Get the NBA team, build the new facility, then get the NHL team. That sounds like a much more likely sequence than getting both at the same time. The way I see it, the city allowing the deal to not hinge on having both means the facility will likely be a done deal and eventually NHL will be in Seattle. The moment the City Council approves the deal, Hansen can start the next step; get the Sonics (either by relocation or the less likely expansion). They then move into the Key while the arena construction starts, giving Hansen nearly 3 years to get the NHL end lined up while the construction is in progress. They could very likely still have an NHL team there for the first available season!

If the city required both NBA and NHL to begin construction, I think the arena deal would have been dead in the water, which would have meant no chance at the NHL in Seattle. Plus, there is still a $75 million dollar incentive for Hansen to have both, since he would be on the hook for the King County portion if only the NBA is there ($5 million vs. $80 million). That’s a pretty big incentive to get an NHL partner involved. This was good news indeed for both NBA and NHL fans.

As to the availability of an NHL franchise to move, whether there is or not I find it hard to believe the NHL would even consider moving a team until the shovels are in the ground. It would be pointless to negotiate until there is no longer any uncertainty as to when a viable facility is going to be in place and open for business.

“Why even call plays on the last drive of a football game? Just throw it to your best receiver!” That’s you.

Basketball is boreing! The last minute of the game lasts longer than the first 3 quarters!