Mayor John Tory told a Toronto radio station on Thursday morning that he thinks the city “could easily sustain” a second NHL franchise.

In an appearance on 102.1 the Edge, Tory said that Toronto is “the hockey capital of the world” and would instantly support a second team should one be established here.

The comment came as a prospective ownership group in Las Vegas holds a season ticket drive in hopes of luring a team to the desert.

“I think Toronto could easily sustain a second franchise. If they cancelled the (Maple Leafs) season tickets for all those who have them right now they could find 20,000 more to replace them,” Tory said. “Let’s get a campaign going.”

The Greater Toronto Area has been mentioned as a potential site for another NHL franchise in the past, however there is not currently believed to be anything in the works to bring a second team to the area.

Speaking with CP24, a spokesperson for Tory said that the mayor has long supported having a second NHL team in Toronto but has no plans to start a campaign himself.

“I think you have to get (NHL Commissioner) Gary Bettman here and say ‘OK, it’s time,’” Tory told 102.1 the Edge on Thursday.

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