The Return of the Quebec Nordiques Imminent? Major News Emerges in the NHL

Since the Jets' return to Alberta, following the franchise's move from Atlanta to Winnipeg, things have not been going exactly as planned in terms of crowd attendance.

In fact, the average attendance this season is only 13,098 spectators, which is the second worst in the NHL behind the Arizona Coyotes. It says a lot when the worst team plays in a home of 4,600 seats and is the laughingstock of the league.

Another revealing factor of the organization's notable difficulties is the fact that season ticket subscriptions have dropped from about 13,000 to about 9,500 over the last three seasons.

Mark Chipman, President of True North Sports & Entertainment, discussed the team's situation and its future with The Athletic. A very clear message was sent to the fans, which quite well suggests a big cloud is currently hanging over the organization.

Chipman adds that the NHL would be nosing into the Jets' affairs and closely monitoring the situation.

Regarding another possible relocation of the franchise, as was the case in 1996, Chipman had mentioned in an interview with CBC a few months ago that it was not an option, at least, for now.

Even if the Jets were not to suffer the same fate as in 1996, it must be said that the current situation is really not a good look for a potential return of the Nordiques to Quebec.

Like the city of Quebec, Winnipeg represents a small Canadian market, and this experience of bringing back a franchise that had previously disappeared for economic reasons, has possibly become a lesson for Commissioner Gary Bettman, who is known for having a long memory.

Nevertheless, it is somewhat ridiculous that the Jets are a franchise that is subject to particular attention from the NHL despite a certain financial turnover, while a franchise like the Coyotes, which has never been profitable, benefits from Bettman's boundless patience.

Credit: Habs et LNH