It’s the most wonderful time of the year, no question, but as time has passed, the most wonderful time of the year has evolved into the most expensive time of the year.
Added into the stew of financial considerations each and every year, is the cost of owning and operating a franchise in the NHL for those who may have that on their list; like the guys in Buffalo
Forbes Magazine released an annual report & the 2010 Christmas edition found that the average NHL franchise was worth $ 228 million, which is up 2 % from last year.
However, when you look closer at the numbers, virtually half of the NHL teams saw their values decline.
Who’s # 1 ?
You know it, the Toronto Maple Leafs, coming off that sterling victory over Montreal Saturday, Stanley Cupless since 1967, are worth $ 585 million dollars.
Truthfully, I’ll be there’s no shortage of accountants out there who think the $ 585 million tag is low.
Regardless, the Leafs, the Rangers, Montreal, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago and Vancouver had their values increase by double-digits in terms of percentage points.
All of which begs the query, if Montreal & Vancouver are considered big market in hockey, why not in baseball, as exemplified by the Expos, or basketball, as displayed by the Grizzlies ?
Welcome to Canada. And Merry Christmas
I’m Fred Wallace