Why Did Quebec City Lose the Nordiques in 1995?

[@MrLuridan]

I miss the days of Boston, Quebec, Hartford, Buffalo and Montreal battling it out. Good ol’days of the Adams Division.

[@penguinsfan251]

Hartford is not getting another NHL team.

[@amazingmonkey886]

Maybe if you were a Boston and Habs fan sure.

[@MarkVrem]

@@amazingmonkey886 It was nice having both Bruins and Whalers sharing local network market. Twice the hockey on basic cable lol.... Then I think ESPN back then for national games, maybe FOX all a blur

[@MrLuridan]

@@MarkVrem yeah definitely, I think the Whalers were on “Sportschannel”, right?, and Gerry Cheevers was the color commentator for them.

[@loltrope3266]

Yeah same, i was young, i think i was -15 yo

[@SaveznaRepublikaJugoslavija]

Many people don't know that the Edmonton Oilers nearly relocated to Texas in 1998 and were nine hours away from being sold to Houston when local investors saved the team. This I believe saved Canadian NHL teams

[@GizmoBeach]

Shoot, at one point the Blues were close to relocating to Saskatoon.

[@FischerFan]

Oh, most people do know that, but there's one traitor in Edmonton who conveniently ignores that fact while wishing ill will on Winnipeg and Quebec City but is all for NHL teams in Arizona and Atlanta regardless of how much money they lose. In a word, sad.

[@amazingmonkey886]

Funny how that never happened in Quebec city.

[@derekcox6531]

Agreed. It was close to a fire sale on Canadian teams back then.

[@michaelkeller5927]

​@@FischerFanwho? You dont mean me do you??

[@CoyoteIslander]

I finally got a powder blue Quebec Nordiques jersey and it's the most beautiful jersey in my collection hands down

[@nicholasappelhans4987]

I have a Forsberg Nordiques jersey. My all-time favorite

[@newttella1043]

Just wondering who gets the money from the sale of a Nordiques' jersey? The NHL? Colorado?

[@thenextgreat8652]

@@newttella1043 Can’t say for sure but likely to the current Avs ownership as although the name and location changed, it’s still the same franchise. Same as I’d imagine purchasing a North Stars jersey would result in the Stars ownership profiting.

[@alwillk]

White one is better.

[@dakotafrost]

I am a huge hockey fan and strongly believe there should be more Canadian market teams. Your videos on NHL history and current NHL games and issues are better and more in depth than almost anything I see on TNT, ABC, ESPN, even NHL Network.

[@Vic-u5c]

I dont see survival for Ottawa and winnipeg hockey teams especially paying players wuth American dollars

[@VexJinks]

I think people underestimate the reach and size of the Quebec City market. The city has a smaller population than say Montreal, sure, but you're essentially getting NHL hockey closer to northern Quebec, so you'll capture a lot of those fans in QC's net. And with all the fans living between QC and Montreal, there'll be overlap between the two fanbases, which should lead to increased ticket sales, merch sales, etc. We need more NHL hockey in Canada.

[@Habebandebardown]

Look at Saguenay Region thats 280k New nordiques fans out of the bat

[@Karlyr_]

@@Habebandebardown further east too. Being native of that part of Quebec, I can guarantee you people from Rimouski and even parts of New Brunswick would be down to go to Quebec City because it's 3h closer than Montreal.

[@nster3]

Like a 1/4 of current Montreal Canadiens fans will become Nordiques fans instead lmao, and who doesn't like a heated rivalry with French insults being thrown around?

[@DrDisco-vu8jt]

going to games obviously, but when it comes to tv rights, i dont think youre creating this huge mass of new viewers either. 70% of the province's population is in this weird gatineau/trois rivieres and sherbrooke triangle ("southern qc"). nobody lives past quebec city up north. the ones that do are already are watching the games and the canadiens have a fan base locked the fuck up all the way to the maritimes. it would have a fan base, theyd sell out most of their games but theres just so little extra "new" money to be made bc mfs all the way in chicoutimi, baie comeau, rimouski, riviere du loup, sept iles, gaspé (we're barely talking about a few 100ks here) are watching CH games anws.

[@DrDisco-vu8jt]

@@Habebandebardownwe're acting like they arent watching games already tho

[@simon_roy]

Reason number 1 : There was no salary cap. Even a team like the Penguins had financial difficulties Reason number 2 : Marcel Aubut Reason number 3 : No arena These days all of these problems are solved

[@peterroberts4415]

Reason 4: Canadian dollar

[@stevenzoeckler7728]

All they have to do is rebuilt the university of laval arena it’s not tiny.

[@wizzerwiser2056]

Also a low Canadian dollar, no corporate support and sharing the market with the historic Montreal Canadiens.

[@DeadAir21]

And the national TV deal is a valid reason. Quebec isn’t adding more eyeball since they’re already watching so it doesn’t make the TV contract more valuable. So it’s essentially the same amount of money split 8 ways instead of 7. And that loss of revenue will be detrimental to the smaller 4 Canadian markets.

[@chadisnotachad]

Quebec and Arizona are connected at the hip on this channel. Feels like every year, Arizona news sparks a Quebec video. (Not a bad thing, I enjoy these videos. Even as a Coyotes fan.)

[@SaveznaRepublikaJugoslavija]

How do you feel about the recent rumours about your team?

[@philtorrez4198]

It's exhausting. I almost don't even care anymore.@@SaveznaRepublikaJugoslavija

[@Christian_Martel]

I’m sorry for Coyotes fans. You have no control on what’s happening.

[@coastaku1954]

@@Christian_Martel Yeah, all 3 of them

[@MarkVrem]

For stretches of their history, 70s and early 80s Green Bay would play half their home games in Milwaukee. So even they had to get very creative to make it work.

[@penguinsfan251]

Wisconsin is the Green Bay Packers market. All of it. Not just Green Bay.

[@MDK2_Radio]

I think Green Bay would have long ago relocated if Milwaukee had an NFL team. But the Packers have been around so long with a mostly storied history that everyone in Wisconsin loves them and Milwaukee will never seek its own team. It’s a bit different with Montreal having the NHL’s version of the Yankees. That part of the province will never cheer for the Nordiques.

[@admirals818]

The Packers only played two games in Milwaukee (1/4). But yes, the Packers fan base is primarily in Milwaukee. Quebec City doesn't have a Milwaukee.

[@cisium1184]

@@geoff3103 117 miles is not really "right down the road." It's a 2.5-hour drive on game days. Not exactly Boston to Foxborough.

[@bradleyminoski2020]

A few years ago The Packers to celebrate their 100 year anniversary did a documentary where they discussed their entire history by decade and it shocked by that even up until the 60s (and at times in the 80s and 90s) how many times the Packers were in danger of moving because of how small Green Bay is and how small and inadequate their old Stadium City Stadium (it was a high school that I don’t think seated 40k) and this was in a era before large TV deals so gate revenue was a must and teams didn’t want to play the Packers because there was very little money involved. It really wasn’t until the mid 90s when they renovated Lambeau Field and added all those luxury boxes and made enough money where they didn’t need to go to County Stadium anymore that there were finally secured. It’s on KZbin if you want to check it out. Very fascinating series. Also Quebec wouldn’t be the Packers of the NHL since -Green Bay is supported by EVERYONE in the state. -They don’t have a second NFL team to compete against like you would in Quebec -Its owner is the fans.

[@isaiah8853]

Hey Shannon, I really like these more historical type videos. Being born in 2003, it’s cool to learn about nhl history from someone who lived and experienced the history. Keep it up!

[@CarharttCowboy]

I liked the Nordiques as a kid. Peter Stastny was one of my favourite players

[@gymrat2647]

Want the Nords back including the battle of Quebec. Miss those battles between Quebec and Montreal

[@thomastherriault6199]

The Good Friday brawl

[@FischerFan]

As a Habs fan, I can confirm watching those games and those teams made for a marvelous rivalry.

[@michaelleroy9281]

​@@thomastherriault6199 That was 1984 40 years ago that's taking living in the past a little too far

[@FischerFan]

@@michaelleroy9281 But it was pre-Bettman hockey.

[@my3dviews]

Don't think that Quebec will ever get a team back. You will end up with more Lindros situations, where players won't want to go there. How many American players will want to learn French? That also means bringing their families there.

[@ScarecrOmega]

The Winnipeg rally I believe did gain the team 1 extra season otherwise they would have moved same year as Quebec.

[@kdids]

and the WPG rally had 40,000 ppl at it - not 300 lmao

[@natashaa5179]

@@kdids And they still got moved and were going to get moved regardless.

[@DA_Karas]

One of Bettman's decisions that I hated most was changing the division and conference names. They were so original and honored people that grew the game. Now they are generic geographic zones that don't fit the groupings well. I know this is kind of off topic but another commenter brought up the Adams Division and thought this would be a good video for Shannon to discuss the history of the division names for the newer fans.

[@angushiltz4880]

I as an old timer would love to go back to the old division and conference names.

[@Shurehlm]

The quest to be a generic sport with no unique character or history, in the vain hope that it will make hockey more palatable to NASCAR dads in the desert, has led to many adulterations of the sport, its rules, and the league. The changing of the names of the divisions, however, has to be one of the most craven and insulting.

[@bartphlegar8212]

I agree. This regionalization scheme has pretty much hamstrung the versatility of scheduling in the NHL. C'mon! Detroit in the "Atlantic"?...Arizona in the "Central"? How many extra travel miles do these misplaced teams have to incur before it effects their competitive ability? Look at Detroit since this realignment. I don't that is the entire reason for the malaise, but I don't think it's a coincidence either. The scheduling is horrible in the NHL, and that's one reason why...

[@angushiltz4880]

@@bartphlegar8212 Detroit hated being in the Western Conference and spent a good many years trying to get moved to the East. Not really the best team to use to make your point. Detroit is exactly where they wanted to be.

[@bartphlegar8212]

Kids don't like eating their carrots either. I get it. But it seems to me that under this goofy arrangement they'd be better off with Chicago, Columbus, Nashville, Minnesota, Winnipeg, St. Louis, et al. These days they spend half their time in Customs...I'd prefer a more liquid arrangement, like the old Adams, Norris, etc. divisions, with a rubber band analysis used to equalize the travel as much as possible. Half the teams in the "Atlantic" aren't even close to THE Atlantic, and a good number of the teams that are, are shoveled into a "Metropolitan" division along with some decidedly unmetropolitan markets like Carolina and Pittsburgh. It's ridiculous...

[@Ste_Va]

I'm going all in on Quebec if they come back. The Husky/Wolf jersey in classic nordiques colors might be cool but the pallette they were going to use was more unique so I'd be fine with a color change across the board to make the team stand out more.

[@benjaminwellington8297]

As an American who never saw them play, I hope that they return. Very interesting team.

[@GizmoBeach]

They started off well after coming over from the WHA, but by the late-80’s fell down hard. By the time they regrouped and had a heck of team put together (hence the Avs winning it all their 1st season, after the Roy trade) thanks in part to Lindros’ not wanting to be there, welp…

[@Rockhound6165]

I'm old enough to remember them from the WHA.

[@timsmith428]

I want the Nords back! Shannon..do one on Hartford and Winnipeg moving please...

[@KID_JEDI_76]

SKYRIM'S FOR THE NORDS!! ;)

[@mattlabrecque7842]

That jersey looks fantastic! I hope they eventually return. Relocation, expansion doesn't really matter.

[@ericwittman3]

I’m a Flyers fan but always enjoyed watching the Nordiques. Michel Goulet is the most under appreciated professional athlete in the 60 years of my life. Hands down. No contest.

[@brycemcneil4404]

As a Habs fan I can attest Goulet was a constant thorn (I mean this in a complimentary fashion). You saw that mustache rushing forth and offense was coming.

[@Rockhound6165]

I'll never forget Dave Poulin scoring that 2 man shorthanded breakaway on Gosselin in game 6 of the conference finals in 1985. I thought we were a team of destiny that season. Then next season Pelle killed himself and we haven't recovered since.

[@FischerFan]

Hey, if my memory serves me correct, I believe none other than former Broad Street Bully, Andre 'Moose' Dupont himself, finished his NHL career with the Nordiques!

[@yammie75]

The Stastny brothers were pretty awesome, too, especially Peter.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

As an Oilers fan, and the Nordiques being my favourite eastern team, I must say that Goulet and the Stastny Brothers were amazing. I always wanted (and expected) an Oilers/Nordiques Final. Never happened unfortunately.

[@tudormiller887]

I was discussing this with a Canadian student studying here in the UK last year. She's from Quebec City, she grew up in the 90s, she said it was absolute chaos whenever the Nordiques played The Habs.

[@ShuriknIbuki]

I'm from Quebec, and It's weird how you say there was no uproar. Maybe it's because it was only in french medias? But I remember a lot of uproar, but a lot of it was definitely a feeling of hopelessness. I personally hated Aubut for it, and still hate him. like you said the team was not losing money, he could have help on, but he was a business man that wanted lots of money, so he sold it instead. Nobody showed up at that rally because it was hopeless, but we've been showing up in comments on videos talking about extensions or teams moving since then. And we won't stop doing it. If we stopped then the dream would really be dead.

[@York3]

All my homies hates Marcel Aubut! Seriously, FUCK this slimy, rapey, unlikable douche nozzle. If I see Marcel Aubut walking down the street on a rainy day, I am 100% splashing this MF into another dimension...

[@DJOmnimaga]

I remember the petition to save the Nordiques signed by 75000 people.

[@tpd1399]

I live smack dab in the middle of NY state. Chose the Nordiques as my favorite team during that NY/Quebec series. Next year they were gone haha. Love my Avs but I have also missed Quebec for three decades. I guess I would have to just root for both

[@SaveznaRepublikaJugoslavija]

I like the Quebec Nordiques because it had Quebec City, the most francophone major city in Canada be represented in North American sports. Quebec is a great province with a strong hockey culture and people in Quebec City deserve their own team.

[@FischerFan]

As a Habs fan who has never lived a day in the province of Quebec, I couldn't have said it any better! Hockey needs the return of that Habs-Nordiques rivalry.

[@amazingmonkey886]

So does Saskachewan.

[@mikestoast]

No one "deserves" anything. We are only granted that which is afforded to us. QC still has all the issues it did the first time. Time has past, and the nostalgia for the past does not work in the modern age.

[@Christian_Martel]

@@mikestoastIn all fairness, the arena is not an issue anymore. There is a prospective owner with potential partners. It’s still a small market, but economically Quebec City region is in better shape than in 1995. I’ll give that: the Canadian dollar’s still sh*t.

[@FischerFan]

@@amazingmonkey886 Saskatchewan doesn't have a market large enough to interest the NHL. The province does not even have a city among the top 15 largest in population in Canada.

[@matthewcowan9324]

I grew up in Green Bay. They were disfunctuonal in the 70's and 80's. They didn't get it together until 93-94, so they weren't exactly a good road map for Quebec City to follow when they were struggling before they moved.

[@MDK2_Radio]

It’s been 30 years of relevant football since then though. Especially if lightning has indeed struck a third time with regards to the QB position.

[@bradleyminoski2020]

Bob Harlan and Ron Wolf were the true saviors of that revival

[@mjwatts1983]

@@bradleyminoski2020 Bob Harlan... Now why does that last name ring the "I'M CALLING BOTH GAMES" bell?

[@qp2044]

The argument of expanding the game does hold water. Seattle and Vegas both have grown great bases. I'm watching this video now because the nords relocated. It would be sad to see the avs have to cut ties with the brand. The av/nord throwbacks are some of my favorites

[@DoubleP29]

The provincial Quebec government of its time was in turmoil as hospital beds were being closed due to cost restructuring and the upcoming referendum made the concept of getting the same government to give out public money to a professional sports franchise didn't seem feasible to say the least.

[@sominboy2757]

Parizeau did the same thing to the Expos around the same time and it resulted in them moving in 2005. He also had fights with molsons even though the bell centre was privately funded.

[@jamesfriesen191]

It was a sad day when the Nordiques moved, because the team was so good. Sakic, Forsberg, Duchesne, etc. The second the Avalanche got Patrick Roy early the next year, I knew the team was destined to win the Stanley Cup.

[@cygnusx-1862]

Really miss the nordiques, they had a great jersey and were obviously a team on the rise but it was too late. Would love to see another team in Quebec.

[@BDUBZ49]

Wow exellent job all around. Research, commentary, delivery...

[@BenLemay77]

It would be cool to have a 2nd division in the NHL quite like in European Football. You'd play against everybody up to the series which are separated. Each year's top 2nd leaguer would hop on the 1st league the next year, and the last of the 1st would slide in 2nd league next year. This way you could target smaller markets like Quebec and still have NHL games. And have 2nd league fans really cheer for their team to reach the 1st division

[@lordrayden3045]

Never going to happen

[@oilersridersbluejays]

It’s hockey, not soccer.

[@BenLemay77]

@@oilersridersbluejays and?

[@martinhaugland7928]

@@oilersridersbluejays Most European hockey leagues have or still operate with promotion/relegation.

[@yanquir]

Thank you so much for talking about us hockey guy !!

[@johncox7169]

I think Colorado winning the cup the year that they were moved has a lot to do with the over-hyping of the Nordiques as well. People get into their heads that if they had just stuck it out 1 more year in Quebec, then they would have been Stanley Cup champions, but the reality is that it most likely would not have turned out that way. Without the move to Colorado, there is no way that Roy gets traded to the franchise, as Montreal were huge rivals of the Nordiques, and would never have sent Roy to them. Also, without the deeper pockets of the new owners, other trades that were made that season also would have likely not happened, and without those trades Colorado likely would not have won the Cup. (I say "likely" a lot because we don't actually know how it would have turned out, because none of us have a time machine to go back and see how things would have really turned out.)

[@MDK2_Radio]

I agree. Without Roy, it’s really hard to see them winning the Cup that season, and a whole lot happened that was possible only because of that first Cup. Sakic, Forsberg, Roy, and Foote remained the core for 7 more seasons, they were a perennial contender, they attracted free agents, they were the team Boston sent Borque so that he might win a Cup at last. If the Nordiques remained, no Roy, likely no Cup in 96 or 97, and maybe Sakic, who almost became a Ranger following that season (but was retained because of the Avs’ excellent cash flow) does leave. As you say we can’t know anything other than Roy never goes to Quebec, but we can see what happened in Denver and seriously doubt it would have happened in Quebec some other way.

[@Lonestarr022]

in all likelihood, The Nordiques would have ended up being the Montreal Expos of the NHL, not being able to afford to keep their best players and having to trade everyone away.

[@TMN555]

110% that cup was won with the help of Patrick Roy! No disrespect to Jocelyn Thibault, Stéphane Fiset or Garth Snow, but neither of these three were solid enough between the pipes to nab Québec the Stanley Cup in the 1994-1995 season. It was the Nordiques weakness and everyone knew it.

[@TaraKaos]

Ya and there is no way we win that cup without Roy. He just straight up stole soooo many games for us!

[@mikfitzy]

Thanks for putting the work in and explaining this... as a Habs fan, would love to see the Nords back!

[@heathclark318]

I knew it... Dallas is on the way out... if not Quebec City, then Winnipeg or Minnesota... Lol Either way I still love you and what you've brought to so many. My knowledge of the game has grown exponentially because of you. Thank you! EDIT: Sadly I have been banned from commenting on your videos, for a reason I dont know. Not sure what I said, but it was all positive. It has been very nice getting my news from you and the history I was able to catch up on as a late adopter to the great sport. But if I am not able to interact, then what is the point. Thanks for the good times. Good Bye all...

[@michaelleroy9281]

I have not heard anything about the Dallas Stars moving, again

[@markwest3485]

Excellent analysis thank you for the video

[@parjf]

Habs fans were sad when the Nordiques left. That rivalry was something else so I'd love it if they ever came back.

[@Bowman1999]

Thanks for putting this video together, I was never a Quebec fan but didn't want them to move.

[@Anthogabful1]

Protect The Hockey Guy at all cost

[@FischerFan]

That's because the sports world revolves six inches around the good ol' U.S. of A.

[@debuthunter5389]

Protect from?

[@broughmar]

Longtime NYR fan. Informative vid- well done. Would like Nords/QC to come back to NHL but as mentioned, alot of hurdles.

[@LarryWeinreb]

Atlanta fan here - you keep mentioning we lost our arena...but Philips Arena was run by the Atlanta Spirit Group - who owned the Thrashers and NBA Hawks. They let it be known from the day they bought it all that they wanted no part of the NHL, but I have never heard this angle from anyone but you. There was (is) another arena in town - the 11,500 seat Gas South Arena where the ECHL Gladiators play that could have been used as a temporary venue. All that being said - I soooo want to see Quebec get a team, but I fear the exchange rate may be unsurmountable...but I am definitely pulling for them. The comparison to Green Bay does not work as the Packers have a major city in Milwaukee just 90 minutes away, and there are only 8-9 home NFL games per year and most are on the weekend vs NHL with 41 a year and many on weeknights.

[@kpkelly6182]

great idea for a video series, would love to hear more about why other teams left their cities. Bring back the North Stars!!

[@Mathieuacc]

An 8th Team in Canada is significant for broadcasting rights Shannon. Remember that Rogers sold the french right sublicense to Quebecor.

[@goon8058]

You touched on it in the video, no salary cap and rising player salaries was the death knell for Winnipeg and Quebec. I recall reading at one point player salaries were going up 25% per year. Owners in all small markets needed cost certainty faced with that level of salary growth, the salary cap delivered that certainty many years later. Now each team knows their current operating budget for the year in terms of the cap floor and ceiling, the gap between the haves and have nots is much closer.

[@ScarecrOmega]

I felt bad for Quebec as the Nords in their last season were really good and everyone knew the team would win a Cup very shortly. That Kovalev call was Total BS!

[@MDK2_Radio]

I wouldn’t say so. Given how tough the Devils and Red Wings got right at that time, it’s clear that obtaining Roy (which Quebec never could have done) was the key for Colorado. The Nordiques wouldn’t have prevailed and eventually guys like Sakic and Forsberg would have left in free agency. The Avs very nearly lost Sakic anyway and the story of how they kept him is something else that wasn’t possible in Quebec.

[@Christian_Martel]

I remember that game. I was so upset, they basically lost the series there.

[@Christian_Martel]

@@MDK2_RadioHighly hypothetical.

[@thomobrien1854]

The Nords would not have won the cup because there was no way in hell that Patrick Roy would have been traded to Quebec … Colorado was in the west and had no impact on the Habs. Montreal fans would have gone berserk if they traded Roy to the enemy! 😳

[@ScarecrOmega]

@@thomobrien1854 I never said they needed Roy and the team went 30-13-5 in their final season, they were a solid team without him and Thibault was a good goalie on his own.

[@Yanner39]

Great video. You’re bang on. I remember this fiasco quite well.

[@oldskool1979]

I liked the Nordiques... fun team to watch against Montreal !

[@dannya.8132]

Great video, one of my all-time favourites, thanks Shannon

[@edalder2000]

I am reminded of a story from "Up, Up, and Away," a great oral history of The Expos. The Nords had moved in 1995 and The original Jets had moved in 1996 because The Canadian economy was in terrible shape. When The Expos went to The Premier of Quebec trying to get Quebec Provincial money for a new ballpark in about 1997. The Premier said, "No," because his government was having to close hospitals.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

It’s sad. The Nordiques were my favourite Eastern team. The Expos were my favourite NL MLB team. I still have my Oilers and my Blue Jays and I’m extremely thankful for that, but I really miss my Nords and Expos.

[@canonlon311]

Very insightful video - another great one.

[@dvan7117]

First of all I'm an Avs fan. Have been since 1995. Before that, I was also a Rockies fan in spite of the fact that they were terrible. When the Rockies moved to New Jersey I didn't think Denver would ever get another NHL team. When the Nordiques moved to Denver I was estatic. I know many people hate the Avalanche because of that move, but I feel that is not justified for many reasons. I have empathy for the folks in Quecec City and I would love, if could work out, to see the city get another franchise.

[@rhyta5042]

As a resident of Salt Lake, I sincerely doubt we will get a team, there isn't the support here. I've attended minor league games here since the 70's and it's always going to be secondary to the Jazz. Hope Quebec does get a team again. Love the AVS too.

[@michaelfox9114]

One of my favorite videos. Thanks Hockey Guy

[@DetectiveRFB]

I know Pierre Karl Péladeau owns the Montreal Alouettes and Quebecor is most likely owning the CEBL Quebec City team at the Videotron Centre in 2025. Not sure though if the NHL wants Quebecor or another potential ownership group in Quebec City. There are also French-Canadian networks like TVA Sports and/or RDS, which would treat the Quebec Nordiques as a provincial team with the Montreal Canadiens.

[@Habebandebardown]

Imo TVA Sports get the nordiques and RDS get back the Habs everyone is happy

[@Loumi171]

Its not Quebecor who owns the Alouettes, its Pierre-Karl Péladeau, AKA PKP, the owner of Quebecor, who personally owns the Alouettes, he bought the team with his own money

[@DetectiveRFB]

@@Loumi171 Yes, just looked it up, you are correct. Correction was just made.

[@gregromano7355]

Another great post, as far as Game 4 Que/ NYR, if i remember correctly it was a slash in his back. How it unfolded was shady but i dnt knw if that one was a dive, im very aware of Kovalev's diving being a Rangers fan. That slash in his back looked pretty violent. Dive or not it was handled wrong, what a surprise lol and it caused a mess and controversy

[@jeremybrazier786]

Atlanta does not deserve a 3rd chance.

[@penguinsfan251]

Whether you think they do or not, it's likely to happen. Accept it.

[@lordrayden3045]

Huge media market With a competent owner, it’s gonna happen

[@maddrone7814]

Huge market. Cry about it the Canadian dollar combined while being tiny market in Quebec City is a double no.

[@IamKingSleezy]

It’s not the cities fault both the Flames and Thrashers franchises had horrible ownership.

[@michaelleroy9281]

Doesn't matter anyway, as of February 2024 , there are no plans for future expansion 32 teams is enough, it's a shame that Detroit and Chicago only play each other twice a year

[@frazelladesigns6862]

Love your channel, especially the videos about the Nordiques.

[@chrisbelos2834]

The coyotes lasted longer than the Nordiques in the NHL. let that sink in.

[@FischerFan]

Only because of a foolhardy city council in Glendale and a stubborn, egotistical Commissioner. They have not survived in Arizona because of any form of profitability. Oh, and the current edition of the Winnipeg Jets has already lasted longer in their current home than they did in Atlanta. Let that sink in.

[@chrisbelos2834]

@@FischerFan basically Gary Betman tells us that this pile of garbage team in arizona that was sold 9 times is allowed to lose money but quebec isn't allowed to lose money. gary was a fraud in the NBA and is still a fraud to this day. never grew the game, only grew the piles of money owners have.

[@FischerFan]

@@chrisbelos2834 I believe when it comes to this current situation with the Coyotes, Bettman's buttons are being pushed by the U.S. television execs instead of the owners.

[@chrisbelos2834]

@@FischerFan yep. all about the money they don't make over there, not about what they actually get.

[@redbeardsbirds3747]

If the Nordiques ever came back despite me being an Islanders fan…they’d have to be my 2nd favorite team..they are just so iconic..logo, colors and all. I’ve got a good friend who lives in QC..I’d make a trip up there just to see them play! ⚜️🩵❤️🤍

[@corkman111]

I don't know a lick of French but I want to watch Nordiques games in French.

[@FischerFan]

Look for RDS.

[@Aforg209]

LE BUUUUUUT!!

[@WeneedaQB]

Tabarnac

[@Alex-cl9os]

Great video !! That guy sure knows what he's talking about. Thanks for the analisis.

[@clubkid13]

Owen Nolan Nordiques legend.

[@dudemcmann6936]

Thanks for making this. Very informative. I hated it when all those teams moved in the late 90s but nothing stung harder than Winnipeg going to Arizona of all places. I grew up in Illinois but sympathized a lot seeing Winnepeg, Quebec, Hartford & Minnesota getting screwed by sending their beloved hockey teams south in the 90s. It just adds insult to injury to, not only move your beloved team out, but to send to some hot no-man's-land that doesn't get ice and is full of people who don't really care much about hockey.

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

Sidenote Shannon, yes Québec city is one of the most French part of the province, but the most French part is actually Centre-du-Québec with Drummondville( Voltigeurs) and Victoriaville(Tigre). There are some english population in Québec city, not that much in Centre-du-Québec.

[@MbisonBalrog]

I been to both places and I’m American. Very nice towns. Are there any recent migrants from France?

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

@@MbisonBalrog Honestly yes ! There are immigration law who favors France in terms of recognition of diploma.

[@MbisonBalrog]

@@jean-philippedoyon9904 cool but I imagine them being more soccer and rugby fans.

[@danielhuntington2116]

Those wars with the Canadiens were amazing. Good Friday brawl at The Forum as one of the best!!

[@choppergunner8650]

As a Panthers fan, we need the Nordiques back. Even if for some odd reason, the Panthers and the Nordiques would become sworn enemies, we absolutely need this classic team back.

[@michaelleroy9281]

Good luck with that, there are no plans for future expansion as of February 2024

[@johnnieplageman9145]

Thank you Shannon for opening my eyes to the peripheral issues that would most likely prevent Quebec from receiving an expansion team. I will admit now that I had never considered the economic ramifications of having another team in Canada, ie the currency exchange rate, and the reluctance of local politicians to go to bat for a public financing of a new arena, along with a host of other issues that you outlined here.

[@Shurehlm]

There is nothing concerning about the Quebec market that isn't solved by revenue sharing. If it's good enough for the Ducks and Sharks, it's good enough for Quebec City. Lower Canadian dollar isn't an issue. Canadian teams just charge more for tickets, concession, and parking - putting them on par with American teams.

[@drthalasiren4411]

True. The only reason for not putting a team in Quebec City is Bettman and the owners have a pipe dream of convincing NASCAR and WWE fans in the southern US to fall in love with hockey.

[@andyvu1325]

And what’s the difference between Winnipeg and Quebec? oh yeah we have a brand new arena top of the list

[@heathclark318]

​​@@drthalasiren4411lol they are.... sad you can't see that through your bias. Look at the growth across the board from youth hockey to college. In places that climatically speaking never see or feel a real Winter.

[@people3865]

​@@drthalasiren4411Not sure it's a pipe dream, it's where the money is at. Quebec already watches hockey. The more teams you put in the States, the more fans (hopefully) you produce. Their reasoning makes sense.

[@heathclark318]

Totally agree that QC should have a team. When the NHL goes to 36 they have to include one Canadian team. Even though Bettmans list of 6 teams were all US cities which I disagree with. If Arizona remains. 4 teams being: Quebec City, Atlanta, Houston, Salt Lake City

[@Manglerdome]

I just love the Nordiques logo and the color schemes.

[@loltacopwnd]

Be back in 5 when the audio comes in

[@antr7493]

Excellent breakdown. I was totally with you until you mention that alternative Wolf jersey they were going to put.

[@Indycolts314]

Bring back the Whalers!

[@christopherkuzek9816]

great dive thx for the look

[@captbloodbeard]

Your USD/CAD conversion rate is backwards. Currently there is 0.74 USD per 1 CAD, or 1.35 CAD per 1 USD.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

We all knew what he meant and that was what he was trying to convey.

[@captbloodbeard]

@@oilersridersbluejaysIts always a good thing to correct mistakes when we see them, especially since you don't speak for everyone and misunderstandings and confusion can happen. We all know that if a whiteboard doesn't have a mistake on it, Shannon didn't make it, so you don't have to stick up for him. You understood, great, move along. My comment is here in case anyone is confused.

[@williamweeks9529]

Interesting and informative review ... thanks!

[@glaframb]

The first Québec Club was the Québec Hockey Club aka as the Bulldog they closed shop in 1920 they won the Stanley Cup in 1912. The same year the Titanic sink in the Atlantic. The second team the Quebec Aces / As de Quebec where playing in American Hockey League from 1928-1971. Famous Player Jean Béliveau before joining the Montréal Canadiens The third Team Québec Nordiques was create in the World Hockey Association (WHA) relocating San Francisco Sharks (1971) -> Québec Nordiques (1972) -> NHL in 1979 -> 1995. sold to Comcast, Denver Colorado for 75 M$ became the Colorado Avalanches. Win the cup in 1996. Famous Player Peter, Anthon and Marion Statsny, Michel Goulet, Joe Sakic, Mats Sundin, Owen Nolan, Mike Ricci , Eric Lindros, Peter Forsberg. Famous Coach Maurice "Rocket" Richard (1 game), Michel "Le tigre" Bergeron. The 4 teams The Québec Ramparts play in LHJMQ / QMJHL. Famous Player Guy Lafleur Famous Coach Patrick Roy

[@MonTube2006]

So who won the cup in 1913 then ?

[@blackvx]

That's great vidéo, merci👍

[@mattplante1314]

As much as i would love to see a team back in Quebec. I would rather see a team in Halifax to represent Atlantic canada well, we're on the topic of small markets.

[@FischerFan]

Halifax ranks 12th among Canadian cities and has only about 55 per cent of the population that either Quebec City or Winnipeg has. Halifax also can't even get its act/funding together to bring a CFL team to the city in spite of what, 40 years of rumours now?

[@evileyeball]

My great grandfather was a Quebecois guy from Argyle Minnesota and I had a dream once that the Nordiques came back and I was running in the street, yelling "Retour de Nordiques" and everyone out her in BC was looking at me like I was crazy... Then I woke up, and Went back to my Vancouver fandom haha.

[@MrT8599]

If the Nordiques were to come back, it would definitely be as an expansion team. I don’t think it would make a lot of sense to move the Coyotes to Quebec City, which would force the NHL to move either the Detroit Red Wings or Columbus Blue Jackets back into the Western Conference. I think moving the Coyotes to Salt Lake City/Houston/Kansas City/Milwaukee/Omaha would make sense. You keep the team in the Central Division. There’s no need to realign. Then when it’s time for expansion, Quebec City is granted a new franchise. I think the Islanders could’ve possibly moved to Quebec City. I don’t think the New York metropolitan area needs three teams. You have the Rangers and the Devils. Simple as that. But that never happened. So I think now it’s just a matter of time before we see a return of the Quebec Nordiques as an expansion franchise.

[@hockey582004]

Additionally, the U18 market has been growing and getting a lot of love here, so there is growth in a US team. Excellent video as always!!

[@valveanti-cheat9348]

Haha I beat the audio again

[@matthewanstey5185]

This was super awesome insight thanks for that

[@irrelevantsocks]

Because the poutine in the arena was subpar.

[@Christian_Martel]

Nothing beats a poutine from Québec. 😂 Also, ask Don Cherry, the Colisée had the best hot dogs in the league.

[@pierresoorden5975]

Indignación

[@rickmoreno7166]

Excellent video, thanks for such a rational and nuanced take on why moving a team to Quebec isn't a super-easy decision for the league.

[@bartsanders1553]

The Coyotes lost 75 million dollars in one season(may have been the worst, but I'm not positive). If there's the probability that Quebec could at least not lose money, I'd say that's the best case for moving them back. Financially, Arizona has been a failure for the NHL. A moderate/weak market is better than a negatove market.

[@BensBrickDesigns]

As an Avs fan, I'm not sad they went through all that. But as a hockey fan, I'd love to see them come back.

[@chrisbelos2834]

avs vs nords would be a instant classic ngl

[@milolabrett6549]

Quebec City has too many issues going against it to ever have NHL back. It’s a great city for the QMJHL. Once again great analysis Shannon.

[@THEREDHOTWRECK]

The NHL will be expanding in the future. They won't go with just two. They'll eventually get to 36. Quebec will be one of them.

[@Mathieuacc]

Lets hear the issues

[@milolabrett6549]

@@Mathieuacc I am very familiar with Quebec and Love visiting that being said, # 1 issue English speaking people in moving and living in Quebec are treated like 2nd class citizens. It's just a fact.

[@Mathieuacc]

@@milolabrett6549 that's completely 100% wrong. Québec city has the most welcoming people in NA. My best friend is British and moved here with his wife and 3 kids. They are having the time of their lives.

[@MDK2_Radio]

@@Mathieuacccan they speak French?

[@TheBlazersfan22]

Very informative video thg

[@martyloo]

Quebec City is a government town with that and a tourism economy. They don't have the corporate base to offset the small number of consumers. That's a big challenge for economic viability.

[@slytester5636]

Stuff it with all due respect.

[@people3865]

​@@slytester5636Where is he wrong? Lol. If Quebec was going to be viable, they'd have a team.

[@MDK2_Radio]

@@slytester5636you should take your own after if you can’t simply conduct yourself like a grownup.

[@martyloo]

@@people3865 silly me for using economics and facts /s

[@martyloo]

@@slytester5636 I wish it weren't the case, but facts are facts. Greater Quebec City Area has a population of 850,00. It's mean income is around $48,000. That puts it the lowest at major Canadian regions. This isn't about not wanting QC to have a team, it's an argument on why they won't.

[@TheSilentZ]

I missed out on the Nordiques era (Too young by the time they relocated to watch or know of them) but would be cool to see them return. Expansion would be awesome though I don't know the likelihood of it all with the NHL side. Just a fan here. But awesome jerseys and branding, interesting history from what I've been learning from the channel. Would be cool to see happen imo.

[@thatsportsguy983]

As an American I think Canada deserves another team, if not 2 more. I get that USA has a market, but nobody can disagree hockey isn’t foundational to Canada. A Canadian city would care for a team much more than Arizona ever would. Hockey is meant for Canada, it shouldn’t be forced to work in Arizona. No offense to Arizona, they know just as well they are doing other things down there besides watching hockey

[@angushiltz4880]

While I understand your sentiment and don't necessarily disagree about more teams in Canada. I've tried pointing out something to people that they seem to overlook. If every single person tunes in to watch an NHL game in Canada. In the States only about 15 percent of the population needs to watch an NHL game to be a greater viewership than Canada. That's why the NHL has more teams in the States and wants to grow more fans in the States. There is a much higher potential for growth and sustainability in the States than Canada. Can they make another team in Canada succeed. Yes. But they can gain more by having another team in the States succeed and grow the game more.

[@FischerFan]

@@angushiltz4880 ..and the League has been force-feeding its product on the U.S. for what, over thirty years now? Hockey has long hit the wall in the U.S. and is simply destined to remain a niche sport compared to football and basketball. It remains the most popular sport in only five American states. I suppose the NHL needs another 200 franchises in the U.S. in order to 'grow the game'.

[@dennis3351]

Yesterday I came upon Nordiques and Canadien playoff games on youtube and binge watch a few of them, The Canadien- Nordiques rivalry was at times vicious wow.

[@SaveznaRepublikaJugoslavija]

It is unfortunate they left right when they were getting good. Imagine Quebec Nordiques Stanley Cup championship

[@mattlabrecque7842]

Every day.

[@NothingToPointOut24]

Prob would've never reached the heights they reached in Colorado though since Montreal would've never traded Roy to Quebec. Even with how bad things ended between the team and Roy.

[@MDK2_Radio]

@@NothingToPointOut24exactly. They might have ended up with an elite goalie at some point but maybe they would have lost Sakic (who nearly went to the Rangers at one point) or Forsberg or some other key player. They wouldn’t have had the revenue they enjoyed in Colorado either. People just don’t think about that stuff.

[@Rockhound6165]

Happened the very season they moved.

[@MDK2_Radio]

@@Rockhound6165but wouldn’t have happened if they hadn’t moved.

[@big_dro1713]

Great reacap!

[@jonah.donohue]

QUEBEC 2024

[@michaelleroy9281]

The league is not moving Western Conference team like Arizona to Quebec

[@whitneysmiltank]

Really interesting that even a guy who is outside the province feels the need to choose between the habs and the nordiques lol. Good video!

[@oilersridersbluejays]

It’s more common than you think. Oilers were always my team but I always had Nordiques as my 2nd favourite team. Had a soft spot for the Whalers and old Jets as well so maybe it was just a former WHA thing and they all had really nice jerseys. I think also I disliked Montreal a lot so it seemed natural to favour the Nordiques. It’s sort of like Toronto and Ottawa; I really don’t like the Leafs and never had, so the Senators were my other eastern team I rooted for. Mind you, if the Nords or Sens played the Oilers, it was Oilers all the way.

[@razormc954]

Quebec City is in the position Winnipeg was in pre 2011, likely a market of last resort for the NHL

[@FischerFan]

Oh, it's an emergency back up alright. That's why I believe relocation is the more likely route if the League is to return to Quebec City.

[@KaraMarisa]

I would love to see QC get the Nordiques back! Cute city and the logo is so nostalgic, although I was hardly cognizant during their time in Quebec. Never loved French class a tonne, but it would be cool to fortify the French culture in Canada again. What better way than propping up hockey culture and a Quebec rivalry?

[@MDK2_Radio]

Green Bay owns the Green Bay Packers. Would Quebec City own the Quebec Nordiques? Probably not unless they acquire a team through relocation since that’s a lot cheaper than expansion, but I don’t see anyone supporting civic ownership like that. That’s an important thing to remember when holding up Green Bay as a model. They also have no other Wisconsin NFL teams so the entire state supports the Packers. Having the storied Canadiens in Montreal means the province has split loyalties. I don’t think they’re that good of a model for a potential new Nordiques franchise.

[@dylanhoward4978]

At some point Shannon said Quebec offered to buy Aubut out, which I was wondering if that meant something like GB Packers was in mind. It's such a unique arrangement that I don't think any existing owners want to let someone try because if it works again people will start questioning the arrangements these owners have with these teams, which we should really already be doing. I don't think splitting the province would be that big a deal. Quebec province has about 150% the population of Wisconsin and the attendance for indoor sports is significantly lower than outdoor.

[@MDK2_Radio]

@@dylanhoward4978good points.

[@jfturner73]

It was kick in the cahones to Nords fans when they moved and then won the Stanley Cup in their 1st year in Denver. Other than the trade for Patrick Roy, the Nordiques were a ready contender when they left.

[@BCNeil]

I have family in Quebec City. They just bought a new house there for $340,000. Its a very poor city.

[@dixonhill1108]

For now, they're about to see a massive economic boom thanks to immigration. Just look at what happened to Halifax. QC is next on the list.

[@MarkVrem]

yeah that is 20 years ago housing cost for Boston suburbs probably.

[@michellarouche3352]

Raise and born in Quebec City. Really appreciate the honest talk. Good job. If they comeback, Quebecor will make it pay per view for sure. Quebec City is a blue collar city, not that many business or fans ready to pay the current ticket price we see in Mtl for a game

[@michellarouche3352]

And you had to mention the Kovalev-Sakic goal. Arghh