NHL leaders seem tempted but afraid to take the step to put a brand new hockey team in Las Vegas, the casino gambling and entertainment center of the US.

Las Vegas officials in general, and Mayor Oscar Goodman in particular, has been looking for a big sports franchise to find within the US gambling mecca. It had appeared to some that the National Hockey League can be a cheap partner for the town in a deal from which both could profit, but NHL leaders seem unlikely to take the risk.

Logistical problems dog the idea that of the NHL in Las Vegas. The NHL finds itself more pressed to contract instead of expand. There are already several franchises located within the southern half the U.S. unable to support themselves, akin to Phoenix, Florida, and Tampa.

Relocating a franchise, as seen in tumultuous negotiation regarding Phoenix, creates an international of problems. And Vegas doesn't have a facility, and potential builders seem caught up within the chicken-egg want to see a team locked in before the proper arena could be constructed.

Still, NHL players flocked to the yearly awards presentation, verifying the city's popularity among players who routinely skip the wards process. And hockey's desperate want to enhance its visibility and public awareness fits well with Vegas wants to appear as a player among major US cities.

"I think Las Vegas is a smart market," says George Maloof, owner of the NBA Sacramento Kings and the Palms Casino in Las Vegas. "I FEEL it might be great to have a [NHL] team here."

"I think the NHL could work here," said Washington Capitols general manager George McPhee. But league commissioner Gary Bettman doesn't see the success of the once a year awards show translating right into a new franchise.

"One has nothing to do with the other," Bettman said.

At least disingenuous claims of the worry of gambling corruption of game results was not cited by Bettman.

Published on June 20, 2009 by MattMiller

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