Thread: Winnipeg in talks to acquire Thrashers

Originally Posted by Dana

That's amazing that they don't even want the team as a tenant because that's 40 nights that they can make money on parking and concessions.

Unless they think they can make more money on those 40 some odd nights.

It appears, now, that the Hawks and Arena are going to be sold to former Padres owner John Moores. No real picture of where that leaves the Thrashers negotiations, but it's pretty clear they'd need to get a sweetheart of a lease from Moores to be financially successful, even if a local ownership group steps up.

Originally Posted by Iron Duke

On another note, how much is Byfuglien regretting that 5-year extension? While there's an interesting core there, how will this affect the upcoming contracts of players like Ladd, Wheeler, Bogosian, and even Kane (next season)?

Considering the Canadian dollar currently out-values the US dollar, their budget/salaries may not take as much of a hit as in previous years (if they're paying in US dollars).

I'm wondering if there's enough of a fan base in Winnipeg to sustain a team? They lost one a few years back, so maybe if they get another the fans will be more supportive?

I also wonder if they would name them the Jets again. It's definitely better than Thrashers, IMO.

Originally Posted by Dr. No

Considering the Canadian dollar currently out-values the US dollar, their budget/salaries may not take as much of a hit as in previous years (if they're paying in US dollars).

I'm wondering if there's enough of a fan base in Winnipeg to sustain a team? They lost one a few years back, so maybe if they get another the fans will be more supportive?

I also wonder if they would name them the Jets again. It's definitely better than Thrashers, IMO.

If I recall correctly, the Jets were hit by the then weak Canadian dollar and the fact that other teams were spending a lot of dough pre salary cap days.

I remember hearing/reading on Puck Daddy and other blogs the team is most likely to go with Manitoba Moose than the Jets

Originally Posted by Damien C

I remember hearing/reading on Puck Daddy and other blogs the team is most likely to go with Manitoba Moose than the Jets

Manitoba Moose - AHL


Phoenix Coyotes, formerly Winnipeg Jets - NHL

Originally Posted by Crazy_Ivan

If I recall correctly, the Jets were hit by the then weak Canadian dollar and the fact that other teams were spending a lot of dough pre salary cap days.

Exactly. Right now the Loony is worth more than a USD, so if they're paying their players in USD, per contract, then they would be saving $.02+ per $1 spent.

But that could all change tomorrow depending on exchange rates.

Originally Posted by Dr. No

Considering the Canadian dollar currently out-values the US dollar, their budget/salaries may not take as much of a hit as in previous years (if they're paying in US dollars).

I'm wondering if there's enough of a fan base in Winnipeg to sustain a team? They lost one a few years back, so maybe if they get another the fans will be more supportive?

I also wonder if they would name them the Jets again. It's definitely better than Thrashers, IMO.

I don't think there's any question about Winnipeg's viability at this current time. The question, IMO, is when the economy finally does start chugging back upwards, and the Canadian dollar is not so favorable, does the city remain viable not only financially, but also in drawing in players to put out a competitive product.

That's true, eh, Atlanta had team before.

Atlanta Flames? Yeah, before my time. Meh!

What the NHL should do is send the Ducks to Winnipeg!

Originally Posted by orpheus

That's true, eh, Atlanta had team before.

Atlanta Flames? Yeah, before my time. Meh!

What the NHL should do is send the Ducks to Winnipeg!

For the record, the Atlanta Flames were a totally different ballgame. The team was pretty well attended and supported. The owner got into financial trouble, saw the Flames as an expendable property, and sought to sell them. There were fair offers for the franchise from local buyers, but a group from Calgary, seeking to get an NHL team, doubled the best offer, and the owner took the money and ran. I only bring this up to dispel any myth that the fans/city failed the first Atlanta franchise.