You're uber rich...now what?

Question

You've just been handed a huge inheritance, let's say 1 billion dollars. Bettman has even agreed to let you either start an expansion team, or buy and relocate an existing one. The only stipulation is that you can only buy either: Columbus, Carolina, Phoenix, Florida, TB, Atlanta or Nashville. Based on this, I have a few questions:

1 - Expansion or relocation and where?

2 - If you could have anyone, who would run your franchise?

3 - Would you give them total control, or would you run it like the Leafs?

If it's me, I'm starting an expansion team in Winnipeg, with Ken Holland in complete control of my team.

Answer 1

1.  Neither.  I believe the NHL has too many teams already and needs to eliminate every team you listed except for Tampa Bay.  So assuming I'd take Tampa, I'd probably leave the team there as I personally believe there is a market for hockey in Florida, but not for two teams.  If I was relocating the team, I'd attempt to move it somewhere to a Canadian city as I'm not convinced there are any viable markets left in the US to relocate to that could offer long term success.

2.  Scotty Bowman

3.  I'd give Scotty total control, ironically, much like the Leafs should have agreed to do last year when they were considering him for a job.

Answer 2

I'd say Milwaukee and Lou Lamoriello runs my team. He'd have to inform me of all deals before he pulls the trigger, and I can put the kibosh on any of them.

In all honesty, if I had that kind of money, I would buy the Oakland Athletics and return them to Philly.

Answer 3

I'm going to relocate the Atlanta Thrashers to Hamilton, ON.

I will call them the Hamilton Mustangs (based on the region they are located "golden horseshoe").

I will somehow pry Scotty Bowman out of retirement and make him the Team President. I'd bring in Dave Poile to be my GM, then go after Jacque Lemaire, or Lindy Ruff as my coach. If I can't get either, I'll grab Joel Quenville.

(I'd be a less abrasive Steinbrenner type figure. I'd express displeasure, without undercutting management, and I would want to be involved in offseason dealings, even if my opinion wasn't considered).

Answer 4

1 Expansion in Kansas City and Portland OR,

2 I say The Cheifs ownership in KC and Paul Allen running things in Portland

3 Run it like the Leafs.

Answer 5

1- Nashville to Southern Ontario

2- Scotty Bowman/Brian Kilrea

3- Not total...you are a stupid business man if you give out TOTAL control...but let them run the business letting them know that it either has to break even or come within' a given amount.

Answer 6

1. Expand to Cleveland, Ohio.

2. Ken Holland.

3. I wouldn't give them total control, I'd give them a lot, but not total.

Answer 7

1.Relocate the to Quebec City

2.Paul Holmgren

3.I'd give him total control..What do I know aboot running an organization and thats why I'm paying him the higest in the league to do.

The rest of the money I'm taking a long vacation to Sweden.

Answer 8

Expansion I would put them in Winnipeg.

Holland would be my choice as well.

I would like to have a minor say in how things are run. He would have control, but I would like to be able to add my thoughts as well  I do know my hockey