It appears as if both Las Vegas and Quebec City are going deep into the NHL expansion process.
Friday marked a big day in that regard, as Quebecor confirmed that they’re in “Phase III” while Puck Daddy’s Josh Cooper reports that Vegas accomplished the same task.
The #NHL has retained #Quebecor's candidacy for the 3rd phase of the expansion process. The goal: Bring #Nordiques back to #Québec City
— Québecor (@Quebecor) August 21, 2015
La #LNH a retenu la candidature de #Québecor pour la phase 3 du processus d'expansion. Objectif : Retour des #Nordiques à #Québec
— Québecor (@Quebecor) August 21, 2015
Las Vegas has moved to Phase III of the NHL's expansion process per league. @Quebecor announced earlier it had done so as well ...
— Josh Cooper (@JoshuaCooper) August 21, 2015
These reports are also backed up by TVA’s L.A. Lariviere.
It’s pretty much impossible to make “How many phases are there” type jokes - some prefer Austin Powers references, others might throw in “American Werewolf in London” - but the Associated Press indicates that this might be the final step.
A person familiar with the process told The Associated Press that the third stage involves the NHL reviewing the company’s business plan and revenue projections. If approved, the league would be in a position to award an expansion franchise as early as next month, the person added.
In case you skimmed that paragraph too quickly, let’s underline it: the league could award one or both cities an expansion franchise as early as September.
Wild stuff, right?
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