The Cleveland Barons, founded in 1929 and played for the AHL starting in 1937. One of the AHL's most storied franchises boasting 9 Calder cups to their name. The Barons attempted to join the NHL in the early 1950s but were turned down. They then tried to challenge to play for the Stanley Cup but were rejected again. Eventually, the franchise was forced to move once the WHA's Cleveland Crusaders came to town unable to match the increasingly high salaries. Shortly after their relocation, they folded.
But what if the NHL wasn't so stubborn and accepted Cleveland early into the NHL. The WHL's threat of turning pro forced the NHL's hand to reluctantly expand the league. But in this alternate universe, Cleveland joins ending the original 6 era just 10 years after it started, also opening the door for more markets to attempt to join the NHL.
The Barons will join the NHL for the upcoming 1951-1952 season. I have allocated every player that played for them that season onto the roster, as well as using create a player to add the missing players. They will play in the 9900 capacity Cleveland Arena. However, the Cleveland Arena's max capacity is far below the smallest arena Maple Leaf Gardens (12586) and on the condition of joining the NHL, Cleveland Arena is forced to undergo major renovations to add 3000 seats.
Let the Cleveland Franchise Commence!
Cleveland Barons Goaltender Johnny Bower about to start his 7th season with the Barons.