from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

World-class arena that does not rely on public funding to finance construction? Check.

Deep-pocketed owners that include a strong local presence? Check.

A marketplace that does not levy state income tax, hence making it an attractive place for players and their families? Check.

Growing population? Check.

Add in the fact that expansion fees are not shared with the players, and there is a compelling argument to be made that Las Vegas represents a strong fit for the NHL's owners.

"I think there are a good core of hockey fans in the valley," said Jeff Sharples, who played 105 NHL games and retired from the game to Las Vegas, where he is now based as a pilot. "Las Vegas has always been able to generate buzz and there is a lot of money around town. I would love to see the NHL in Las Vegas."

What makes the entire discussion about Las Vegas as a potential home for an NHL franchise so compelling, so difficult to quantify is the very nature of the city itself. For a community that will attract 40 million visitors this year, it's easy to forget that the visitors do not necessarily define the community, even if they represent billions of dollars of revenue to said community.

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