They cannot be moved, it’s stipulated in the sales agreement. This comes directly from an attorney who worked on the sale to the Pegulas. He was with Golisano’s Representation.
The Metropolitan Region of Quebec City Population is actually smaller the Buffalo-Niagara Region and Quebec City’s Favorite Son Marty Biron has mentioned a Few Times that they cannot support a NHL Franchise. He also mentioned Montreal enjoys have the entire Province to itself and would be resistant to another franchise in Quebec. For a similar reason there has not been another franchise placed in the GTA, The Leafs do not want the competition. A total monopoly over the market is more profitable.
Bettman is a huge believer in keeping franchises where they are, that is why Florida, Carolina and most notably Arizona have not moved. There is a possibility that Arizona is on the move secondary to its Arena Issues however I it will be interesting to see what happens with the planned arena in Tempe.
The NHL has not allowed a franchise to move since 2011, compared to the NFL which has moved three since 2016.
You want to talk about changing the value of a franchise, imagine moving the Bills to St Louis or San Antonio. The franchise value would start at 3 Billion easily.
John Wawrow has tweeted that the Sabres are not for sale and will not be for sale unless the Bills Stadium Deal falls through, then all bets are off.
