NHL expansion team could drive up value for Penguins

Penguins co-owners Mario Lemieux, left, and Ron Burkle ride during the team's Stanley Cup victory parade through Downtown in 2009.Initial bids for an NHL expansion team were due Monday, a purchase that ultimately will cost investors at least $500 million to set up shop in a new hockey town such as Las Vegas or Quebec City.

That might be a good thing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Experts say the high fee for an expansion franchise could drive up the price of the Penguins, a successful and known commodity.

“Psychologically, it may help a buyer who’s interested in purchasing the Penguins, between the team and the development rights, to kind of justify to themselves that I can go up to $750 million…