The Hartford Whalers have a special place in the hearts of many New Englanders, and that's not lost on former owner Howard Baldwin. With the success of his AHL franchise the Connecticut Whale as an example, Baldwin's working on bringing the Whalers back to the NHL ranks — and in the near future, too.
"I think your window for the NHL is the next three to four years," Baldwin explained in an interview with Hockey Prospectus. However, he admits that the next collective bargaining agreement will go a long way towards determining whether or not it's feasible for a small-market city like Hartford to get a second chance.
"As the 30 franchises get solidified," Baldwin said, "there becomes less of an opportunity for an Atlanta to Winnipeg, because they're resolving their problems. I feel the way Hartford is going to get a team — if it is to get one — is to be a solution to a problem."
While Baldwin does not expect the NHL to consider placing an expansion team back in Connecticut, he does think that if the AHL franchise can continue to grow attendance and prove that it remains a viable market, the NHL could come calling.
So you're saying there's a chance.
