Word leaking that the Atlanta Thrashers are all but sold to True North sports and the team headed to Winnipeg. It looks like the Peg is finally getting its wish to get their beloved Jets back, although I've actually heard the team might not be able to use that name. I'm happy to see another team head North of the border and think it's great to see the NHL and Gary Bettman finally admit failure in a U.S. market. However, I can't help but question why the NHL is going back to Winnipeg instead of a more profitable market such as the Greater Toronto Area. The population of the GTA is over 5.5 million compared to 1.2 million in the entire province of Manitoba. Average annual income per capita is also significantly higher. This market is completely under served and could support two more teams at the very least, which would generate way more revenue for the league than a team in Winnipeg ever will. If I were Jim Balsillie I'd be making a big offer to Atlanta Spirit (owner of the Thrashers) that trumps that of True North sports. The Thrashers are clearly being sold and allowed to relocate, if an offer significantly larger than True North sports was made then there would be some pressure by Atlanta Spirit to have the NHL accept such a deal. I guess we've been down this road before but in previous situations Balsillie tried to purchase teams the NHL had not given up on. Anyways, this isn't going to happen but I think it's worth a shot and might hold more weight this time around.
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