Michael Andlauer, the owner of the Ottawa Senators, has stirred the waters of professional hockey with his recent announcement about the team playing preseason games at Quebec City’s Centre Vidéotron. This announcement has not only reignited discussions surrounding the potential return of the Nordiques but has also sparked curiosity about the possibility of regular-season games being held there. While Andlauer's intentions seem clear—he wants more than just preseason games—the decision to move forward rests with the NHL.
Andlauer, who previously held shared ownership with the Montreal Canadiens, voiced his support for bringing the Nordiques back and expressed his desire for the Senators to play regular-season games at the same venue. “The owner of the Sens doesn’t want just preseason games, but it will be up to the NHL to decide,” reported DansLesCoulisses on January 27, 2025, highlighting the team's interest. This vision, according to the source, indicates Andlauer's ambitions beyond mere exhibition games.
Yet, reactions from the NHL’s management have been mixed. Bill Daly, the NHL’s Deputy Commissioner, was reportedly caught off guard by Andlauer’s remarks. When he was contacted to discuss Andlauer’s statements, Daly seemed unaware of the full extent of the owner's comments on holding regular-season games at the Centre Vidéotron. His surprise suggested neither the league's approval nor preparations for such discussions had been made.
Daly’s response was more cautious than affirmative. While he acknowledged Andlauer's passion for hockey and the potential interest from local fans, he maintained the league's position, which has historically been wary about reintroducing NHL hockey to Quebec City, as indicated by various sources. “I didn’t know exactly what the controlling owner of the Senators had said about wanting to play real games back where the Nordiques used to be,” Daly stated, illustrating the uncertainty surrounding the conversation.
The NHL’s reluctance can partially be attributed to historical reasons, as the league last saw the Nordiques depart Quebec for Colorado over two decades ago. The move caused significant upheaval, and feelings about the loss linger high among fans. Lately, the NHL has seemingly been hesitant to re-engage with Quebec City for fear of repeating past mistakes.
Andlauer's desire for inclusivity on this issue goes beyond mere business. By proposing regular-season games, he aims to capitalize on the deep hockey culture existing in Quebec. Many fans have rallied for the return of the Nordiques, and Andlauer's comments are seen as movements toward rekindling those regional passions. Yet, the NHL's stance continues to pose barriers to tangible change.
This conversation surrounding the fate of hockey in Quebec is not confined to the Senators. Discussions about other teams, including potential relocations, often get entangled with broader matters of franchise stability, market viability, and the geography of professional hockey. For now, NHL officials are choosing to proceed with caution.
While Andlauer remains hopeful, his plans depend heavily on the NHL, and the league's track record suggests skepticism about ever allowing Quebec City to host regular-season games. Hockey fans across the country watch closely, as the story develops.
Notably, all of this emerges alongside other hockey-related happenings. For example, exciting events have been taking place around the league, such as Marc-André Fleury's final professional game being held at the Bell Centre. Patrik Laine is preparing for upcoming tournaments, adding layers of parallel discussions around hockey significance.
Sports commentators, including Marco D’Amico, have noted the important juxtaposition of potential settlements and positivities mingling with concerns over the NHL's past affiliations with Quebec. D’Amico emphasized how Andlauer’s aspirations to play games resonate with many who feel a strong sentiment for hockey's historic roots.
At the heart of this story lies the central question: Can Andlauer’s push lead to broader acceptance of Quebec City as not just a preseason site but also a viable long-term venue for regular-season games? The likelihood of such scenarios depends greatly on NHL strategists’ visions and assessment of surrounding dynamics.
For now, hockey loyalties remain divided, with many fans eager and waiting to see how this plays out. The sentiments echo across the fans from both Ottawa and Quebec, stirring desires for change and igniting nostalgia for long-lost relationships with the Sabres off North America's hockey charts.
How long will Quebec remain excluded from the fold? Time will tell, and as Andlauer re-asserts his visions, both fans and League managers will monitor developments closely. So, like any good hockey game, this is one to keep on the radar.