Is There a Reason To Worry About the Jets?

Winnipeg Jets on the move? Here is an outsider’s view on the Jets situation.

Even with no one knowing what is going on with the Arizona Coyotes, another team’s possible relocation seems to be flying under the radar. The Hockey News and several other publications are stating that the Winnipeg Jets could be on the move again.

Jets owner Mark Chipman sounds like a man who wants to keep his team in Winnipeg but is also looking at the situation realistically. Even with a team that has been close to first place in their division for most of the year, ticket sales and season tickets are down 27% in the last three years. That, including being in the smallest market, having the smallest building, and the lack of strength in the Canadian dollar, makes this a very difficult situation for the Jets’ ownership.

Local businesses only account for roughly 30% of the team’s season ticket and suite sales for the team. This means that a large portion of the team’s revenue comes from the general public. With the dollar not being able to hold up, it’s getting harder to get people in the building.

With so many American cities wanting a team, it could be very tempting for the owners of this team to head out of town, too. From what is being reported in Winnipeg, Houston, and Salt Lake City have had preliminary talks with the Jets.

What do you think? Should the NHL be worried about losing another Canadian team? Should they solve the Arizona Coyote problem before worrying about anyone else? Let me know in the comments below.