From what I've gathered, those US small market teams are still a larger market than Hamilton or even Winnipeg. I think that's why there's only 6 teams left in Canada.
Notwithstanding what Zoney is saying, teams in the aforementioned markets (and Quebec City) would be playing to sold out arenas each and every night. I think that much is clear.
With the absence of a huge television deal, the NHL remains a gate driven league. And with salaries tied to revenue under the current CBA, why wouldn't players want teams in Canadian markets where more revenue is generated (and this includes things like licensed merchandise)?
The lack of teams in those markets (especially Winnipeg) has a lot to do with corporate support, or lack thereof. Not sure if there's enough of it to fill luxury boxes, for example. Moreover, there's a noticeable lack of government support in terms of building arenas and stadiums in Canada, especially compared to the United States. The four new hockey arenas in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver were all built with private funds, and it's the absence of private sector help in terms of building a new arena that drove teams from Winnipeg and Quebec out in the first place.
That seems to be changing now, at least with a future Quebec franchise. The provincial government has pledged $175 million towards construction of a $400 million arena that would also be the centrepiece of a 2022 Winter Olympics bid. These funds are contingent on federal funds but as of now, the Conservative federal government is sitting on the fence.
I'm not sure I support government money to build arenas, particularly when there are more pressing needs like health care to attend to. But I do support relocation to Canadian markets, especially Quebec City, because I see it as a no-brainer.
And, just so you all know, I'm not simply an advocate of relocation to Canada. I think there are other American markets that would make infinitely more sense than places like Nashville and Atlanta. I'm thinking places like Seattle, Portland, Milwaukee, and, yes, Hartford. I would wholeheartedly support that because I think it would be great for the sport.
One more thing: I think it's sad what's happening on Long Island, and would be upset if the Islanders would ever move. That, I feel, would be a bad thing for hockey. The sport needs a strong franchise in Nassau County.