During a powerful press conference at the Bell Center before the game between the Canadiens and the Penguins, Gary Bettman released a series of incisive remarks towards Pierre-Karl Péladeau, suggesting that the businessman does not have the resources necessary 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 merciless:
The commissioner wants us to understand that Péladeau simply does not have the strength to carry out such a project.
This shocking declaration, launched in front of a horde of Quebec journalists, suggests that Péladeau is no longer in the picture, casting serious doubt on his intentions and his ability to revive the Nordiques.
Bettman also took a moment to address a persistent rumor: that according to which Geoff Molson secretly opposed the return of the Nordiques to Quebec, an accusation often relayed by the media and criticized by fans.
But the commissioner was clear:
“Molson repeated to me privately that he would vote in favor of the return of the Nordiques if the opportunity presented itself. He has no objection to the idea of a new team in Quebec. »
This statement aims to dispel any speculation surrounding the attitude of the owner of the CH. Bettman insisted that, despite the allegations, Molson is an ally in the matter:
“Even in confidential discussions, Molson was supportive. »
According to Bettman, the real problem is not the lack of will of the NHL or the current owners, but the absence of an investor group capable of meeting the high financial demands that an NHL team entails.
“What Quebec is missing is a solid and stable group. So far, no investor has met this criterion. »
The commissioner was keen to point out that the return of a team to the Old Capital depends on many 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 the support publicly expressed by Michael Andlauer, owner of the Ottawa Senators, for a team in Quebec.
“I have not 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 added, suggesting that the league has no fundamental objection to expansion in Quebec.
Trying to calm things down, Bettman insisted on his personal attachment to the province:
“I have come to Quebec several times, even for personal vacations. I know the passion for hockey is immense here. »
However, despite the success of the Los Angeles Kings’ visit to the Videotron Center, Bettman clarified that this did not fundamentally change the situation.
The return of the Nordiques will depend on a solid financial and organizational structure, and not simple low-level events.
Bettman concluded by reflecting on the Nordiques’ controversial move to Colorado in 1995:
“At the time, there was no modern amphitheater or plans to build one. And no one wanted to own the team anymore. It’s hard to put the genie back in the lamp. »
With this resounding media outing, Bettman not only shook Péladeau’s credibility, but also reinforced the idea that the return of the Nordiques is based on a coherent project, supported by solid and credible partners.
As NHL expansion looms on the horizon, this statement from Bettman redefines priorities: the future of hockey in Quebec will depend less on personal feuds and more on the ability to find investors worthy of the league’s trust .
Bettman never wanted Péladeau as a partner in the NHL. Behind the criticism of Péladeau’s financial strength lies a deeply rooted personal contempt.
For years, the NHL commissioner has carefully avoided associating with the Quebec businessman, considering him incompatible 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 eyes of the commissioner.
Bettman did not hesitate to launch a subtle dig: “There is no reason for owners to object if all the conditions are met,” suggesting that the main obstacle lies with the players involved, not the league itself.
The tense past between Bettman and Péladeau is well known. In 2016, during the Nordiques’ last major comeback attempt, Bettman supported the candidacy of Las Vegas rather than that of Quebec.
Behind closed doors, he would have repeatedly expressed his distrust of Péladeau’s angry and unpredictable temperament, incompatible with the NHL’s expectations in terms of governance.
This rejection is part of a logic of protection of the league. Above all, Bettman looks for stable owners who can handle complex situations diplomatically.
In Péladeau, the commissioner sees a character who is difficult to control, whose impulsiveness could harm the reputation of the NHL.
In his eyes, bringing the Nordiques back under the management of Quebecor would be a risk that the league cannot afford.
The message is clear: Quebec will have to find its “white knight” elsewhere than with Péladeau.
