Gary Bettman makes a shocking statement about the return of the NHL in Quebec City

Gary Bettman and the league's 31 general managers were reunited in Montreal's Le Windsor Hotel yesterday, to celebrate the NHL's 100th anniversary. For the occasion, the commissioner obviously had the occasion to answer questions about one of the numerous hot topics surrounding the NHL lately: the possible relocation of a franchise.

We reported earlier this week that multiple sources have confirmed there was a recent meeting between Bettman and Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire owner of the Houston Rockets. Therefore, it is fair to believe the NHL is considering this city as a viable destination for a team. 

But what about Quebec City? Bettman said the Nordiques fans will have to be patient, and reminded that he never promised them anything:

"I am extraordinarily comfortable that the record is clear … because we never tell anyone to build a building on our account,” he said. “If you choose to build a building you build it. But you do see what happens when a market loses a team because there isn’t an adequate facility or the prospect of an adequate facility, it’s very, very hard to get a team back. How many years did it take Winnipeg to get a team back?

“But we never threaten communities. Whatever happens, happens, in the natural evolution. If a team needs a new building and can no longer survive without one and they can’t get one, then things happen."

Let's just say that was pretty clear. If the league is indeed planning a relocation, I definitely wouldn't put my money on Quebec City. Is that the right call from Bettman?