If the team was in Detroit the last 10 years you probably would see crowds in the 12 000 range there and I wouldn't say Detroit is a bad hockey market. That much losing would have small crowds in 75% of the cities in the NHL. In 2003-2004 the Blackhawks and Penguins averaged 13,253 and 11,877 respectively. Those 2 cities would be considered 2 of the stronger hockey markets in the NHL south of the boarder.
That being said I think the Panthers should be moved to Toronto, Quebec City, Seattle or Kansas City.