Bettman & NHL Win in Arizona (AP Photo)

Monday’s news that the Arizona judge has rejected Jim Balsillie’s bid to move the Phoenix Coyotes could be considered a win for Buffalo.  There were fears that a new team in Hamilton would cut-into the Sabres revenue and ticket base.  While true to some degree, I never thought that a team in Copps Coliseum would “kill” the NHL in Buffalo.  There would still be Canadian fans from Fort Erie and Niagara Falls  that would keep decided that Buffalo is an easier commute.  The ticket prices in Buffalo would likely be more affordable.  Some of those Canadian fans have been going to Sabres games for many years.  They would not likely just jump because a team is in Southern Ontario.  Yes, some Hamilton-area fans would drop Sabres tickets.  But there are millions and millions of hockey fans from Toronto to Oakville to Burlington to Missassauga to St. Catharines.  That’s what Balsillie is trying to draw upon, not the few who travel to Buffalo.

There would also be Sabres benefits to a team in Hamilton.  A rivalry would develop.  Hockey would be more in focus from Buffalo to Toronto.  Don’t forget, any team in Hamilton means a big territorial rights fee to Buffalo.  The Toronto Globe and Mail speculated that it could be $50 million dollars. 

There are enough hockey fans in WNY that I believe the available tickets would not go unsold. 

The metro Toronto area can easily support another team, and that shouldn’t have too much impact on the Sabres.  What do you think?