Images: Copps Coliseum,OHL Arena Guide. Predators logo,The Team Traveler

The hockey world, especially those in southern Ontario, has been a buzz with talk of theNashville Predators你可能迁往汉密尔顿(或滑铁卢)gh the move is far from certain.

So before you start pulling on a Paul Kariya jersey with the word "Nashville" scratched off the shoulder and dreaming of the NHL's version of theLabour Day Classicthere are a few things you need to know about.

First of all, whether or not the Predators leave Tennessee is not entirely prospective team owner and formerResearch in Motionchairman Jim Balsillie's decision. No matter how much RIM Jim wants a professional hockey team in his own backyard the NHL board of governors would need to approve both the sale and the relocation. This is where things get sticky. The votes on Balsillie's ownership bid and possible relocation are not even on the agenda at the next NHL board of governors meeting.

Besides, before the Preds could even dream of facing off onCopps Coliseumice the arena would likely need massive renovations. A recentToronto Star articlesaid that it would take a "total retrofit" just to meet NHL standards. The arena "just doesn't have the amenities necessary to make a viable NHL facility." Though, to be fair, Jim Balsillie isn't shy about spending money. He lost what is believed to be millions of dollars whenMario Lemieuxrefused to return Balsillie's deposit after Balsillie pulled out of a deal that would have seen him become the owner of thePittsburgh Penguins. I'm sure the money needed to renovate Copps would end up being less than Balsillie spends on lattes.

So money may not be the issue here. Another factor that could block this move would be everyone's favourite blue and white franchise: theToronto Maple Leafs. You see, the Leaf Nation extends down the QEW into Hamilton. Hamilton is also dangerously close toBuffalo Sabresterritory. While Hamilton is just outside of the 80-kilometre radius that is Buffalo's home territory, the Sabres count about 12 per cent of their season-ticket holders from the Niagara region.

Finally, would Hamilton, London, or Waterloo even be able to sustain anNHLfranchise? And would the board of governors approve a move into Canada while the NHL is trying to expand viewership in the United States? Las Vegas, Kansas City, Houston, and Portland are among the larger American television markets that do not currently have NHL teams. It's feasible to assume that the NHL would prefer a move to one of these markets. Kansas City does have the brand new, NHL-ready,Sprint Centersitting empty after the Penguins decided to stay in Pittsburgh.

That being said, about 40 per cent of the NHL's revenue comes from Canada and the Toronto Maple Leafs are the highest revenue-generating team in the NHL. In Nashville the Predators challenged for the President's Trophy but only averaged 13,815 in paid attendance and generated less money that most teams in the league. Relocating a struggling franchise into southern Ontario could be exactly what the NHL needs to bring in some extra cash.

The Leafs may even enjoy some increased profit, as a Hamilton franchise would create another "battle of Ontario." Think of how much you hate theOttawa Senatorsand multiply that by about 10, add in the millions of dollars Balsillie would likely be required to pay the Leafs in indemnity fees and you'll see that the answer is big money.

Is it feasible that we could be battling the Hamilton Predators for a playoff spot in the near future? Balsillie thinks so.Ticketmasterhas alreadybegun taking deposits for season ticketsat Copps Coliseum, and no one even knows if or when an NHL team will play there.