Updated: Tue Oct. 21 2008 4:20:32 PM

ctvtoronto.ca

NHL governors are reportedly throwing around the idea of bringing a second hockey team to Toronto but one hockey analyst says it won't be happening anytime soon.

An NHL governor, who asked to remain anonymous, said his counterparts have been talking informally about adding another team alongside the Toronto Maple Leafs, The Globe and Mail reported Tuesday.

According to the source, ownership of the team could go to BlackBerry Co-CEO Jim Balsillie. In 2007, Balsillie launched a very public bid to buy the Nashville Predators, which ended unsuccessfully. In 2006, he also tried to acquire the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Two of the governors -- at least four were interviewed in the report -- suggested the Toronto team should be created by relocating an existing franchise, rather than by making a new expansion team.

But, in an interview with CTV.ca, TSN hockey analyst Bob McKenzie said there's not a lot of weight to the rumours.

"The concept of a second team in Toronto is one that is talked about by a lot of people a lot of the time but there is zero traction from the NHL head office or the board of governors or the executive committee of the board of governors," McKenzie said Tuesday.

"It has never been discussed at that level and my sense is it's not likely to for a long, long time -- if ever."

But, if a second team were to be approved, McKenzie said it would definitely be successful and the Maple Leafs would get a "sweetheart deal" up front on infringement rights to compensate for any threat of lost revenue.

Meanwhile, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment President Richard Peddie said any talk about expansion or relocation of another NHL team to Southern Ontario was purely speculative.

"If or when the National Hockey League comes to the Board of Governors with a recommendation on relocation or expansion of an NHL franchise, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment will analyze the recommendation and provide its input at that time," Peddie said in a statement issued Tuesday.

But hockey fans on the streets of Toronto welcomed the idea.

"I think it would be a fabulous idea," said one man. "I think this city could totally support two teams."

Another woman said it was a great idea "because to be quite frank the Leafs haven't done anything for our city in the last 10-plus years."

The NHL, when contacted by CTV.ca, declined comment on the report.

Comments are now closed for this story

Shaun
A second team? Great.
You never know, maybe in 60 years they could win the cup!

Puck Head
Hamilton could easily support a NHL team. If the NHL wants fewer financially struggling franchises, and more healthy teams, this move makes perfect sense for everyone involved in the NHL with the possible exception of the Toronto Maple Leafs. But as the article suggests, the Leafs would be compensated.

Jason Spezza
Go sens Go!

It would be great to dominate two teams for Toronto instead of just one!!

Jimmy
Torontonians support the Leafs even though they are a losing team.
Torontonians support the Liberals even though they are a losing team.

Coincidence? I think not!

TO needs another Hockey team like a hole in the head! Make the LEafs stadium larger so that more fans can go and put some decent players on the team!

GO FLAMES GO!!!
Why not if the market can support it? A lot of US cities didn't support their NHL teams through good economic times, I can only imagine now!?
Toronto would do just fine with two teams.
Heck, bring a team to Winnipeg, Quebec, Hamilton too!

David in Quebec
Awesome! Two teams for Montrealers to laugh at!

Jimmy
Hamilton does have a team.
They are called the Detroit Red Wings!

The BEST team in the league!

RevKev
Let's face it. The Leaf management keeps putting a sub-standard product on the ice. The Leafs are terrible, but people still keep buying tickets. Have some mercy on the poor, neglected, mistreated leafs fans and give them another team to cheer for. Hey, maybe the Leafs will be forced to get better if there was another team on their doorstep.

MuskyBuck
I would personally lead a revolt to the NHLs front office door if Toronto was given a second franchise.

There are places in Canada that deserve or have been waiting a long time for a chance at a franchise.

Winnipeg was screwed out of theirs by local ownership/enterprise groups.

Halifax wants and I'm sure Saskatchewan could do one as could Quebec etc.

To give Toronto a second franchise over those wanting and deserving one would certainly single to me that a complete revolution/revolt is needed.

I want to make my words as strong and loud as possible so that short half pint president can hear me.

Nick J Boragina
Let me get this straight.
Some guy wants to move a team to Hamilton, but the NHL said no, keep the team where it is now.

So...

Now he wants to move another team to Toronto? Why Toronto? Why does he not just take the other team to Hamilton as was his idea in the first place? The two cities are close enough to share fans, but far apart enough so they dont cannibalize one another's fan base.

Go Sens Go!!!!
Like Toronto needs a second team that is gonna suck.

Torontonian
I'm all for it. If New York did it, then Toronto can do it. Doubling our chances of getting the cup would be welcomed since we've been without it for decades. The only idea that I don't like is the whole arena sharing plan. Two hockey teams sharing the ACC would create a scheduling nightmare since the NBA, concerts, etc. also use the facility.

Spezza, tell me when the Sens have "dominated" the Leafs in the playoffs (when domination actually matters).

Flames Fan
I would much rather see a return to old franchise locations such as Winnipeg or Quebec. Either that or consider Hamilton or even something further east (maybe Halifax?). T.O. can probably do it but the NHL I think would do better to re-capture previous NHL markets rather than risk saturating existing ones.

Leaf Fan
I think another team in Toronto would do very well, but there is only one Toronto Maple Leafs and they are the team I cheer for. I don't like the idea of having 2 teams. Give it to Hamilton, they've been asking for it for years.

Lorne from Brampton
So, it looks like the NHL wants to put a NHL team in Toronto. They can join the ranks of Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and countless other cities that currently have a NHL team.

Brent
I agree with comments that Hamilton could support a team. The fan base and ticket sales would be impressive. Copps Coliseum was built with that in mind; although I assume a new luxury box laden facility would be required.

Sens Choke
Another Toronto team that Ottawa can't beat in the Playoffs?

Sure!

MuskyBuck
Torontonian,

There are 2.6 million in Toronto...

New York City has 8 million.

Furthermore Spezza can't tell you when the Sens have dominated the Leafs in the playoffs because your team hasn't made it there since the Sens have been back in the league.

Jason Spezza
Mr. Toronto -

touché.

but its been so long since your squad made the playoffs - my memory doesnt go back that far? I did see Sundin get a birdie on the first hole at Glen Abby last May??

it will be another 20 yrs before we meet in the playoffs at the rate of progress made by your leafs. See you in 2028!!

ryder
Two Toronto NHL teams! Like there are not enough jokes flying around about the Leafs now!! I agree with others around here, bring back a Winnipeg or Quebec team; or at least consider the east coast!!

Don't even think about expanding to Europe! That is just plain crazy!~!

clghh
Seems Toronto is not happy with only one last place team they actually want last and second last. Interesting.

Jimmy
How about calling them the TO LIBERALS!!!

How about a team in Nunavut?

Seriously folks! The reason we lost the Jets, Nordiques and even the Sens for awhile is because people are not willing to shell out the $$$ to see games! It works in To because people there have $$$.

It has to be in a large urban center where people will spend time and $$$ to see games.

Also, Leaf fans WILL never support another team. This is a BAD idea! They've been supporting a losing team since 67 so what makes you think they'd support a new one now?

Nick
Torontonians need to get off of their pedestal and realized they don't deserve another team to badmouth in bad weather. They love their teams only in good times, but play a bad game and all hell breaks loose! Say no to another team and send it to Hamilton where they actually care!

james
I do love how some associate fan interest to the success of a professional sports team. As any owner will tell you, the revenue is the TV sponsorship, advertising, corporation support, and selling the team logo. Little, if anything, is made from fan attendance.

Toronto is the richest team in the League..by far..more than double the profits of most of the other teams in the league. Clearly someone wants to tap into that market; much like NJ and the Islanders tapped into the Rangers market; or the Ducks tapped into the Kings market.

This would certainly increase Hamilton's prospects for a team and they could leverage off of Toronto's core revenue base.

Halifax?!! Quebec?!! I strongly doubt it. Cities that rely solely on government payrolls rarely, if ever, succeed in supporting a professional sports team.