No, the Nordiques are not back, but there will still be NHL hockey in Quebec next year. From October 2nd to 6th, the Los Angeles Kings will be at the Videotron Center for training camp and two preseason games.

The newspaper learned the news, which will be confirmed this morning during a press conference where team president Luc Robitaille will be present to announce the details.

We’ve already learned that the Boston Bruins will be in town for a preseason game against the Kings at the Videotron Center on Thursday, October 3rd.

It could be a great opportunity to welcome the newly retired Patrice Bergeron to his hometown in the presence of his former team, but there is no information on this matter. The only thing that is certain for now is that the Bruins, who are still at the top of the Atlantic section with a hot start, will be there. To check on their ex-captain.

Two days later, on Saturday, October 5th, it will be the Florida Panthers’ turn to take the ice against the Kings. The Stanley Cup finalists also got off to a strong start to the season.

It should also be noted that some training will be open to the public.

A test?

At the moment it is difficult to explain the reason for the Kings’ presence, but the connections between other Quebecers and Robitaille certainly didn’t hurt. One thing is for sure: hockey fans won’t complain about this.

The team experienced a slump after two Stanley Cup wins in 2012 and 2014, but returned to the playoffs the last two seasons and continues to make progress.

It will also be an opportunity for fans to spy Quebec attackers Pierre-Luc Dubois and Phillip Danault, both of whom are on the front lines.

Is this yet another famous “test” to demonstrate Quebec fans’ continued interest in National League hockey? This expression has been used excessively in the past, although Quebec no longer has to prove itself in this regard and Gary Bettman has repeatedly reiterated that he has never doubted “the passion of the people of Quebec.”

A return

Regardless, the NHL has not hosted a preseason game at the Videotron Center since September 20, 2018, when the Canadiens and Washington Capitals took the ice.

The Kings will make their first appearance in Quebec. Several NHL teams have played exhibition games there over the years, but this is the first time a team has been based there for part of its training camp.

It will be the Bruins’ fourth presence. They were the first of a series of Canadian preseason games in Quebec, beginning in 2009 and then returning in 2016 and 2017.

Additionally, this game attracted just 9,248 spectators in the fall of 2017, the lowest attendance ever for an NHL preseason game in Quebec.

Other teams that have been represented in Quebec over time include the Islanders (2010), the Lightning (2011), the Hurricanes (2013), the Avalanche (2002 and 2014), the Penguins (2015) and the Maple Leafs ( 2017).

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