For NHL, relocation makes more sense than expansion

The email from Hockey Vision Las Vegas LLC arrived on the laptop Saturday, right under some pre-game information sent by the Rangers.

"We are planning to host a season tickets drive over the next several months," wrote Christine Husted, the group's public relations coordinator. "We will be sending you updates to let you know what is happening and how you can make a deposit towards season tickets."

For me, the last time Las Vegas and the Rangers were this closely connected was on Sept. 27, 2013, when the Blueshirts played their final preseason game against the Kings at the MGM Grand.

Memories: The desert heat was stifling, except in the jammed air-conditioned casinos, the pizza in the rink's "press room" was barely edible, the internet access was dismal, J.T. Miller scored the lone goal in a 4-1 loss and former Rangers Stu Bickel fought Jordan Nolan.

Fast forward to last week's NHL Board of Governors' meetings, where the group green-lighted the company's plan to assess the market for a team in the gamblers' paradise. A $375-million arena, being built by MGM Resorts International and Anschutz Entertainment Group, is rising just off the strip, due to open in May 2016.

Hockey Vision Las Vegas is headed by the Maloof family of Vegas, who owned the Sacramento Kings from 1998 to 2013, and Texas businessman Bill Foley, chairman of Fidelity National Financial Inc., who also owns a string of California vineyards and wineries.

But is the glass half-full? Does the NHL really need to expand to Vegas or Quebec City, where an arena also is being built, or Seattle?

Sure, expansion fees could line the coffers by an estimated $400 million a pop. But 30 teams, many struggling, seems like enough. I'd favor relocation rather than expansion.

Here's what a few players on the Rangers had to say about the cities in the mix.

"I'm not sure about the long-term fan base in Vegas," said Dominic Moore, echoing the concern of many observers, hence the season-ticket research.

"This is purely a request from someone under a unique situation asking for an opportunity to measure interest," commissioner Gary Bettman said. "I don't think that would be necessary in Quebec City."

When there were discussions about relocating the Arizona Coyotes several years ago, the league targeted Seattle. But arena building plans have been repeatedly delayed, so while an attractive destination, nothing is imminent.

However, Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon and Nordstrom have a major corporate presence in Seattle, which Moore believes is essential, and wonders about similar support in much-smaller Quebec City, once the home of the Nordiques, who left for Denver in 1995 because of financial issues. Center Derick Brassard, a Hull, Quebec native, has a hometown bias.

"I think the fan base would be huge in Quebec City," he said. "A lot of people there still hate Montreal."

Players find the idea of visiting Vegas during the season appealing, especially those on travel-heavy Western teams such as Vancouver and San Jose. After a just-completed 14-day road trip, Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller was asked if nearby Seattle would be a natural rival.

"Or Vegas," he said, smiling.

Ah, Vegas. From 1993 to 1999, former Ranger Petr Nedved, Daniel Briere, Radek Bonk, Curtis Joseph, Alexei Yashin and female goalie Manon Rheaume skated for the Thunder of the long-lost International Hockey League.

Maybe someone should send them an email.

Holding pattern

The holiday trade freeze begins Friday, but don't expect any major moves by the Rangers before then.

Most teams find that trades are easier later in the year when cap hits are less.

The Rangers are believed to be in the market for a center -- which would allow rookie Kevin Hayes, struggling on faceoffs (31.7 percent), to move to the wing -- but nothing appears imminent because the Rangers have little cap room.

Last December, the Rangers shopped defenseman Michael Del Zotto, but he wasn't dealt until Jan. 22 -- traded to Nashville in exchange for defenseman Kevin Klein.

Boston to host?

The NHL is nailing down a deal for the 2016 Winter Classic -- the eighth of its kind -- to return to the Boston area. Could the Rangers be the Bruins' opponent in a place such as Fenway Park (again) or Boston College's Alumni Field, which seats 44,500 for football? Maybe.

There's a big-market ratings and an Original Six appeal, and plus, the New Year's Day 'Classic' can't be held at Yankee Stadium, the home of two outdoor games last January, because of commitments to the Pinstripe Bowl.

NHL officials have toured CitiField, but we hear that down the road, the stadium would more likely be considered for an outdoor game rather than a Winter Classic.