Jim Balsillie's (co-CEO of Research in Motion Ltd.) name has already been linked to this possible expansion or relocation (which franchise is for sale this year) due to his obvious interest in owning a professional hockey team and in part to the financial aid he provided to the fledgling Nashville Predators.

Rumours are suggesting that the new team would use the ACC, sharing the facilities with the Leafs and paying a hefty rental price (utilities not included).

But would another Toronto team work? Would it have a negative impact on the gold-plated franchise known as the Toronto Maple Leafs? Tough to say, but here are a few pros and cons on this issue:

Pros:

• A lot more people would get a chance to see a NHL hockey game.
• A lot more people would get a chance to buy really cheaply made merchandise.
• Toronto might actually get to cheer for a GOOD hockey team.
• Our status as the Mecca of hockey would be confirmed: sorry Montreal.
• Paul Maurice could get another shot.
• Job creation: with another franchise in Toronto, every media outlet would have to double the number of rumour-munching, criticism-throwing reporters (no offense).

Cons:

• The Leafs would lose a good chunk of its fans who sit on the fence.
• The Senators would almost surely be forgotten and fade into obscurity.
• Job creation: with another franchise in Toronto, every media outlet would have to double the number of rumour-munching, criticism-throwing reporters (no offense).
• The Toronto Sun would double its cheesy headlines.

Don't get me wrong; I'd love to have another team here in Toronto, but would the Leafs still be the number one franchise in the league (money-wise)? Would we still have the prestige of a 70-year waiting list for season's tickets? These things (and more) are elite nuances which we hold over the other teams in the league, they are what make Toronto the centre of the hockey universe, and frankly, I'd be glad to see them gone.

Have more Pros and Cons? Comments? If so, send them in and I'll post them up here. E-mail me: the5hole_editor@live.ca.

"One Toronto [team] is enough, why not in Hamilton instead." - Pam

Cameron sends us this pro and con:

Pro - The Toronto Maple Leafs franchise will not make as much money and therefore have to compete which would be more incentive to finally get some talent.
Con- Lets worry about one franchise before we decide to get another struggling one.