The dream of seeing the Quebec Nordiques return to the NHL continues to capture the imagination of hockey fans, even as the reality remains frustratingly stagnant. Despite years of speculation and hope, progress on bringing an NHL franchise back to Quebec City has all but stalled, leaving supporters wondering what it will take to reignite the movement.

Recent discussions in the media have highlighted a new angle: does the next push for the Nordiques’ revival have to come from a Quebec-based investor, or could an American backer finally make it happen? With Quebec City boasting a state-of-the-art arena and a fiercely loyal fanbase, the market’s potential is undeniable.

Yet, as other cities like Houston and Atlanta seem to edge ahead in the expansion race, the question of ownership—and whether local pride or outside investment will tip the scales—has taken center stage. As the NHL keeps its cards close to the vest, the fate of the Nordiques remains one of hockey’s most intriguing and emotional storylines.

Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The issue of the Quebec Nordiques’ return continues to generate buzz, even though the situation doesn’t appear to be moving forward.

Furthermore, during a recent appearance on BPM Sports, Renaud Lavoie stated that currently, everything is at a standstill and no one has stepped up to bring NHL hockey back to Quebec City.

We know that Québecor applied for an expansion franchise in 2015, but the NHL leadership decided to defer Quebec’s bid and only accepted Las Vegas.

Over the past 10 years, it’s been radio silence from Quebec-based investors, and despite talks between Quebec and the NHL, it seems that cities like Houston and Atlanta are ahead in the race to land an expansion franchise.

What if it were an American investor who stepped up to bring the Quebec Nordiques back?

That’s a point raised by BPM Sports host Anthony Desaulniers during the conversation with Renaud Lavoie.

“Does it have to be a Quebecer [who brings the Nordiques back]?”

– Anthony Desaulniers

As reported by the site DansLesCoulisses, the Quebec market offers advantages others don’t-such as a modern arena and a passionate hockey fanbase.

A parallel can even be drawn with George Gillet, who became the owner of the Montreal Canadiens in the early 2000s.

The political climate might not be ideal at the moment, but this option must be considered, as it could be the only way to bring the Nordiques back to Quebec City.