Canucks would welcome Seattle franchise

The city of Seattle took its first major step toward securing an NHL franchise Thursday, and a potential local rival is more than willing to welcome it to the region.

Vancouver is just over a three-hour drive from Seattle, so naturally, the Canucks would align nicely as a team to build a rivalry with.

According to Vancouver's president of hockey operations, Trevor Linden, the Canucks are more than open to the idea of having another team nearby to stoke the competitive flames that come with playing against a club from the geographical area.

Asked Canucks president Trevor Linden about the possibility/idea of an NHL team in Seattle and he said his organization "loves it." Says Canucks fans would love it. Natural rivalry. Canucks fully in support of it.

- Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 7, 2017

A Pacific Northwestern hockey rivalry? Why not.

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