from Stephen Whyno of the CP at the Globe and Mail,

By giving millionaire businessman Bill Foley the go-ahead to gauge interest in expanding to Las Vegas with a season-ticket drive, the NHL has opened the door to plenty of other questions in that market and others.

In Las Vegas, there’s the value of the impending season-ticket drive and its potential role in paving the way for a team in what would be the most unique market in hockey. In other places, like Quebec City and Seattle, it raises concerns about just how long they might have to wait...

Small crowds at Florida Panthers games and the continued volatile Arizona Coyotes situation have opened up those franchises for talk about moving. But with Nordiques fans hoping the Panthers can head north from Sunrise, Bettman steadfastly maintained that the team was staying put.

“Nobody should be focusing on the Panthers as a relocation candidate. Period,” Bettman said. “It’s inconsistent with everything we know and believe, it’s inconsistent with everything (owner) Vinnie Viola would be telling me and inconsistent meaning he has no intention of moving the club. He is committed to South Florida.”...

The Coyotes have the rest of this campaign and three more seasons on their lease deal with Gila River Arena in Glendale. What’s under the microscope there is the sale of 51 per cent of the team to Andrew Barroway, which — according to reports — is falling apart.

Bettman reiterated Tuesday that the sale was on track.

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