Share: Before it happens — if it ever happens — there will be about a million stories detailing the levels of interest in a
second National Hockey League franchise in Toronto. And all of them should be taken seriously. Because it should happen. Because it makes sense. Because an NHL with a Toronto Panthers instead of a Florida team, or a Toronto Coyotes instead of a Phoenix team is a stronger league. And you can make the same case with Atlanta, Tampa Bay and the Islanders. Never mind Hamilton or Waterloo as possible sites for a future team. Those are secondary markets. If there is to be a second team in Southern Ontario, it should be in the NHL’s strongest market. The time isn’t right it’s overdue. And these days, what else can you guarantee HEAR AND THERE
Rogers, the company that owns the Blue Jays, won’t put TSN2 on its cable. But it will put Blue Jays games on the channel, including a high- profile Red Sox game. Please explain . After watching Mike Green and Joe Thornton in the playoffs, can’t imagine how either will earn a place on Canada’s 2010 Olympic team. The better the hockey gets, the more invisible they become. You can get your offence from the back end with Dan Boyle and Scott Niedermayer without having to gamble on Green . On the other hand, can’t imagine a Canadian team without the incredible Niedermayer, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks. In fact, wouldn’t Rick Nash fit in perfectly on a line with Getzlaf and Perry . . Now we know what’s wrong with the Ottawa Senators: They don’t play enough games against Belarus . . . Sunday stat: That powder keg named Milton Bradley is batting .043. He has been suspended for one more game (2), than he has hits (1) . . . The resignation of Toronto FC coach John Carver means the Blue Jays, Argos, Leafs, Raptors, TFC and Rock have all changed coaches within the past 12 months.