WHO WANTS A TEAM?

Las Vegas

The desert oasis, which has never had a major-league team in any sport, seems an unlikely choice for a host of reasons, but Gary Bettman allowed a prospective ownership group to solicit fan interest, which is a flashing neon sign he’s serious about a team going there. Chance of an expansion win: 98 per cent

Seattle

The lack of an arena would seem to be a major problem, but if an ownership group could get that sorted out in the near term — and it’s easier to do when the NHL is a readymade tenant — then the Pacific Northwest is a good target, partly to keep the East from becoming too imbalanced. Chances: 50 per cent

Quebec City

If this town were located in the West, it would be a much easier sell. New arena, big conglomerate ownership bidder in the form of Quebecor. (Minus the majority owner’s sticky business of being a new-found separatist.) But if the NHL is faced with reasonable bids from Quebec and another place in the West, the likely winner is the one that won’t force the league to consider a conference realignment so soon after the last one. Chances: 33 per cent

Toronto(ish)

It is by far the best choice in terms of untapped revenue, but the league has added nine new teams (and moved some of those again) in the past two decades without seriously considering a second Torontoarea team. The only factor that makes this a possibility is that the owners of the Maple Leafs are also broadcasters who’d stand to benefit tremendously from another franchise in Canada’s biggest hockey market. Chances: 25 per cent

Portland

A billionaire sports owner already in place in Paul Allen, and also conveniently located in the West. But could all the pieces be lined up inside a month? Chances: 10 per cent

Kansas City

They have an arena, and they are kind of in the West. But probably doomed to remain the NHL/NBA emergency relocation option. Chances: 5 per cent

Milwaukee

As far as appeal for a prospective NHL team, this is like a poor man’s Kansas City. Chances: 2 per cent

Hartford

Almost certainly not happening. But fun to consider. Chances: one per centScott Stinson