1. Would the NHL put a team in Markham?
No

2. Would the Lefs be OK with it, and would it actually matter?
No, and of course it would.

3. Do you think Markham or Quebec could actually support a team with the Habs and Leafs so much a part of the culture?
Markham easily could. Quebec City does not have the economic base to support an NHL franchise.

If you could pick two cities to put expansion teams, where would they be?
Nowhere and nowhere. 32 is enough.
- Atomic Wedgie

If Alberta could up those equalization payments to Quebec, they might be able to support a team.

I know it's a rumour site but you should read up on things maybe just a little bit.

BCE is absolutely bleeding cash, with a payout ratio over 120%. They are selling assets to retire debt and pay their bills. They're more likely to cut their dividend in half than to go buying sports franchises.
Do you honestly think anyone would sell out of MLSE and then go take a flyer on a small market team in Quebec???

Not your finest hour...

they aren't expanding to Markham ever

If you all are going to be making comments on existing Canadian teams, maybe you should read up on the owners. Winnipeg has the backing of the Thompson family .... you know, the people who are behind Thompson Reuters .... $66 billion in family wealth, the richest in Canada. And Ottawa has the backing of new owners who all have substantial wealth as well. They aren't going anywhere.

As for Bell .... they are currently exiting the sports market although they will keep 50% rights for broadcasting Leafs and Raptors games. As someone mentioned, they are trying to pay down debt and really have no intention to get involved in Quebec City or Markham. Markham is a no-go as Toronto will veto it. Quebec City is too small .... not a big enough market or enough corporate sponsorship and the Canadian dollar is an issue as well. Its hard enough getting players to come to Canada let alone a place which is French speaking primarily (player's wives and family issues potentially).

If you all are going to be making comments on existing Canadian teams, maybe you should read up on the owners. Winnipeg has the backing of the Thompson family .... you know, the people who are behind Thompson Reuters .... $66 billion in family wealth, the richest in Canada. And Ottawa has the backing of new owners who all have substantial wealth as well. They aren't going anywhere.

As for Bell .... they are currently exiting the sports market although they will keep 50% rights for broadcasting Leafs and Raptors games. As someone mentioned, they are trying to pay down debt and really have no intention to get involved in Quebec City or Markham. Markham is a no-go as Toronto will veto it. Quebec City is too small .... not a big enough market or enough corporate sponsorship and the Canadian dollar is an issue as well. Its hard enough getting players to come to Canada let alone a place which is French speaking primarily (player's wives and family issues potentially).
- OttawaB

20 years ago that might have been an issue but not so much anymore. I have family that lives 45 minutes East of Quebec city and back in the day i went to a McDonalds where an English speaking family tried to order and they had to get the manager to take the order. Last time i went there (2 years ago), i went to a store with my GF and i expected to have to translate between her and the cashier but to my surprised she understood and spoke English no problem. Things have changed with kids there learning English much better than it was in the past.

If you all are going to be making comments on existing Canadian teams, maybe you should read up on the owners. Winnipeg has the backing of the Thompson family .... you know, the people who are behind Thompson Reuters .... $66 billion in family wealth, the richest in Canada. And Ottawa has the backing of new owners who all have substantial wealth as well. They aren't going anywhere.

As for Bell .... they are currently exiting the sports market although they will keep 50% rights for broadcasting Leafs and Raptors games. As someone mentioned, they are trying to pay down debt and really have no intention to get involved in Quebec City or Markham. Markham is a no-go as Toronto will veto it. Quebec City is too small .... not a big enough market or enough corporate sponsorship and the Canadian dollar is an issue as well. Its hard enough getting players to come to Canada let alone a place which is French speaking primarily (player's wives and family issues potentially).
- OttawaB

Exactly

Since when are the Leafs selling less tickets to their games?

I could see Hamilton, they are in the midst of reno's of Ontario Place 300 mill to make it a NHL worthy hockey arena with 19,000 seating. Bell pulls out of MLSE with an agreement that Rogers allows a franchise in Hamilton.

I believe 100% there is a deal in place for expansion to the GTA. Bell selling, makes zero sense otherwise