Hey Winnipeg: How About Rick Nash as a Jet?

The following is from today's Columbus Dispatch:

The Columbus Blue Jackets could leave central Ohio if the team can't fix an economic model that is causing losses of $12 million a year, according to a report issued today by the Columbus Chamber (of Commerce). But a deal to keep the hockey team here and the Arena District alive — the team and the district generated $30 million in taxes last year — probably will include asking for public dollars, and soon.

"We believe there is a sense of urgency here," said Ty D. Marsh, chamber president and CEO. "We're looking for a solution or progress by the end of the year."

We've heard the rumours (mostly fabricated) about how David Thomson, he of the Thomson-Reuters Thomsons, wants to buy the Atlanta Thrashers and move them to Winnipeg. It's a nice thought, but the move of the Thrashers, if there is ever a move of the Thrashers (and if you've seen the empty seats in Phillips Arena, there might be), is probably behind the moves of the Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators and Columbus Blue Jackets. Maybe even the Tampa Bay Lightning.

It's very unlikely the Blue Jackets have made any money in Columbus since the creation of the salary cap — and floor. For most owners, the cap is way too high because the revenues — especially corporate — in the non-traditional or smaller U.S. markets will never touch the traditional big U.S. markets or the six Canadian markets. The Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers can handle a $57 million cap and $45 million floor, the Predators, Panthers, Coyotes and Blue Jackets can't.

No matter how well the Blue Jackets play — and they are pretty good — it will be virtually impossible to sell enough tickets to match the shortfall. In other words, even if the Blue Jackets sell out, they still won't make enough money to turn a profit.

If there is a team that becomes available soon, it will be Columbus. Commissioner Bettman still believes the Coyotes can make it in Phoenix and he'll go to the poor house to see that it happens. Columbus, however, is a college town and Triple A market that will never be a profitable major sports centre.

If any team moves, any time soon, it will be the Columbus Blue Jackets.