A simple poll by The Athletic, featuring some NHL star players, took a sour turn for the Montreal Canadiens and other Canadian teams.

While some players were simply asked about the next city that should host an NHL team, some clearly had heavy hearts, including one statement in particular that caught our attention for the wrong reasons.

Players want Houston more than Quebec

As reported by the TVA Sports network via the article above, the cities of Houston and Quebec have sparked a lot of discussion in the context of this piece.

A jab at Canadian hockey from an NHL player

Here’s the passage in question:

Houston,» said one player. «It’s the fourth largest city in the United States, and they still don’t have a team. We can’t go into a Canadian market right now, especially with the state of the Canadian dollar. You can’t go to Quebec. The Canadian dollar is Sh**t. They should consider relocating the Winnipeg Jets.»

«Let’s move out of Canada; we need revenue,» added another player surveyed. «Houston. There are five million people there. Quebec is a great city, but I don’t think it’s big enough for an NHL club.»

– Said the anonymous athlete.

This doesn’t do much to reassure those, particularly among Montreal Canadiens fans, who believe that some players simply don’t want to play here.

And it’s coming from a well-known player! (whose identity, unfortunately, wasn’t revealed)

I understand that a player might have a preference for Houston, it’s perfectly normal and within their rights, but to go so far as to say the NHL should completely leave Canada? That’s excessive.

Canada contributes enormously to the NHL, and it’s no coincidence that markets like Toronto and Montreal are so successful.

The NHL needs markets like Montreal and Toronto!

And you, what do you think?