There has been talk for almost 30 years of the NHL setting up an European division (first discussed after the Canada Cup in 1976).
Too many logistical issues are present.
More recently, there’s been talk of some Russian businessmen starting a European league that would be a semi-rival to the NHL (salary cap would be $22MM). This group has hired Bob Goodenow and Igor Larionov as a consultant as well. Time will tell if this comes to fruition.
There may be a few regular season games played in Europe in the coming years, but without affordable super sonic air travel there won’t be a European division in the NHL.
The Russian financed European league referred to above could be a possibility. There’s a lot of petro-rubles in Russia these days (and probably almost as much cash that needs “laundering”). Their proposed salary cap would make it difficult to sign marquee players like the old WHA did with Bobby Hull and Derek Sanderson. But, they could offer a decent pay check to a guy like Patrice Breezeby – an older player looking to extend his career. They could attract a lot of 3rd and 4th line NHL talent, as well as a lot of AHL talent.
I’ve read that elsewhere some time ago but I don’t think anything substantial is happening. There’s also been talk of another WHA but there are many obstacles preventing that venture.
i highly doubt it. where’d u hear this?
Not in the foreseeable future.
No.
False rumor.
No Euro League getting close to NHL.
Euro league in the NHL? Naw…
European hockey league overseas to rival the NHL? I’ve heard that. As far as I know, it’s all a rumor right now.
There has been talk for almost 30 years of the NHL setting up an European division (first discussed after the Canada Cup in 1976).
Too many logistical issues are present.
More recently, there’s been talk of some Russian businessmen starting a European league that would be a semi-rival to the NHL (salary cap would be $22MM). This group has hired Bob Goodenow and Igor Larionov as a consultant as well. Time will tell if this comes to fruition.
There may be a few regular season games played in Europe in the coming years, but without affordable super sonic air travel there won’t be a European division in the NHL.
The Russian financed European league referred to above could be a possibility. There’s a lot of petro-rubles in Russia these days (and probably almost as much cash that needs “laundering”). Their proposed salary cap would make it difficult to sign marquee players like the old WHA did with Bobby Hull and Derek Sanderson. But, they could offer a decent pay check to a guy like Patrice Breezeby – an older player looking to extend his career. They could attract a lot of 3rd and 4th line NHL talent, as well as a lot of AHL talent.
I’ve read that elsewhere some time ago but I don’t think anything substantial is happening. There’s also been talk of another WHA but there are many obstacles preventing that venture.