from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

From my home office, it looks like the league has two choices. The first is to pass. Simply say, “We aren’t ready. This isn’t the time.” What makes more sense is the second option: formally ask to see who is interested, with no guarantees.

The NHL could easily tell interested bidders/cities to step forward by a certain date. We know Las Vegas will be in. We know Quebec City will be in. Are you, Portland? Ok, Seattle/Washington, we know there are a few different possibilities. Which one can guarantee an arena, and when? Is there an owner in Kansas City? Is there anyone willing to champion a second team in Toronto, even if it plays out of the Air Canada Centre — a la Los Angeles?

Who really wants a team? And, of that group, who can really do it? This is the best chance of answering those questions.

The benefit for the NHL is it doesn’t have to guarantee anything. This is not a, “We will expand.” This is a, “Convince us to expand.” In the end, if it doesn’t work, walk away.

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