The National Hockey League (NHL) is set to make a return to Quebec City in 2024, with the Ottawa Senators playing a pair of preseason games at the Videotron Centre. This marks another step in the league’s ongoing engagement with the Quebec hockey community, which has long been advocating for the return of an NHL franchise to the province.
This article covers all the key details about the Ottawa Senators’ preseason games in Quebec City, including match dates, significance, potential impact on NHL expansion, and fan expectations.
NHL Preseason Games in Quebec City: Key Details
- Event: NHL Preseason – Ottawa Senators Exhibition Games
- Location: Videotron Centre, Quebec City, Canada
- Dates: [Insert Exact Dates When Announced]
- Teams Involved: Ottawa Senators vs. [Opponent TBD]
- Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster, Ottawa Senators’ official website, and Videotron Centre Box Office
Why is the NHL Returning to Quebec City?
1. Reviving Quebec’s Passion for NHL Hockey
Quebec City has a rich hockey history, with the Quebec Nordiques playing in the NHL from 1979 to 1995 before relocating to Colorado and becoming the Avalanche. Since then, Quebec has been without an NHL team, but the city continues to be a hockey hotbed.
The return of the Ottawa Senators for a pair of preseason games signals the NHL’s recognition of Quebec’s strong hockey market and the city’s continued interest in professional hockey.
2. Videotron Centre as a Potential NHL Arena
- The Videotron Centre, which opened in 2015, is a state-of-the-art, 18,259-seat arena designed to accommodate an NHL team.
- It currently hosts the Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) and various international events.
- These preseason games will showcase the venue’s capability to host NHL-level competition.
3. Strengthening NHL’s Presence in Canada
- The NHL has focused heavily on expanding its brand globally, with games in Europe and China.
- However, maintaining a strong footprint in traditional hockey markets like Quebec is also a priority.
- This event allows the NHL to engage French-Canadian fans and test the market’s enthusiasm for an NHL return.
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What This Means for NHL Expansion
1. Could Quebec City Get an NHL Team Again?
Quebec City has been a longtime candidate for NHL expansion or relocation, but several challenges remain:
✅ Pros:
- The Videotron Centre is already NHL-ready.
- The city has a passionate hockey fanbase.
- The rivalry between Montreal Canadiens and a potential Quebec team would be massive for the NHL.
❌ Cons:
- The NHL’s current priority is growing in the U.S. market.
- Expansion fees for new teams are extremely high (over $650 million, as seen with the Seattle Kraken).
- Lack of a billionaire ownership group committed to bringing an NHL team to Quebec.
2. How the Preseason Games Could Influence NHL Decisions
If the Ottawa Senators’ games at Videotron Centre sell out and attract high viewership, it could send a strong message to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and team owners that Quebec City is still a viable market.
While the Arizona Coyotes’ uncertain future has sparked speculation about possible relocation, Quebec City is competing with markets like Houston, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City for NHL consideration.
Impact on Ottawa Senators and Canadian Hockey Fans
1. Ottawa Senators Expanding Their Fanbase
- Playing games in Quebec allows the Senators to strengthen their brand outside Ottawa.
- This could increase ticket sales, TV ratings, and merchandise purchases from Quebec-based hockey fans.
2. An Exciting Event for Quebec Hockey Fans
- A rare opportunity for local fans to watch NHL hockey in Quebec City.
- Creates a playoff-like atmosphere, as passionate fans will want to prove the city deserves an NHL team again.
- May lead to more NHL games being played in Quebec City in the future.
Key Players to Watch in the Ottawa Senators Preseason Games
1. Tim Stützle – Ottawa’s Young Superstar
- Position: Center
- Key Strengths: Speed, puck control, playmaking
- Why Watch: Stützle is emerging as one of the NHL’s top young forwards, and fans in Quebec will enjoy seeing his offensive skills.
2. Brady Tkachuk – Senators’ Captain & Physical Presence
- Position: Left Wing
- Key Strengths: Leadership, goal-scoring, toughness
- Why Watch: Tkachuk’s gritty playing style and leadership make him a fan favorite.
3. Jake Sanderson – Rising Defensive Star
- Position: Defenseman
- Key Strengths: Skating, defensive IQ, puck-moving ability
- Why Watch: Sanderson is expected to play a key role on Ottawa’s blue line for years to come.
How to Buy Tickets for the NHL Preseason Games in Quebec City
🎟 Where to Buy Tickets:
- Ottawa Senators Official Website (https://www.nhl.com/senators)
- Videotron Centre Box Office (https://www.lecentrevideotron.ca)
- Ticketmaster Canada (https://www.ticketmaster.ca)
💰 Expected Ticket Prices:
- Lower Bowl: $75 – $150 CAD
- Upper Bowl: $40 – $80 CAD
- VIP Packages: $200+ CAD
📅 Pre-Sale & General Sale Dates:
- Pre-sale: [Insert Date]
- General sale: [Insert Date]
Conclusion
The NHL’s return to Quebec City for Ottawa Senators’ preseason games is a significant moment for Canadian hockey fans. While it may not immediately lead to an NHL expansion team, it serves as a market test for future NHL events in Quebec.
Quebec hockey fans have long hoped for the return of the Nordiques, and these games offer a glimpse of what could be possible in the future. Whether you’re a fan of the Senators, NHL expansion, or just hockey in Quebec, this is an event not to be missed.
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