Dallas, Columbus, Pittsburgh and Minnesota are out.
That leaves very few possibilities here...
Vegas is believed by many to be 100%, but my sources have been specific to tell me that "NO city is 100% until all is decided...and that hasn't happened."
Why are so many saying Vegas is 100%? Well, from what I am told, the NHLPA and players have endorsed this idea, basically telling the NHL, that if all else is equal Vegas is their pick.
I have been saying Vancouver for a long time. My sources tell me how the NHL loved their proposal that would basically take what it learned hosting the Olympics in 2010...They have also been the most responsible when it comes to the virus of maybe any other city in North America.
Edmonton is still very much in there...They have the isolation, the practice facilities and more than one building they could stage games in....plus the sun sets after 10pm this time of year and rises around 5 am.
The Final 6 per Pierre Lebrun, who has the direct link to the man in charge, are Chicago, Edmonton, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver.
Toronto and Vancouver feel like perfect fits, but I would doubt the NHL would not have at least one American city.
I also would expect the NHL to not go to two western cities like Vancouver and Vegas...although I have been told it is not impossible...
The new favorite I keep hearing...the city on the chart with a bullet... is Chicago...
One source I know is betting on Vancouver and Chicago...
Chicago made a huge push and provided the NHL with everything it wants.
Where do you think the hub cities will be?
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