Panthers owner denies that team will relocate to Quebec City
Florida Panthers co-owner Doug Cifu told The Hockey News that his team has no plans to move the franchise to Quebec City.
The team's financial woes and low attendance have spurred speculation that a relocation is on the horizon, but Cifu said no such plans are on the table.
"The Florida Panthers are not moving and we’ve consistently said we have no plans or intentions to move. We have no place to move," Cifu said. "We have no desire to move this franchise. We are 100 percent convinced the Florida Panthers can be viable and sustainable in South Florida."
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Last month, Cifu said the Panthers lost about $114,000 per day last season and are losing "millions" overall. On Oct. 14, Florida set a franchise low for single-game attendance after only 7,311 filled the BB&T Center.
In September, both Cifu and fellow team owner Vinnie Viola vowed to keep the team in South Florida.
Part of what has fueled speculation of a potential move has been changes that Viola and Cifu are seeking in their lease with Broward County for the BB&T Center. Their lease on the stadium runs through the year 2028.
- Jack Jorgensen