Photo of Geoff Molson and Quebec Nordiques logo

Photo credit: HabsFanatics / NHL

The famous issue of the Quebec Nordiques continues to stir conversation, especially because Geoff Molson seems reluctant to give visibility to the Nordiques brand.

Many hockey fans in Quebec, particularly from the National Capital Region, were moved when the Colorado Avalanche paid tribute to their origins by donning the blue Quebec Nordiques jersey in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, who themselves wore the Hartford Whalers uniform.

The experience will be repeated for the Avalanche, who will once again wear the fleurdelisé jersey on November 29, when the Montreal Canadiens visit Ball Arena in Denver.

Many people would no doubt also like to see the Avalanche wear the Nordiques jersey at the Bell Centre next January, but don’t count on the Canadiens’ support.

A refusal from the Montreal Canadiens regarding the return of the Quebec Nordiques jersey at the Bell Centre

As reported by the site DansLesCoulisses.com, tensions between Montreal and Quebec are nothing new.

During a recent appearance on Quebec radio, the former head of communications for the Nordiques and the Avalanche, Jean Martineau, recalled certain events to prove it.

“In short, he points out that in 1959, the Canadiens opposed the idea of the American League landing in the province’s capital.

And 20 years later, it took pressure for the Canadiens to agree to the Nordiques joining the NHL.”

– DansLesCoulisses.com

But now, a new episode in the Highway 20 rivalry could well be starting, and it comes from a well-known Montreal journalist.

During an interview with Martin Lemay, Martin Leclerc, who covers hockey for Radio-Canada, mentioned that Joe Sakic called Montreal to find out if it would be possible for the Avalanche to wear their Nordiques jersey during the next game between the two teams at the Bell Centre, which will take place on January 29, 2026.

Here is his response:

“The Canadiens still haven’t returned Joe Sakic’s call, while the Avalanche want to wear the Nordiques’ colors during their visit to Montreal on January 29!”

– Martin Leclerc

“This isn’t new. The Habs have been protecting their territory in Quebec since the 1950s.”

– Martin Lemay

Can we conclude that the Canadiens still hold a grudge against the Nordiques and that the Montreal organization is blocking the return of NHL hockey to Quebec City?