Quebec would be able to support a team. Fans for sure will fill up the seats. We will wait and see!!!

[@bwill613]

16:31 I wonder if that is how the QMJHL's Rimouski Oceanic got their inspiration for their jerseys.

[@lonewolfjedi493osswfan]

Throwback jerseys are a great way for teams to honor their past

[@joelp5093]

Gary Bettman happened to the Quebec Nordiques.

[@brycemcneil4404]

9:47 Forgotten history--- the NHL changed its procedure for expansion franchises thus slotting the new San Jose Sharks to #2. Only to revert back to a procedure that defaulted to new franchises being put at the top of their drafts immediately thereafter. The Sharks to this day have never drafted first. If the NHL had simply designated the Sharks the #1 spot, the whole controversy with Lindros would have been avoided.

[@microry1960]

All these years later.. I was not aware until 2022 that there was an igloo in the logo.

[@reedr7142]

I still have my Nordiques keychain, and I'm from Buffalo.

[@Drunrealer]

Best logo ever

[@jacknakash2677]

I was kinda "sad" to see That Nordiques leave Quebec City & go to Denver (Colorado) l really liked the Nordiques' logo a lot. That & all that French language lessions were now in the toilet. I also vividly remember the Eric Lindris draft with Lindris" parents coddiling him so he can play for a higher,, better & a more Mommy & Daddy approved team.

[@chriswoodsofficial]

One of my true true life dreams is to see the nhl bring back old clubs and expand to 40 teams! Quebec City and Hartford NEED to come back, the North Stars would be AWESOME to see again, and then I would love to see Milwaukee, Anchorage, Portland, Kansas City, another canadian team (maybe Nova Scotia, St. Johns, Halifax, or Hamilton), Lincholn, and Indianapolis.

[@AllSportsHistory]

40 teams would be crazy haha! I wonder if someday it will end up being more like international soccer with hundreds of teams in the domestic pyramid but they can advance to the top level through promotion or fall through relegation?

[@chriswoodsofficial]

@@AllSportsHistory that could be really really cool!!!

[@analogkid4957]

How would the travel to Anchorage Alaska work?

[@dwlopez57]

North Stars? Minnesota has a team, the Wild

[@Kwolf1]

I really hope the Québec Nordiques come back.

[@danmastrocola3005]

I remember when Chico Reech played for the Colorado Rockies and then they moved to Jersey .

[@zvbx]

The Flyers gave away far too much talent, draft picks and assets in the Eric Lindros trade. The Nordiques/Avalanche won The Stanley Cup where Lindros did not.

[@ziggymorris8760]

Had no idea Quebec’s original colors were actually the colors the Av’s adopted.

[@karlcooper8460]

Please for the love of God no more expansion we have more than enough teams.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I agree, but I think the Nordiques should return. I say bring a shitty southern US team like Arizona or Florida to Quebec.

[@henryjt2377]

Am I the only one that immediately thinks “ ZAMBONI” when seeing the Nordiques logo?

[@williamford9564]

11:40: These factors still exist today, including the small market and the weak Canadian dollar. That is why Quebec will never get another NHL franchise, whether it be by expansion or a relocation. It is also 2023 and the Arizona situation has been resolved so a relocation anywhere is off the table.

[@ryancox6268]

If the NHL had a new commissioner, Quebec might have a chance to get their team back.

[@paulmicheldenverco1]

I always liked the idea of the Nordiques as my team, though I only followed them casually thinking about the northmen. As it turns out the Normans were transplanted vikings and I have some Norman ancestors, so I'd feel pretty good about reflecting the Avs' roots. How about that Lindros trade? It has a real parallel to the Cowboys Walker trade does it not? Also, pretty much every lady under 40 in Colorado and Wyoming swooned for Peter Forsberg and I don't see that reaction to Lindros.

[@rileykazama3145]

I hope they come back

[@AllSportsHistory]

Me too!

[@rileykazama3145]

@@AllSportsHistory if they do get a team through relocation I end up seeing the Florida Panthers Movin I don't see Vegas moving

[@AllSportsHistory]

@@rileykazama3145 Possibly, I feel like Arizona would be another likely team to move. Vegas is too new, but will be interesting to see as time goes on how the fans will respond once they have a stretch of bad seasons. Same with Seattle once they arrive.

[@rileykazama3145]

@@AllSportsHistory I hope the coyotes go back to Phoenix

[@ThomasBaxter]

I grew up in a household of Habs fans. As a natural born contrarian, I gravitated towards the Nordiques - context, in an Ottawa suburb, before the loathsome Sens existed - and got teased incessantly for their lack of championships. When the Nordiques left for down south, mon choix seulement was to become a Leafs fan. ... it worked out... well?

[@lelys1018]

Malheureusement non, all jokes aside 🤪

[@ziggymorris8760]

As far as the Av’s winning the cup their first year in Denver, that would have never happened had the Nords stayed another year in Quebec because the final piece of that puzzle was Patrick Roy who they got from the Canadiens. The Canadiens not only never trade within their division, they certainly would have never traded him to their arch rivals.

[@kamdynwilcock9347]

It’s a must that the Nordiques return. For the culture!

[@pomerlain8924]

I would love to see the Battle of Quebec. I've heard about it and seen videos of the intensity, but I would like to see it for myself.

[@keirando]

It's interesting, but my wife is Quebecois and she swears the logo is not an igloo, but actually one of the gates in the city walls around Quebec City. I always thought it was an elephant playing ice hockey

[@karlcooper8460]

I always got the Birmingham bulls and the Toronto Toro's mixed up because they had similar logos.

[@AllSportsHistory]

They were the same team, just moved from Toronto to Birmingham.

[@karlcooper8460]

@@AllSportsHistory Oh ok got it.

[@eo1830]

Avs should play some games in QC. Would be a good way to test the market

[@AllSportsHistory]

I think the fan interest is there for sure, it comes down the economics. QC is still a smaller market and there’s the issue with the Canadien dollar vs US dollar.

[@richardtherichard26]

Why would they do that. They sell out every single game at the 20,000 capacity Pepsi center. Risk alienating your fans to test the market for ANOTHER team? Not a chance.

[@AllSportsHistory]

@@richardtherichard26 yeah they’ve played preseason games in QC, with the Canadiens hosting other teams in recent years. Which I think is the best way to test out the market, but it would be cool for maybe a special one off thing for the Avs to come back and play one game there.

[@spacerazer]

The Quebec Ramparts won the Memorial Cup in 2006 and 2023

[@SuperStrik9]

I miss the Nordiques and the Whalers.

[@AllSportsHistory]

Me too!

[@matthewbarton4317]

I'm from Michigan. I would like to see the Phoenix coyotes move to Quebec. There are two teams that I personally dont acknowledge their existence. That is Phoenix and the Dallas stars, they should still be the Minnesota north stars

[@alphatimbojalloh3565]

There is already another team in Minnesota, known as the wild

[@pomerlain8924]

@@alphatimbojalloh3565 That was the make-up gift. But the original North Stars should have never left. Especially when you consider that, unlike Quebec City and Winnipeg, they had a pretty new arena available in the Target Center, and the arena owner wanted them to move there. But Norm Green was looking for any excuse to move the team, a differing soft drink sponsorship was that excuse.

[@montrealsports29]

Just another tip for you (because I saw that people already covered Maurice Richard and penalty points/minutes). When saying the season, such as 1983-84, you should say the "nineteen eighty-three eighty-four" season and not say the "nineteen eighty-three to eighty-four" season because no one refers to hockey seasons with the word "to" in between the years.

[@AllSportsHistory]

That’s a good tip, thank you!

[@raptors11111]

As a Canadian from Ontario i hate all things Quebec, but i think theyve suffered enough and it might be cool to have a team back in Quebec City. Would just be another team for me to hate but Provincial rivalries are cool. Just wish theyd drop the french supremacy and do things more like Montreal. They've gotta realize the smaller market/french supremacy will still be a deterrant to free agents and rookies if they don't relax