Hmmm... not sure why you think this is so true.
The Atlanta Thrashers were moved to Winnipeg after only about 12 years.
QC has a stadium, a capacity, and CHL attendance numbers/trending that are better/more viable than Winnipeg.
https://www.hockeydb.com/nhl-attenda...L1970&sid=2020
Personally, I think soaking the expansion fees and adding two teams in the Western Conference has ALWAYS been desired for NHL balance.
Now that's done... and given the FLA "out-clause" in 2023... I think Bettman will be a little more open.
Bettman has traditionally publicly support the existing NHL teams.
And Bettman is a "say the right thing" kind of guy.
He's not ever gonna say anything other than "We want to make hockey in _______ work."
He'll say that right up until the very day of a sale. And then he'll support the new owner.
I don't believe there's any ill-will towards QC.
I think Bettman/NHL have always had a master plan of getting the league to 32 teams, 16 in the West... and leaving Detroit in the East.
Now that all that's buttoned up...
If Florida owners show years of losses... and have a viable out-clause...
Why wouldn't the NHL/Bettman allow that sale to Quebec City?
^That's the other side of this debate.
What's better for the NHL:
a) Keeping a financial loser of a team in Florida... or
b) Allowing an NHL-ready city/stadium to have a shot... one that is set-up exactly as Winnipeg was...