Nordiques Return Rumour: Smoke Without Fire...Again?

The Excitement of the Nordiques' Return

Back then, everyone wanted to be part of it. Especially the media. Every rumour made headlines, every struggling team fuelled speculation, every statement from the NHL was dissected.

Even the most dispassionate fan was excited.

The Blue March—what do you think that was? A mega celebration of happiness, blue jerseys, and fans in ecstasy.

We didn't even doubt it anymore: the Nordiques were coming back.

Then the years passed. Too quickly.

One year. Two years. Five years. Ten years.

Still no Nordiques.

After so many disappointments, the great collective fantasy slowly ran out of steam. Tail between their legs as they say! The viral excitement became skepticism. Then skepticism became cynicism. To the point where believing in the Nordiques' return had almost become...a twisted idea.

And yet.

Here we are in 2026 and, for the first time in a long while, rumours are starting to circulate again.

And I'll be honest, I like it.

Is it because of the next (and probably last) expansion phase taking shape in the NHL? Maybe.

Does Quebec really have a chance? Maybe not.

Some experts even talk about an NHL that could eventually have 36 teams. Good? Bad? You decide.

But if that happens, an important question remains: can the NHL really ignore Canada not once, not twice, but four times during this expansion?

Forgive me for doubting. I mean, there have to be limits, right?

And then there's the francophone broadcasting situation.

Still nothing announced.

Isn't that a bit curious, don't you think?

And there's 3DownFutures on X, who's been making waves lately with pretty bold claims about the CFL, the Nordiques, and Quebec.

It's happening, he says.

I'm not saying the Nordiques are coming back.

But...you have to admit it does add some spice to the story.

Because let's face it: I couldn't care less about Houston, Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix's candidacies.

I'm lying.

It drives me up the "&?Y&(?(&?".

Hello Texas

On June 23, the NHL officially launched a six-month process to study bringing a franchise to Houston or Austin.

A 33rd team far from the eyes and hearts of Quebec hockey fans.

But that's where it gets interesting.

Because 33 is an odd number to stop a league at (you know the famous imbalance). And if 33 becomes 34, then eventually 36, Quebec's file suddenly takes on a whole different appearance. It seems to me that it becomes more credible.

Less ridiculous anyway...Anyway.

3DownFutures

Especially since lately, 3DownFutures has been having fun on X making bold assertions about Quebec and the Nordiques' return. According to him, a financially very solid group would be working behind the scenes.

It would be "THE GROUP" and there would be prestigious people and an NHL player.

But who are we talking about here? For now it's not important, because we're still at the stage of early-stage rumours.

But for it to become serious, people will have to step forward and I'm increasingly getting the feeling it won't be PKP.

And there's still time...I'm willing to give them time.

And Then There's TV...

I'll admit, this bothers me a bit.

We're on September 1st and still no announcement regarding the renewal of TVA Sports' national francophone broadcasting rights. Hockey starts again tomorrow morning! What's going on?

In May, Quebecor said negotiations were "very advanced". Is that true or false?

What's holding things up? Hockey's starting soon!!!

Meanwhile, RDS has its 45 regional Canadiens games. Prime Video got its hands on Wednesday national games, in English and French, as part of a 12-year deal.

But TVA Sports?

Crickets.

Isn't that a bit curious, don't you think? It tickles my sense of wonder.

Attention!!! I'm not saying they're negotiating the how and when the Nordiques are coming back... I'm saying that...

Well, yes, maybe that's what I'm saying.

That would be absolutely insane! The legendary bombshell, 15 years later!

Of course, there are probably tons of much more boring explanations: difficult negotiations, money, streaming, Amazon, Rogers, transformation of the TV market...And blah blah blah.

But the question remains: why is the main francophone piece still not settled?

No one will ever convince me otherwise: in the era of social media and streaming platforms, a Canadiens-Nordiques rivalry would be the most lucrative in hockey history.

Of course, this proves absolutely nothing.

But don't come telling me it's worth nothing at all.

It's the Accumulation That Gets Interesting

Expansion, even to 36 teams, doesn't guarantee the Nordiques' return.

3DownFutures' rumours remain rumours. We know that better than anyone.

The silence around TVA Sports might have absolutely nothing to do with Quebec.

But if you add all of this up...

Come on, be honest for a second! The idea is exciting, isn't it?

Because if the NHL really did go from 32 to 36 teams, it would add four new franchises.

I ask the question once more: Can it really ignore Canada not once, not twice, but four times?

If Quebec really does possess "the group" we're talking about, everything else is already in place.

The arena is there (still one of the best).

The fans are there (the best).

The brand is there (the most beautiful brand).

The rivalry with Montreal is there (the greatest).

Bam bam!

All that's missing is the cheque.

Just that.

Think About It...