François Legault spoke to the Commissioner of the National Hockey League (NHL), Gary Bettman, to let him know of his interest in bringing the Fleurdelisé back to Quebec.
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“I spoke to Mr. Bettman. I told him of our interest in the return of the Nordics, ”said the Premier of Quebec. “He told me he was open to meet us.”
The Minister of Finance, Eric Girard, a “Nordic enthusiast”, is in charge of the file and has had discussions with the various potential investors of the club, revealed the PM.
“Eric plans to meet with Mr. Bettman in January.”
We must now establish the role of the Quebec government in a possible return of the NHL franchise. Mr. Legault recalled that the amphitheater has been built and that Quebecor has a “right of first refusal” on the purchase of a club. “We have to see if Mr. Péladeau is still interested in spending $ 700 million or more for a hockey team. Otherwise, we have to see how we manage it with the City of Quebec to have the amphitheater. It is an important element in the return of the Nordiques. ”
The television rights will then have to be negotiated, added Mr. Legault. “This is all that the government and Éric Girard are trying to put together to allow the people of Quebec and eastern Quebec to benefit from the return of the Nordics.”