Las Vegas officials in general, and Mayor Oscar Goodman in particular, have been searching for a major sports franchise to locate in the US gambling mecca. It had seemed to some that the National Hockey League would be a reasonable partner for the city in a deal from which both could profit, but NHL leaders seem unlikely to take the risk.Logistical problems dog the concept of the NHL in Las Vegas. The NHL finds itself more pressed to contract rather than expand. There are already several franchises located in the southern half of the US unable to support themselves, such as Phoenix, Florida, and Tampa.
Relocating a franchise, as seen in tumultuous negotiation regarding Phoenix, creates a world of problems. And Vegas does not have a facility, and potential builders seem caught up in the chicken-egg need to see a team locked in before an appropriate arena will be constructed.
Still, NHL players flocked to the annual awards presentation, verifying the city's popularity among players who routinely skip the wards process. And hockey's desperate need to enhance its visibility and public awareness fits well with Vegas desires to appear as a player among major US cities.
"I think Las Vegas is a great market," says George Maloof, owner of the NBA Sacramento Kings and the Palms Casino in Las Vegas. "I think it would be great to have a [NHL] team here."
"I think the NHL could work here," said Washington Capitols general manager George McPhee. But league commissioner Gary Bettman doesn't see the success of the annual awards show translating into a new franchise.
"One has nothing to do with the other," Bettman said.
At least disingenuous claims of the fear of gambling corruption of game results was not cited by Bettman.
Published on June 20, 2009 by MattMiller
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