TORONTO -- NHL governors are talking informally about placing a second hockey team in Toronto alongside the Maple Leafs, according to a report in Tuesday's edition of a national newspaper.
"Why shouldn't we put another team in the best and biggest market in the world?" said one NHL governor who spoke anonymously with the Globe and Mail.
According to this governor, one idea floated is for prospective owner Jim Balsillie, the co-CEO of Waterloo, Ont.-based Research in Motion Ltd., to be rewarded with an expansion team in Toronto after helping to restore financial ballast to the Nashville Predators.
"I've heard this exact scenario," a second governor said.
Calgary Flames co-owner Harley Hotchkiss, a former chairman of the NHL board of governors, is also aware of the Balsillie movement.
"I've heard bits and pieces of this scenario, although not in that kind of detail," he said. "Our priority is to have the existing franchises solid.
" 1/8It is 3/8 an interesting scenario," Hotchkiss added, " but I can only speak generally."
Richard Peddie, president of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, said the organization would not automatically reject the idea of a second team in Toronto.
"When and if the league brings expansion to the table, we'll listen and decide what is best 1/8for hockey 3/8," he said.
As to the potential impact on the Maple Leafs, the first governor dismissively waved his hand.
"The Maple Leafs would not be hurt one bit. In fact, it would help them," he said. "They could make all kinds of money renting the Air Canada Centre to the other team."
