Part 2 of 2: The Winnipeg Contingency PlanNow onto what this means for Manitoba NHL fans. Winnipeg is outside territorial rights of all existing teams, so this becomes a non-issue. Based on the past relocation of Atlanta to Calgary in 1980, and all the past history listed above, there will be no relocation fee to move clubs anywhere including Winnipeg. So the last remaining question is “Is there a lost expansion opportunity cost to the NHL owners, should a team relocate to Winnipeg first?” If not, then an owner for the purchase price alone can set up shop in the Golden Boy’s city. If so, then how much extra would this cost?Certainly a case for extra fees can be made for any city that has been rumoured for expansion in the past. However, the leading contenders for expansion for the past 3 years have been Hamilton (mainly due to Balsillie’s ever present push), a second Toronto team, Waterloo (also mainly due to Balsillie’s ever present push), Las Vegas and Kansas City. Winnipeg, Houston, Portland and Seattle all seem to be listed as potentials, but they are simply not mentioned as often by both the NHL and the media as most probable for expansion. Hartford, Oklahoma City and Quebec City all seem to be C list at best.Winnipeg doesn’t score the same as all these potential US destinations in terms of locations that are “glamourous” or that will enhance prospects for the cash cow also known as a US TV network deal. more »

Part 1 of 2: Phoenix FeesJudge Redfield Baum has been put in a very difficult position in the Phoenix bankruptcy case. He has been pressing all sides to come to a reasonable compromise instead of ruling and creating a new large precedent whichever way he rules. The effects of this new precedent are what he is most mindful.If anyone thinks that these parties won't need the Judge to rule for them, they're Offside!For those more familiar with Stanley Cup finals rather than legal processes, you need not apologize. (It is truly a shame that this saga blindsides a great edition of the NHL playoffs, but I digress.) Precedents seem to help guide a court in making decision. Legal precedents from past court rulings are quite important when the cases are similar. But when those are lacking the court then sees what precedents occur in similar past circumstances outside the court room. And the history of the NHL then plays a pivotal role. Does Judge Baum take into account past NHL relocations and related fees when deciding what is fair for this relocation fee? more »