Emeralds betting favourite as name for potential Seattle NHL team

Seattle-NHL

In this computer drawing provided by the Oak View Group, a proposed remodelled KeyArena in Seattle with an NHL hockey rink is shown. (Oak View Group/via AP)

The Seattle Emeralds.

That’s the leading contender for the name of a potential NHL team in the Emerald City, according to oddsmaker Bovada. Emeralds is the favourite, ahead of other monikers with local flavour like Totems and Rainiers.

A list of 13 nicknames emerged last week for a would-be Seattle franchise. The earliest Seattle could welcome an NHL team is 2020 because the arena, Seattle Center, is being remodelled.

However, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told the Associated Press that discussions about Seattle receiving an expansion franchise is “premature” because an application has yet to be filed.

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