In an energetic press conference at the Bell Center before a game between the Canadiens and the Penguins, Gary Bettman unleashed a series of scathing comments toward Pierre-Carl Peladeau, suggesting the businessman lacked the resources to bring an NHL team to Quebec. .
This public blow to Péladeau resonated like a real slap in the face of the owner of Quebecor.
Bettman, known for his outspokenness, was relentless:
The commissioner wants us to understand that Pelado does not have the power to carry out such a project.
The shocking announcement, launched in front of a crowd of Quebec journalists, suggests Pelado is no longer in the picture, casting serious doubt on his intentions and his ability to revive the Nordics.
Bettman also took some time to address a persistent rumor: that Geoff Molson secretly opposed the Nordiques' return to Quebec, an allegation often circulated by the media and criticized by fans.
But the commissioner made it clear.
“Molson reiterated to me privately that he would vote in favor of the return of the Nordiques if given the opportunity. He has no objection to the idea of a new team in Quebec. »
This statement aims to eliminate any speculation regarding the CH owner's attitude. Despite the allegations, Bettman insisted Molson was an ally in the matter:
“Even in confidential discussions, Molson was supportive. »
According to Bettman, the real problem isn't a lack of will on the part of the NHL or the current owners, but the lack of an investor pool capable of meeting the high financial demands of an NHL team.
“What Quebec lacks is a solid and stable group. So far, no investor has met this standard. »
The commissioner believes that the team's return to the Old Capital depends on several factors:
“Hockey in Quebec will only return if the conditions are met, including an investor capable of supporting this project in the long term. »
Bettman was also asked about Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer's publicly expressed support for the team in Quebec.
“I haven't had any private discussions with Mr. Andlauer about this, but if someone can meet all the acquisition criteria, I don't see why the owners would object.”He indicated that there was no fundamental objection to the expansion of the league in Quebec.
Trying to calm things down, Bettman emphasized his personal connection to the province:
“I've been to Quebec several times, even for personal vacations. I know the passion for hockey here is huge. »
However, Bettman made it clear that despite the success of the Los Angeles Kings' trip to the Videotron Center, it did not fundamentally change the situation.
The return of the Nordiques is based on a solid financial and organizational structure and not the usual low-level events.
Bettman concludes by reflecting on the Nordiques' controversial move to Colorado in 1995:
“At that time, there was no modern amphitheater or plans to build one. No one wanted to own the team anymore. It's hard to put the genie back in the lamp. »
With this spectacular media outing, Bettmann not only shook Pelado's credibility, but reinforced the idea that the return of the Nordics depends on a coherent project, backed by strong and reliable partners.
With NHL expansion looming on the horizon, this announcement from Bettman redefines priorities: the future of hockey in Quebec depends less on personal feuds and more on the league's ability to find investors worthy of its trust.
Bettman didn't want Peladay to partner in the NHL. Behind the criticism of Péladeau's economic strength lay a deep-rooted personal contempt.
For years, the NHL commissioner has carefully avoided associating with the Quebec businessman, who is at odds with the values and stability sought by the league.
Péladeau, although motivated to bring back the Nordiques, was always perceived as an unstable partner in the Commissioner's eyes.
Bateman doesn't hesitate to start a cryptic dig: “If all the conditions are met there is no reason for employers to object” The league pointed out that the main hurdle lies with the players themselves.
The tense past between Bettman and Péladeau is well known. In 2016, in the Nordiques' last major comeback attempt, Bettman backed Las Vegas' candidacy over Quebec.
Behind closed doors, he would repeatedly express his distrust of Péladeau's temper and unpredictable nature, at odds with the NHL's expectations in terms of governance.
This denial is part of the league's defensive logic. Above all, Bettman looks for stable owners who can handle complex situations diplomatically.
In Péladeau, the commissioner sees a difficult-to-control character whose impatience could harm the NHL's reputation.
In his view, bringing the Nordiques back under Quebecor management was a risk the league could not afford.
The message is clear: Quebec will have to find its “white knight” elsewhere than with Pelado.
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