The Carolina Hurricanes have been the subject of plenty of relocation rumors over the past several months. Some rumors suggested the team would be moved to Las Vegas while other reports suggested they’d be moved but to a different unspecified location. Shortly after it was formally announced that Las Vegas would be taking on an expansion team, Gary Bettman commented on Carolina’s future.
Gary Bettman: "The Carolina Hurricanes aren't going anywhere. They're not going anywhere."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 22, 2016
Will this squash the rumors that the Hurricanes will be relocating at some point in the future? Not a chance.
Hurricanes owner, Peter Karmanos Jr., is being sued by his three sons over the failure to pay back loans he took to cover team finances. He has openly admitted his desire to sell the Hurricanes, but he has stated he wants to keep the team in Carolina. While that may be the case, he may not be left with an option should the issue become pressing and if there aren’t any interested buyers who want to keep the team in Carolina.
Whenever relocation is discussed and Bettman attempts to throw water on the fire, it’s important to note how things transpired in Atlanta with the Thrashers. Bettman rolled out the same song and dance all the way up to the bitter end before the team moved to Winnipeg. His comments may put some Hurricanes fans at ease, but remember that he’s simply playing the PR game.
