Seattle Backs Out of NHL Expansion Bid, Las Vegas is a Lock

There is breaking news that Seattle backed out of submitting a NHL expansion bid. Chris Daniels of King 5 News reports:

However, sources with both sides say the two have exchanged proposals in recent weeks to no avail. Hansen’s proposal, first approved by the Seattle and King County Councils in 2012, still needs final approval from the design review board and a street vacation approval from the Seattle City Council.

Hansen could not be reached for comment.

That deal, approved back in 2012, only calls for public financing if Hansen acquires an NBA team. It would require an amendment or alteration if an NHL team was acquired.

The lack of a bid, at least on the surface, appears to be a setback for Seattle’s NHL hopes and may open a door for a group in Tukwila.

Las Vegas is looking like a lock to get an expansion team at this point. Although there are too many teams in the Eastern Conference, a team in Quebec City, or even a second team in Toronto is looking like a strong possibility.