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December 1, 2011 at 1:19 am #4925

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Move to Winnipeg greatly increased NHL franchise's value

Winnipeg Free Press and Postmedia News, November 30, 2011

WINNIPEG — Moving the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg is paying off big time for the team’s new owners.

According to Forbes, the Jets gained the most value of any of the 30 National Hockey League teams from last season to this season.

A year ago, the Thrashers were valued at $135 million US. The new rankings estimate the Jets are now valued at $164 million, which represents a 21 per cent increase. The average year-over-year increase across the league was five per cent.

True North Sports & Entertainment bought the Thrashers in May for $110 million and paid a $60 million relocation fee to the NHL.

The Jets are ranked 24th in the league and are worth more than the Nashville Predators, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Islanders and Phoenix Coyotes, according to Forbes.

The Coyotes, who visit MTS Centre to play the Jets on Thursday night, are owned and operated by the league, and are valued at just $134 million to finish last in the valuation ranking.

At the top of the list are the Toronto Maple Leafs, valued at $521 million. The Rangers are second at $507 million, while the Montreal Canadiens are third at $445 million.

The majority owners of the Leafs, the Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan, had considered selling part of the team earlier this year, but have since decided to retain ownership. The Leafs’ value increased by three per cent this season, according to Forbes.

The Rangers are up 10 per cent and the Canadiens have seen their value rise nine per cent.

The Vancouver Canucks are the next Canadian team on the list at No. 7. They’re worth an estimated $300 million, up 15 per cent a year after reaching the Stanley Cup final.

The Calgary Flames are No. 13 at $220 million, up seven per cent. Their Alberta rivals in Edmonton are closing the gap — the Oilers jumped 16 per cent in value to $212 million and are ranked 15th.

The Ottawa Senators increased three per cent to $201 million and are ranked 17th.

One surprise on the list was the Dallas Stars, who despite ranking 29th in the league in attendance with just over 11,000 fans per game, are ranked 11th and saw their value increase by one per cent to $230 million. Vancouver businessman Tom Gaglardi bought the Stars out of bankruptcy two weeks ago. He paid only about $50 million in cash and assumed about $100 million in debt.

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
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