Elliotte Friedman believes Quebec Nordiques news is a political stunt

Late last week, Quebec Premier Francois Legault told French media outlet, RDS, that his government will be meeting with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman about a potential return of the Nordiques.

"I spoke with [Mr. Bettman], and we have meetings with him in the coming months," Legault said last Thursday.

He added: "You have to look at who is ready to invest. We have an amphitheater in Quebec that has already been built. We are in the process of making contacts with Mr. Bettman. We are looking at what we need to bring back the Nordiques. I think we are capable of having a second team in Quebec."

During the second intermission of Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday, Jeff Marek said he spoke to NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly who said that although they had a conversation on the phone, there are no plans between the NHL and the Quebec government at this time.


"Yes, we did talk over the phone. No, we don't have any meetings planned right now. Yes, we are always interested in meeting and talking but, quote, 'We are obviously pleased with what we have right now.' We'll see where this thing heads." Bill Daly told Jeff Marek.

Fast forward to Monday. On the "32 Thoughts" podcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman thinks that the news surrounding a Quebec Nordiques revival is a political stunt by François Legault.

"I think it's a political stunt in a lot of ways, I don't like political stunts, I don't have a lot of time for politicians, I think you tug at people's heart strings, I don't like that".

Friedman might have a good point, given that Quebec is set for a provincial election on or before October 3rd, 2022.

Jeff Marek and Friedman think that if the Nordiques did return, it could cause a potential financial impact on the Montreal Canadiens.

"Friedman: "What do you think the damage is to the Montreal Canadiens if the Nordiques come back?

JM: "You think there'll be damage?"

EF: "You don't think there would be a significant financial impact on them?"

JM: "All I think about is the rivalry"."

Quebec City has been without an NHL franchise since 1995 when the Nordiques left for Denver, Colorado and became the Avalanche.

Friedman: "What do you think the damage is to the Montreal Canadiens if the Nordiques come back?

JM: "You think there'll be damage?"

EF: "You don't think there would be a significant financial impact on them?"

JM: "All I think about is the rivalry".— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) November 22, 2021