The Winnipeg Jets played in the league from 1979 until moving in 1996 to Phoenix, Ariz., and being renamed the Phoenix Coyotes. (CBC)

Almost three in five Canadians would like to see NHL franchises back in Winnipeg and Quebec City, but far fewer support federal money being spent to make it happen, a survey suggests.

According to an Angus Reid public opinion poll published Thursday, 62 per cent of respondents said it would be a good idea to have an additional NHL team in Winnipeg.

A smaller proportion, 57 per cent, would like to see an NHL team playing in Quebec City.

The Quebec Nordiques franchise played in the NHL from 1979 until 1995, when it relocated to Denver, Colo., and was renamed the Colorado Avalanche.

The Winnipeg Jets played in the league from 1979 until moving in 1996 to Phoenix, Ariz., and being renamed the Phoenix Coyotes.

When asked whether the federal government should provide funds to help the relocation of an existing NHL franchise to a Canadian city, respondents to the Angus Reid survey were less enthusiastic.

The Quebec Nordiques played in the NHL from 1979 until 1995, when they relocated to Denver, Colo., and were renamed the Colorado Avalanche. (CBC)

About a third, 35 per cent, would welcome such a move, while 57 per cent would not.

Regionally, British Columbians (71 per cent) and Albertans (64 per cent) were most strongly opposed to the federal government footing the bill. Opposition was lower in the Manitoba-Saskatchewan region (56 per cent), Ontario (54 per cent) and Atlantic Canada (51 per cent).

In Quebec, 51 per cent opposed the idea but 44 per cent have no problem with it.

The poll was conducted from Sept. 17 to 19 using an online survey with 1,009 randomly selected Canadian adults. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Hot topic

The issue of federal funding for professional sports has been a hot topic in recent weeks, after Ottawa hinted it might provide $175 million in federal funding towards a $400-million arena project in Quebec City.

The proposed facility, to replace Le Colisée, is considered a prerequisite for the potential return of NHL hockey.

Amid a brewing backlash, Harper has said that if his government sends money to Quebec City, it will do the same for others.

He has also insisted that financing would never go directly to pro sports franchises, but arenas and stadiums were another matter.

Hopes heightened in Winnipeg

Hockey fans showed their support for the NHL in Winnipeg on Wednesday, when more than 14,000 took in an exhibition game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks at the MTS Centre.

Gary Bettman has said he regrets that the Jets were ever moved away from Winnipeg .(Richard Lam/Canadian Press)

Their hopes of a having a permanent home team have been heightened since May 2009, when Coyotes' then-owner Jerry Moyes took the team into bankruptcy intending to sell it.

Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie stepped up with intentions to move the franchise to Hamilton.

The NHL opposed the move. After a mountain of documents was filed, and dozens of attorneys became involved, a U.S. bankruptcy court judge threw out Balsillie's bid.

Eventually, the NHL purchased the team itself with the intention of finding a buyer to keep it in Arizona, but stressing if that didn't work out it would move the franchise elsewhere.

Winnipeg has repeatedly emerged as a possibility, and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has said he regrets ever moving the team away from that city.

Talks to sell the team to various potential owners have since fallen apart, although a new player in the saga has come forward.

The City of Glendale, which owns the Jobing.com Arena, has been negotiating a lease deal with someone who has requested confidentiality.

There have been multiple reports that person is Chicago investor Matthew Hulsizer.

If they come up with an agreement, Hulsizer would then enter into discussions with the NHL to purchase the team.