Former Leaf interested in NHL expansion, relocation
Kevin Maguire heads group that wants to bring 2nd team to Toronto
Last Updated: Friday, April 24, 2009 | 11:25 AM ET
CBC Sports
Talk of a second National Hockey League team coming to Toronto is gaining momentum, with former Maple Leafs tough guy Kevin Maguire entering the picture.
Maguire, 46, is fronting a group that is interested in setting up shop in southern Ontario.
"I truly believe getting an NHL team would be tremendous for the city of Vaughan [just north of Toronto], but the league has said that a second team in the Toronto area is not something that's on their radar screen right now," Maguire said in a news release.
"However, we wanted the NHL to know that if they ever change their mind, we think the city of Vaughan would be the best option and the proposed site the best location."
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly tried not to get anyone's hopes up.
"While we did in fact meet with individuals interested in having another NHL team in the Toronto area, it is safe to say that there isn't any consideration being given to that prospect at this point in time," Daly said in an email.
"We have no interest in expanding, and we have no desire to relocate any existing franchises."
Paul Kelly, executive director of the NHLPA, was more receptive to the idea of a second team in Toronto.
"The viability of a second team in Toronto or southern Ontario should be explored, so, in the event that relocation needs to be considered for franchises that are struggling where they are currently located, a well-informed decision can be made," he said.
Vaughan team would be 'massive shot in the arm': mayor
Maguire, who became a referee after his playing career ended in the early 1990s, recently met with Daly to talk about bringing a team to Vaughan.
Maguire declined to identify the members of his group Thursday, saying media attention in the wake of a Globe and Mail story about the meeting between Daly and several members of the group damaged its cause.
"At this time, we are not ready to release the names of the people," Maguire said, declining further comment.
Vaughan, which been trying to bring subway access to its community, had previously tried to secure the downtown soccer stadium that houses Major League Soccer's Toronto FC.
"Certainly getting an NHL team would be a massive shot in the arm for the City of Vaughan and a benefit for hockey fans across the [Greater Toronto Area]," Vaughan Mayor Linda Jackson said.
With files from The Canadian Press
