Certain markets just aren't built to host major league teams. Owners will try to make a go of it but they'll lose money year after year, be forced to rely on an internal budget and never spend what's needed.

They'll miss out on key free agents, have to settle for second best coaching choices, and see star players demand trades or leave for better teams in free agency.

They'll see their arena flooded by away fans because there just aren't enough hometown fans to fill the rink.

They'll host one of the hottest, young, exciting teams in the league and people watching on TV would think the visitors were the home team.

They'll host the second young, exciting team in the league and only draw 11,000 fans.

"Why this team must be located in some southern state, they were always a terrible market for NHL teams."

Prepare yourself friend:

That's right. This isn't Tampa Bay (last nights attendance: 19,092) or Nashville (17,113) but Ottawa. Capital of Canada. The country, we're told every week, that "owns hockey". That "deserves more NHL teams". That is "screwed by Gary Bettman so he can put teams in the south".

The capital city of the nation of hockey. 11,000 fans.

So Quebec City has a nice arena I hear.

Here are your morning links:

Babcock on Zaitsev: We haven’t seen anything yet - MLHS

When Should the Leafs Start Shopping Prospects? - Shanaplan Debate

Leafs: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, Morgan Rielly Keys to the Future - Tip of the Tower
On the Leafs retired numbers - Vintage Leafs Memories

Toronto Maple Leafs: Can Josh Leivo Fit Into The Lineup? - Editor in Leaf

Hossa’s 500th goal - Second City Hockey

It’s Time To Let Nail Yakupov’s Past Go - St. Louis Game Time

How diverse is the NHL? Take a look - Colour of Hockey

Early trends that won’t continue because the NHL hates fun - Down Goes Brown

Mike Smith injured in Arizona Coyotes’ 7-4 loss in Ottawa - Five for Howling

There’s they are. Enjoy!

From The Branches