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The only untapped markets in the US that would be reasonable risks for relocation of Phoenix or one of the "perennial strugglers" are: Seattle, Portland, maybe Kansas City, maybe OKC. OKC seems like the kind of place that might be a non-starter but could invoke the "Nashville factor", in a place where fans are dying for more professional sports and not much else going on in their area. They have an AHL franchise obviously... not sure how financially sound a footing they have (never looked into it). Would be interesting to see what the lockout produced for them in terms of more fans turning out to see EDMs young stars play, when it's all said and done.
Other markets include Quebec and possibly Hamilton area (I think that's where the new 20K seat arena is going?). With Hamilton you might get the LA / Anaheim effect though with the Hamilton team always being an afterthought? Or... do we think there are SO many hockey fans in Ontario that it wouldn't make a damn bit of difference and the seats would be filled most nights regardless of the team's record?
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