Quebecor confirms NHL expansion application to bring back Nordiques

Quebecor has appliedfor an NHL expansion franchise with the aim of bringing the Nordiquesback to Quebec City.

• NHL announces start of expansion process
• Quebecorsays it will apply for NHL expansion franchise to bring backNordiques
• Stephen Harper continues push for NHL expansion in Quebec City

The company confirmed the move on Twitter today, saying the companyhad submitted its candidacy to the National Hockey League.

Interested parties must apply between July 6 and July 20.

NHL commissioner GaryBettmanhas said the expansion fee will be at least $500 million US.

Quebecor, which will be responsible for operations atthe new 18,259-capacity Videotron Arena in Quebec City, is among several groups,including Las Vegas and Seattle, that have expressed interest in anexpansionfranchise. The arena is owned by the city.

TheNHL already has a relationship with Quebecor through its French-language television-rights deal with the TVA television network.

Quebec City has not had anNHLteam since the Nordiques left for Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche in 1995. TheNHLhas not expanded since adding its 29th and 30th teams, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild, in 2000.

Deputy commissioner BillDaly hassaid the earliest anyexpansionwould happen is the 2017-18 season.