According to sources, the Winnipeg franchise has already reached out to Richards and plans to interview him in the near future for an assistant coaching position.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Prospect of an NHL team in Quebec takes a hit.  Is this posturing or legit?  With all the will they/won’t then talk we in Manitoba were subjected to, you can never be too sure.  Someone might want to tell these guys as the Nordiques Nation is one of the most rabid fan bases calling for their team to return.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Cheveldayoff accepts GM position.  We will learn more at the press conference.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Byfuglien excited to play in new NHL home.  And we are excited to have him on the team.

Globe and Mail:  Winnipeg waiting on a name.  This is a close 2nd in terms of the fan anticipation, behind only the announcement that a team was returning.

Winnipeg Free Press:  The price of hockey greatness.   Which is why it’s nice to see that we have some visionaries in our city.

For more articles and the latest from across the blogosphere including today’s Tweet of the Day, click read more.

Winnipeg Free Press:  NHL schedule to be released within weeks.  How exciting a time will it be when we actually get to see our team scheduled for play next season.  And as Stevie from NYC wrote, the real fun will come when we get to start dividing our seats and choosing our games.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Fans going Wild over tickets to draft.   With St. Paul being so close, not a surprise that Manitoba fans would want to head down to cheer on their 1st draft choice in 15 years.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Chipman to meet with NHL brass.  About the only thing the NHL should do when he walks into the meeting is give him a standing ovation for saving them.

Toronto Star: Winnipeg’s house cleaning leaves lingering questions.  And had they not started fresh, that too could have resulted in questions.  It is Canada.  Question’s will be asked regardless of result.

Global Winnipeg:  True North says 100′s of tickets could go back on the market.  Even if a couple of hundred suddenly come available, I guarantee that those guys would be replaced on the waiting list.

Edmonton Journal:  Call them the Manitoba Monarchs.  I would guess that at this point we are down to  a couple of names left that True North is kicking around, so the time for suggesting new monikers is over.

Times & Transcript:  Ted Nolan wants to coach again.  I’ve always liked Nolan and couldn’t figure out why he’s remained out of hockey for as long as he has.

Windsor Star:  NHL should thank Canadians.  Good points across the board.

Blogs:

SB Nation Atlanta:  No Steve Belkin won’t save Thrashers.   This is why you should always take a twitter “source”  with a grain of salt.

SB Nation Detroit:  Top NHL Relocation/Expansion cities.  While this no longer applies to us (thankfully), we can’t forget about the cities that have supported our re-entry to the NHL in their quest to get NHL hockey back.

Yahoo Sports:  Winnipeg NHL tickets a hot commodity.  Thankfully True North is clamping down and hopefully this will result in local fans getting a chance to purchase tickets.

SB Nation Atlanta:  Nashville Predators offering Atlanta fans special ticket package.   Gotta give the Nashville organization a lot of credit.  Expect the Winnipeg franchise to model itself after the Preds.

Tweet of the Day:

CBC (Poll):  Which Manitoba singer should sing the first national anthem?  Not surprised at that vote.

Globe and Mail:  Ticket drive means big money.  Using facts to prove your point.  Appears to be a novel approach that some pundits could learn from.

CBC:  Elliotte Friedman’s 30 Thoughts (9-11).  I really like the idea of bringing in Kris King in some capacity.

Glenn Healy had the “infomercial” (as Ron MacLean called it) for Kris King during the Hotstove, but it makes sense for Winnipeg to talk to him (and that may have happened already). King wasn’t initially thrilled about being traded to the Manitoba capital, but later called those “the four best years of my career.” Not a bad attitude to have around the organization at this time.

Macleans:  The return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg.   If you have some time to kill, here is a nice retrospective of the entire situation.

Tom Pidgeon/AP

Globe and Mail:  Chicago assistant GM offered Winnipeg GM.  Let’s hope firing GM’s doesn’t become a Winnipeg tradition.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Zinger, Chevy due not so dynamic, but will work fingers to the bone.  Don Cherry loves the guys who cut their teeth at the AHL level, and these guys are no different.

Winnipeg Free Press:  NHL ticket brokers offside.   Am I supposed to be shocked that greed played a part in people’s purchases?

Winnipeg Free Press:  Mistake caused by ‘Whiteout’.  Well it got fans feeling nostalgic for the days of the whiteout at the old barn.

To read more articles, blog posts click read more.

Winnipeg Free Press:  True North gets its man, Team powered by Chevy.   Looks like everything is falling into place, if we could just get some indication as to the Team Name……

Leader-Post:  Team’s move to Winnipeg opens doors.  Part of what is going to increase the chances of making this a successful long term venture is expanding our market to include those outside of Manitoba, including Saskatchewan, Northwestern Ontario and the Dakota’s.

Montreal Gazette:  A fine week for hockey in Canada. About midway down the article the author discusses some of the finer points of Sun belt hockey.

Winnipeg to Phoenix? An unqualified disaster. Hockey in Atlanta for the second time? What – the first time wasn’t bad enough?

Metro:  Desperately seeking tickets.  With all the tickets snatched up in record time, it isn’t surprising the lengths some people will go to get tickets to NHL games here in Winnipeg.  Our personal favorite:

“Wanted: Jets ticket to home opener. Willing to pay $20 and give you a foot rub. If you buy me a beer, I’ll take off my shirt and paint my stomach white. If you buy me two beers, I’ll paint my toenails blue and shake my pompoms. Sorry, bra stays on. Unless you buy me three beers and I don’t have to pay.”

Blogs:

National Post:  Winnipeg fans spread egg on Bettman’s face.  The mistake Bettman made was in challenging Winnipeger’s to “do something”.  We always give it our best, but when you intimate that we might not accomplish our goal, we double our efforts.

SB Nation:  Why ‘Winnipeg Whiteout’ won’t be name of new team.  Agree.  Just a preemptive move by True North.  Kinda like registering Drive to 13 web site in February.

Letters to Editor:

Calgary Herald:  Sharing fond memories of the Winnipeg Jets.  Well said.  The overwhelming sentimental choice is the Jets, but sometimes decisions have to be made with the head and not the heart.

TSN:  What’s in a name.  Clearly a lot.

Winnipeg Sun:  True North denies whiteout link.  No point in denying your heritage.

Chicago Sun-Times:  Cheveldayoff offered Winnipeg GM position.  Sounds like they have had their eyes on him for awhile.

Winnipeg free Press:  True North makes statement about GM firing.  Does this mean an entirely fresh start for the team?

Winnipeg Sun:  NHL the hottest ticket in town.  I actually had some disbelief when I heard it sold out in 17 minutes.  Expected it by Sunday but not in 17 minutes.  Well done Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Sun:  Bettman is still a jerk.  But I’m sure he’s happy Winnipeg’s back in the league.  Isn’t he??  Just look at his reaction when he read Brunt’s story on his Blackberry.

Winnipeg Sun:  Desperate fans who failed to score hunt online.  There are tales a plenty of people looking online for tickets today.  Heard that there were tickets on Kijiji for Game 1 for $3,200.00.

Edmonton Journal:  McVie happy for Winnipeg.  Seems like everyone who ever was associated with the old team, is coming out in favour of our city.

CBC:  Gauging the value of an NHL team in Winnipeg.   I’d say based on what we saw yesterday, the value is high.

Winnipeg Sun:  Let’s get downtown.   The city’s revitalization was already on its way but this will accelerate it.

Edmonton Sun:  ‘Peg stations battle for hockey broadcast rights.  From the comments I’ve been reading from younger (18-35) readers, they sure seem impressed with 1290′s coverage of the Return of the NHL to Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Sun:  True North purchases Whiteout trademark. That’s an interesting tidbit.  Perhaps people should be excited if True North is bringing back the traditions.

To read more articles, see some video and watch today’s Video of the Day, click read more.

Winnipeg Sun:  Thrashers give kudos to the fans.  Just wait till they get into the arena for game 1.  Going to blow the roof off the MTS Centre.

TSN:  Thrashers’ Dudley not retained.  Appears that True North wants a new direction.

Star-Tribune:  Q&A with Keith Tkachuk.  Still one of the guys who still returns to Winnipeg.

Video:

CBC (starts at 2:53):  Coach’s Corner.  Says it will be a goldmine here in Winnipeg.

CBC (starts at 1:43):  Hotstove.  Eric Francis says it actually took 2 minutes, not 17 to sell all the tickets.

Video of the Day – Kris King speaks about his time in Winnipeg:

Winnipeg Free Press:  We’re not going to say ‘I told you so, but…. Gary said it best.

Revenue is the only financial issue that matters in running an NHL franchise and at an average ticket price of $82 the Winnipeg club will generate just north of $54-million in ticket revenue this coming season. That’s before they sell a beer or a board sign or TV ad.

It’s also in the top half of ticket revenue among NHL teams. The smallest building in the smallest market in the league will make more money off ticket sales than half the teams in the NHL. Ugly Winnipeg with its cold and its mosquitoes can’t thrive in the NHL. Whatever.

Globe and Mail:  Winnipeg hockey fans quick to show support.  Including this guy who screwed up and only bought a single ticket in P3 section.  If any IC readers happen to have an extra P3, shoot me an email, dave@illegalcurve.com .

Winnipeg Free Press:  Most expensive NHL season tickets are sold.  I have to think that they will achieve the target goal of 13,000 by Monday.

Vermont Public Radio (Audio):  New franchise heats up Canadian hockey.  Host Scott Simon speaks with former NHL goalie and CBC hockey analyst Kelly Hrudey about Winnipeg’s new NHL franchise and the challenges of playing a schedule in the Southeast Division while living in Manitoba, 1,246 miles from their nearest division rival.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Local hockey prospect St. Croix gets stoked.  His mom and mine taught together.  Extremely nice family.  Hope he is able to achieve his NHL dreams.  And who knows, perhaps with the 67th pick overall in the 3rd round they will take a chance on him.

To read rest of today’s articles, click read more.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Fans going to great lengths to snare some coveted tickets.  Gotta love the ingenuity of some people.  The True North servers are going to get slammed.

CTV:  Winnipeg could reach season ticket target by end of day.  Wouldn’t be surprised if they did.  Appears panic has set in that we won’t be able to buy coveted seats.

Calgary Herald:  AHL to return to Newfoundland.  Not going to lie.  It will be nice to have a minor league team again and not be a minor league team.

Winnipeg Free Press:  High-performance Chevy.  He appears to be a very good candidate if you want to go away from Dudley and not yet give Craig Heisinger the reins of an NHL team.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Noel best man for the job.  Good point about bringing the culture of the Moose into the NHL but leaving Name behind.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Jets brand is golden…why tarnish its storied luster.  While I agree with his points it appears that it may be for naught.  The brand may be just a memory.  But who knows, there is an entire generation that adopted the Moose jersey (certainly not anyone above age of 25) so maybe this new team will take off.  Just might take a bit.

Ottawa Citizen:  We deserved better.  I think anyone who has followed the Thrashers drama would acknowledge that the problem begins with the ownership group.

Edmonton Sun:  True North eyes ‘Hawks AGM.  Good news for our team is after 7th pick, we don’t pick again till the 3rd round (67th).

Central Plains Sports:  Local NHLers applaud league’s return to Province.  For local players coming home its always a great atmosphere.  I remember when former 1st round draft pick Pat Falloon used to come to Winnipeg with the Sharks.  Crowd was always very pumped to see the hometown kid.

Arizona Republic:  Glendale economic report kept private.  While obviously not Return of the NHL news, we here in Winnipeg are still keeping an eye on our former team and whenever there is news indicating that something is being ‘withheld’ it usually isn’t good news.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Front-runner emerges for GM of city’s NHL team. That’s a name we hadn’t heard before.

Star-Phoenix:  Saskatoon needs pro hockey.  I’ve often wondered why our sister Prairie province to the West doesn’t have a professional hockey team.  However I would imagine True North took a look West when trying to find a place for the Manitoba Moose and found it lacking.   Having witnessed the support they give to sporting events, that surprises me.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Transition game. True North was already a 1st class organization before it entered into NHL ownership and this will hold them in good stead as they navigate the uncharted waters  while swimming with the big boys.

Winnipeg Free Press:  True North staff can’t keep up with calls, emails from anxious fans.  True North president and CEO Jim Ludlow believes there could be 6000-7000 tickets left for Saturday’s public sale of season tickets.  With the number of panicked calls and emails I received today, this doesn’t surprise me.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Kind words from Randy Carlyle.  I don’t think anyone who was a fan of the Jets could ever consider #8 as an enemy.

Winnipeg Sun:  NHL in ‘Peg jacket, tie affair?  Seems the Moose loyalist and the corporate sponsors are reaping the rewards for supporting the AHL for the past 15 seasons as it should be.  I’ve heard stories of a number of “corporate types” who are unable to secure past their allotment, meaning True North isn’t bending rules.

Winnipeg Sun:  Dudley gets face time with True North.  With the draft just over 3 weeks away, does True North want to take a chance and rock the boat?

Click ‘read more’ for additional all the news links, blogs, and today’s picture of the day.

CBC:  Manitoba boosts funding for MTS Centre.  Spend money to make money.

Winnipeg Sun:  Toews wants Jets to fly.  As Michael Remis of R-Desk fame suggested yesterday in his Go Jets Go piece, so do the majority of the people who are surveyed.

Globe and Mail:  Challenge to arena deal could threaten return of NHL to Quebec City.  Wonder if Quebec City is about to get it’s own ‘Thin Ice’ group!

Winnipeg Sun:  Oddsmakers say ‘Peg hotter off ice then on.  So you’re saying there’s a chance!   Until we get word from IC’s resident gambling expert, Ari Baum-Cohen, we will reserve our gambling predictions.

Chicago Tribune:  Return to divisional playoff round would rekindle rivalries.  The only problem with this proposal is that it rewards teams in weak divisions and punishes teams in stronger ones.  (hello Jets in the Smythe division battling Edmonton & Calgary throughout the 80′s).  However the assertion that the rivalries will develop is 100% accurate.  With exception of Boston/Montreal and Chicago/Vancouver, not too many teams have repeated playing each other during the playoffs recently.  This system would see that occur more frequently.

Blogs:

Puck Daddy:  Will this man be the GM for Winnipeg.  Sure seems to have the right pedigree but that name reminds me a bit too much of a former goalie for the Jets.

Red Light District Hockey:   What will realignment look like.  Here’s another look at the issue of realignment.

SB Nation Atlanta:  EA Sports’ NHL 12 will include Winnipeg instead of Atlanta.  Last game I owned was NHL 93 or 94, which innovated by allowing you to roof it or take a slap shot (I can’t recall).

The Sporting News:   Which Thrashers will fly to Winnipeg.  Lots to get done without a ton of time in which to do it.

The Score:  Winnipeg hockey tickets could get costly on secondary market. I still question the value of seeing the Leafs or Canadiens as “premium” but people have their loyalties and that could cost them.

Ice Man (AJC):  What will you remember about the Thrashers?  The sad reality is that even though people in Winnipeg are beyond excited, there is a fan base that just lost their team of 12 years.

Pro Hockey Talk (NBC Sports):  Winnipeg’s team name will emerge once they sell 13,000 season tickets.  Doesn’t make sense why True North wouldn’t release name if that was the case.  I’m inclined to believe that they are going to go in a new direction.

Audio:

CBC:  Teemu Selanne talks about Winnipeg.  We too are glad he started his career here.

Picture of the Day:

Taken from the above Chicago Tribune article, I really like the way this looks except it could reward teams with weaker divisional opponents.  Let us know what you think.  Sound off in the comments section as to whether or not the NHL should help to develop rivalries by going to a 4 Division alignment.

Drive to 13,000: 2,300 tickets were sold in the last 24 hours, the counter goes up from 1,870 to 4,170. With 5 of 8 presale groups activated, these will be a tough ticket to get for the general public.

Globe and Mail:  Season-ticket campaign going great in Winnipeg.  Anyone one bet that they hit 13,000 by Monday?

Winnipeg Sun:  Buyer beware NHL presale scalpers.  Scott Brown, spokesman for True North Sports and Entertainment says it best “buyer beware”.

Winnipeg Free Press: Superstar Byfuglien looking forward to playing in front of Winnipeg crowd.  If he needs a fishing buddy I’d volunteer, unless he wears that suit.  Will be nice for him to be able to have friends and family from Minnesota come down to Winnipeg for a game.

CBC:  Elliotte Friedman’s 30 Thoughts.   Lots of Winnipeg talk focuses on the need to solidify the front office for the team here in the Peg.  He also has thoughts 2-5 about the new team including:

As mentioned, Noel is the frontrunner for the Winnipeg coaching job. But, the Moose wanted to interview Kirk Muller for the position before that hiring. The Canadiens declined permission.

Click ‘read more’ for additional all the news links, blogs, and today’s picture of the day.

CTV Toronto:  Toronto city councillor says the city should ask for a second team. I think all the citizens of Toronto would be behind this initiative, except for the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Kilmer Sports Inc. who own the Leafs monopoly of the city.

TSN:  Winnipeg is done but questions remain.  The league needs to stop under appreciating the TV deals it has in Canada.  Not exactly chump change.

CBC:  Winnipeg’s NHL name waits on ticket drive. A friend of mine suggested that True North should have allowed the season ticket holders it is recruiting via the Drive to 13,000 to place one vote for the team’s name as they register to put a down payment for their tickets.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Locking up Ladd should be first priority.  Amazing that without a name or logo (supposedly), True North is already under pressure to lock up it’s RFA’s.  For a great breakdown of the entire Thrashers squad make sure you check out Richard’s comprehensive piece he wrote yesterday.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Drive to 13,000 must be achieved.  I agree with Gary.  For all the doubters who don’t believe Winnipeg has what it takes to succeed in the NHL, this ‘proof of life’ may help quash that type of talk and it appears we are well on our way (approximately 14% sold in under 4 hours).

Winnipeg Free Press:  Chalk up Chipman’s success to the four P’s.  While all are important I think it is clear that True North as an organization exemplifies the 3rd P (Professionalism).

Winnipeg Free Press:  Regrets?  Chipman has two.  We have an easy solution for True North’s Chipman.  Read our retrospective of the day it was announced the NHL was returning to Winnipeg, to see some pictures and video’s of the day’s events.

Globe and Mail:  Hockey’s franchise value in eye of beholder.  They should be thanking their lucky stars they got the reported 60 million from True North for the relocation fee.  Perhaps it’s time to kiss and make up with Jim Balsillie.

Winnipeg Sun:  Corporate Winnipeg sweet on NHL luxury suites.  So much for Winnipeg’s lack of corporate support.  I’ve heard that the waiting list for a box at the MTS Centre is already massive.

Globe and Mail:  Winnipeg gets Thrashers as first reported in the Globe and Mail.  Well Bruce doesn’t pull any punches when discussing how the Globe’s report was discounted by its competition.

CBC (video):  Coach’s Corner.  In case you missed it, Don and Ron had True North’s Mark Chipman on, and the discussion ranged from the name of the team to the Queen.  Think it is pretty clear what Don Cherry wants the team to be called.

TSN:  Jets meter.  With all the news I missed the fact that TSN didn’t get the memo that the only meter we are interested in anymore is the Drive to 13,000.  Amazingly they still won’t allow their meter to hit 100% as they have chosen to await BOG approval.

AHL:

Globe and Mail:  Manitoba Moose headed to St. John’s.  I’m really surprised the team isn’t moving to Regina, Saskatchewan.  Would make it easy for call-ups.

Blogs:

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Thrashers holding a wake starting tomorrow at 11am.  I still go on YouTube and watch the “funeral” Winnipeg held at Winnipeg Arena when the Jets left.  Gotta feel for the fans in Georgia.

Cross Checks (ESPN):  Breaking down Bettman’s presser.  Very odd that we’ve heard zero out of Phoenix since the Atlanta news broke.

Bird Watchers Anonymous:  The Thrashers chapter comes to a close.  This was one of the best Thrashers blogs you could find and The Falconer led his dedicated bunch well.

Picture of the Day:

True North:  Drive to 13,000.  Well it’s already been a success with 1870 season tickets sold.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Waddell’s job, Thrashers name will end with sale.  Interesting that they are retaining the Thrashers name.

Globe and Mail:  Wheeler looking ahead to ‘awesome’ Winnipeg debut.  I think everyone in the city is excited to see regular season hockey in October.

CBC:  Thrashers excited to call Winnipeg home.    Wouldn’t expect them to say anything different.

National Post:  Dudley believes he has future with Winnipeg. Sounds like they will work something out.

Star-Phoenix:  Ashton brothers praise Winnipeg as NHL city.  Love the love we’re getting from Jets alumni.

“I’m a Jets fan 110 per cent,” Ashton said. “Winnipeg is one of the most hockey-oriented cities in Canada. There’s no question now that this team will be one of the favourites in the country.”

For more Jets alumni news tune into a special edition of the Sports Radio 1290 broadcast from 2 pm cst to 4 pm cst, which will include Doug Smail, Phil Housley, Mike Eagles and Fredrik Olausson.

CBC:  Return of NHL hits Winnipeg in its wallet.  Which is why people here in Winnipeg need to stop acting like they’re being given something for free.  There is going to be a significant cost to the community, which while I’m sure it can handle, needs to be recognized as a significant partnership.  We aren’t being given a 170 million dollar gift.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Winner-peg gets it game back.  I would suggest it isn’t exactly at “no charge” since they were forced to way overpay for the Thrashers.

The NHL still owns the Jets name and Bettman said True North’s purchase will include it, if requested, at no charge.

Globe and Mail:  Small-market cities need more than fervent fans.  Let’s be realistic, the NHL was desperate but there has to be a reason they allowed a team to return to Winnipeg.

Calgary Herald:  President won’t make the trip north.  Lots of work in the days and weeks ahead for the True North team.

Click ‘read more’ for additional all the news links, blogs, and today’s  tweet/picture of the day.

Edmonton Journal:  Plenty to do before team hits the ice.  No time for napping, big decisions still need to be made.

Winnipeg Free Press:  ‘Jets is a fine name,’ Winnipeg franchise ‘s co-owner says.  Well that’s one big vote in favour of the name.

Calgary Herald:  Flames president glad to have Winnipeg back in fold.  I’m a big fan of Ken King’s.  When we went to Game 6 in 2004 and had rush seating so had to arrive 2 hours before game time, he came out and thanked the fans for the support.

Vancouver Sun:  Canucks lose the farm thanks to Winnipeg’s gain.  Still lots of questions surrounding the Moose.

Calgary Herald:  Ex-Jet Elynuik can still see sea of white.   One of the best traditions of the Jets which unfortunately due to home team’s wearing dark jerseys is somewhat antiquated.

Calgary Herald:  Flames recall heated rivalry.  If it wasn’t the Oilers it was the Flames that killed our Jets in the 80′s, although we did boot them from the post season.  Oh how I loved that Smythe division.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Now, about that team nickname thing.  I’ve heard from an IC reader that there are die-hard North Star fans who still refuse to wear a Wild jersey.  Something to think about.

11 Alive (NBC Atlanta Affiliate):  There are not enough of us to keep Thrashers. Says one of the ASG owners.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Thrashers-to-Winnipeg draws closer.  Appears that this is all but over as we await word from ASG”s lawyers that they’ve signed the deal.

The person said no late offers have been received from any potential bidders to keep the Thrashers in Atlanta.

Toronto Star:  Jets?  Thrashers? Moose?  Many questions as NHL poised to return to Winnipeg.  Didn’t take long for the Centre of the Universe media to start throwing mud on our white tuxedo’s.

CBC:  NHL announcement imminent for Winnipeg.  We’re hearing it could be made at 3 pm but either way, let’s hope this announcement comes tomorrow, regardless of what time same is announced.  For all the latest as it happens, be sure to follow @illegalcurve on twitter.

Toronto Star:  Thrashers to jet to Winnipeg Tuesday?  Appears that it’s time to remove the question mark from the above head line.

Sportsnet:  Thrashers announcement coming Tuesday.  Nick Kypreos took to his twitter to say:

“Barring any last minute changes the plan is to formally announce Thrashers moving to Winnipeg as early as 10 am tomorrow.”

Click ‘read more’ for additional all the news links, blogs, and today’s  tweet/picture of the day.

TSN:  Winnipeg talks progressing towards possible announcement.  I can’t see this announcement happening if not on Tuesday, until after the Stanley Cup.  Gary Bettman has too good a storyline between the Bruins/Canucks to allow it to be sidetracked by Winnipeg talk which would absolutely dominate the Canadian media and likely spillover into the start of the Stanley Cup.

Leader-Post:  I’m still waiting for the big day.  I can empathize with the writer as I myself used a similar “connection to my city” to rationalize following a team.  In my mind, when I moved to Michigan it was “ok” to cheer for Detroit since the Wings had Darren Helm from St. Andrews, Manitoba, Derek Meech of Winnipeg, Kris Draper who played for the Jets and former 80′s star of the Jets and Wings Assistant Coach Paul MacLean.  However no matter how hard I cheered for the Wings, my heart was always screaming “Go Jets Go”.

Winnipeg Sun:  Former Moose goalie wishes it had worked in Atlanta.  People often point to the Hawks, who were in dire straits a few years back and suggest that this is what could become of the Thrashers under good ownership but if so, why has nobody of substance stepped up to take a chance on the team?

Winnipeg Free Press:  Cool your Jets – root for ‘Canada’s team’.  Which is Canada’s team?  All but 1 forward for Boston, was born in Canada.   Vancouver is a mixed bag for Winnipeg hockey fans.  Many of us still remember that they eliminated us from two consecutive playoff series(1991/92 & 1992/93).  Of course many of us cheered them on in the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals vs. the Rangers.  I would think that many would support the Canucks by virtue of the fact that more than half their roster came through Winnipeg playing for the Manitoba Moose of the AHL.

The Morning Journal:  Winnipeg deserves the Jets.  Appreciate the solidarity we get from other cities that have experienced the pain and loss associated with losing a professional sports franchise.  Luckily of the teams that relocated to new destinations in the 90′s, Phoenix is the 1 team which hasn’t won a Stanley Cup.  (Minnesota – Dallas, won Cup in 99′.  Quebec – Colorado, won Cup in 96.  Hartford – Carolina, won Cup in 06′.)

Blogs:

Sporting News:  Formal announcement likely Tuesday.  I don’t see how this won’t dominate the news cycle for the next few weeks.

Tweet of the Day:

Picture of the Day – Insulting or Funny?

Stronger ownership and greater interest in Winnipeg therefore is far more meaningful to the league than weaker ownership and less interest in Georgia.

Winnipeg Sun:  Winnipeg franchise names scooped up.  Lots of speculation out there.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Lies, damn lies & NHL Hockey.  I’m not sure if he was listening to the IC Radio show yesterday but it appears that Richard’s rant (basically how NHL needs Wpg more than Wpg needs NHL) has spread to the print media.

Calgary Herald:  The night a stubborn coach grounded the Golden Jet.  Incredible story from the Jets WHA days.  Gotta love former Jets coach Tom McVie.

“I am thrilled,” he says. “Absolutely thrilled. How could I not love Winnipeg? Five months before Fergie hired me to coach the Jets I’m standing on my front porch, yelling at the mailman because I don’t have a job. I can’t even get arrested, right? Then, there I am, five months later, riding in a convertible, hugging the Avco Cup, the whole city’s out celebrating at Portage and Main.

CBC:  Toews likes NHL in Manitoba.  Enjoy hearing the continued pro Winnipeg talk we hear from players in the NHL.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Toews itching to take on city NHL team.  So if he scores against the team here in Winnipeg, does he get booed or cheered?

Winnipeg Sun:  Room for Winnipeg in NHL – Toews.  Considering that the Hawks have a number of Winnipeg connections, I’m sure they would love playing in their hometown, that is until they start getting requests for free tickets.

Winnipeg Sun:  What should NHL team be called?  Shocking.  An article that doesn’t mention the Jets name.  Only problem with his allegory is  he misses the fact that the owners of the puppy are asking you to buy their dog expensive treats.

CBC:  If NHL returns, party at the Forks.  People seem upset that they can’t party at Portage & Main but since we already did 10 days ago, it’s time for a new spot.

Blogs:

Pro Hockey Talk (NBC Sports):  Former Winnipeg Jet Luciano Borsato believes a new team in Winnipeg can work.  More positive sentiments from a former player.  Here are Borsato’s thoughts on a team name;

“Personally, yes. It’s nice to say you played in a city and for a team that is currently in the NHL. Having said that, the original Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes franchise would be a separate entity from a modern Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg franchise, with a different set of records, players, etc. As a business, it would make sense for a new name to be chosen, but I, and most of the former players, would be more than happy to see the Jets name back.”

Matchsticks & Gasoline:  Winnipeg Jets / Atlanta Thrashers Relocation: Lessons learned and why everyone should support it.  Pretty rock solid article.  It will be a shame when we have to go back to disliking the Flames.

The State of Hockey:  Does a move to Winnipeg mean success for the NHL or did the NHL move to wrong Canadian city.  The writer’s concerns have likely been taken into account by Chipman and Thomson before they decided to begin this endeavor.  Had they not thought it viable, they would have continued to make very good money with the Moose in the AHL rather than risk it on a “questionable” NHL venture.

Winnipeg Free Press:  City survived loss of Jets, but fans must do better.  No question that fans in Manitoba (and elsewhere i.e. Northwestern Ontario, Saskatchewan and North Dakota) will have to step us to ensure this is a successful venture.  However I have NO doubt that just like how we revived the Pan Am Games or broke attendance records for the World Junior’s, Manitoba has learned a valuable lesson after our 1st go around with the NHL, a lesson which we will learn from as our 2nd chance begins.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Bettman laughs off Winnipeg sightings, criticizes media.  I’m with the Commissioner in this regard.  I can’t tell you how many people claimed to have seen him and knew for “a fact” that he was staying at a hotel in Winnipeg last week.  Speculation which only serves to set people’s expectations really high and then bring them crashing down when they prove to be false.

Globe and Mail:  The man who revived the Jets by killing them.   Seems crazy to be giving any credit to Thin Ice’s Jim Silver. Deserved or undeserved?  You decide.

Winnipeg Sun:  Cops plan for Portage & Main mayhem.  People are excited but not stupid.  You can’t allow a few bad apples to spoil the bunch as they (who’s they?) say.

Fox Sports:  Bettman refutes reports about ‘done deal’ in Winnipeg.  At this point, about the only way he could shock the world is if it is announced that he has saved Atlanta.

Toronto Sun:  NHL notes – Seattle talk seems rinky dink.  Without an arena, all this is, is talk.

Toronto Star:  After Winnipeg, where does NHL go next?  Which city is most deserving of NHL hockey?

CBC:  An ex-pat offers some hometown tips for incoming Thrashers.  Only correction is that Burton Cummings didn’t singlehandedly save Sals.  Earl Barish (former owner of the Winnipeg Cyclone or Thunder, name escapes me) and his wife are the majority owners.

National Post:  IKEA has got Winnipeg’s back.  Further proof that the city (and Province) are growing economically.

“Contrary to what some have maintained, we firmly believe Winnipeg can support one of our largest stores in Canada. We really do our homework to determine the sustainability and viability of our markets.”

Global Winnipeg:  No more parties at Portage & Main. Is the forks such a bad alternative?  I remember this one rally that we had there…..

NHL.com:  Bettman refutes reports about ‘done deal’ in Winnipeg.  With all due respect to the Commissioner of the NHL he is coming off as way too disingenuous to the fans.  Does he really think anyone believes him at this point?  Have some respect for the people in Winnipeg & Atlanta and end the double speak.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  It will be a quiet holiday weekend on Thrashers front.  Guess it means we will have to spice up IC with some interesting features this weekend to offset the possible lack of news.  If you have something you’d like to see discussed, feel free to add it to the comments below.  Or you can send us a tweet to @illegalcurve.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Economy takes small bite from area fans ‘ support.   Not a Thrashers specific article, but gives you a bit of a better understanding of what is happening in Georgia.

Leader-Post:  Saskatchewan fans welcome to cheer.  We’re prepared to suspend the Prairie rivalry.

Click ‘read more’ for additional all the news links, blogs, and today’s  video of the day.

National Post:  ‘Anti-Balsillie’ winning friends in Winnipeg.  Not sure how anyone who owns a Blackberry can be anti-Balsillie, but clearly the NHL has a preferred way of getting into the ownership club and his is not the example to follow.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Doing ‘Fergie’ proud.  Nice story about the former Jets GM.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Hashing out the details.  Details so boring only lawyers being paid hourly would enjoy it.

Winnipeg Sun:  Thrashers deal 80% complete.  So it appears that Tuesday will be the day the party starts in Winnipeg (not counting last Thursday, May 19th).

Winnipeg Sun:  Focus on the team, not what they are called.  But when you have your cake, you want to eat it.  As I said before if they go with Moose, people will still support team, but I can’t see people flocking to buy Moose jerseys.

Winnipeg Sun:  Thrashers players stuck in the middle.   When we had Thrashers goalie Chris Mason on the IC Radio show he sounded quite conflicted as the fans in Atlanta have treated the team well.

Fox Atlanta:  Thrashers owners talks.  Always two sides to a story.

Winnipeg Sun:  Thrashers up-and-comers.   We like this young, up and coming team.

Blogs:

Down Goes Brown:  Guide to how the NHL has changed since the Jets left.  One of the funniest hockey blogging sites you will find.

Yahoo:   Top 5 reasons the NHL should come to Houston. Texas has an impressive hockey tradition.  Although perhaps it is the nontraditional that has us supporting Texas hockey!!

SB Nation Atlanta:  Do NHL Bylaws forbid the Thrashers from moving?  Laura does an excellent job of actually researching/breaking down the particular bylaw (#36 – Transfer of Franchise Location) that pertains to relocation.  Her interpretation of same seems to suggest that they should prevent the team from leaving Atlanta.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Premature Ex-clamation.  I do have to agree with Lett, why the rush to be first to report the news?  Having said that, if you want to know anything related to the Return of the Jets, be sure to follow @illegalcurve on twitter.

Video of the Day:

TSN:  No Thrashers announcement before next Tuesday.  So there you have it.  Just another 6 days to go.  But since today is practically over, it’s like 5 days.  And since announcement will be Tuesday morning (let’s hope) that cancels another day, so it’s like 4 days.  And weekends always go twice as fast as weekdays, so that further reduces it by 2 days.  Basically it will be announced before you know it.  (anyone catch what the above is referencing?  Let me know in comments section).

National Post:  A different Winnipeg awaits the NHL.  Some would suggest that Winnipeg doesn’t deserve a 2nd chance.  Clearly the economic climate in the province is such that making the NHL work this time around won’t be an issue.

Illegal Curve Twitter: For up to the minute news direct to you.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Negotiations inch forward on Thrashers deal.  And so we wait.

A source said the purchase price of $110 million for the Thrashers and a $60 relocation fee going to the league are set.   Details described as “consent, owner approval, proof of financial information, etc.” remain on the table.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Talks on Thrashers sale may go into next week.  As much as people want/need this done 72 hours ago, we need to understand that there are a tremendous number of details to be worked out, so as much as we don’t want to, we need to continue to be enthusiastic and cannot lose our minds if this process continues to drag on.

CBC:  Largest known portrait of the Queen may return to Winnipeg.  I’m sure fans will be happy to see her return to the Peg’ maybe they should bring Jennifer Hanson and her sequenced dress as well.

Click ‘read more’ for additional all the news links, blogs, and today’s tweet of the day.

TSN:  Prospect of the NHL and CFL co-existing.  Importance of the piece is it hopefully erases the myth that Winnipeg cannot afford enough entertainment dollars to spend on both sports.

Winnipeg Free Press:  NHL’s Return He’s True North’s hockey man.  Many seem to think that Heisinger should be given the 1st shot.

Star Phoenix:  Prairies score with hockey back in Peg’. Enjoying the love we’re getting from the West.  Don’t expect it to extend to the Banjo Bowl, but good while it lasts.

But despite that effort, the lack of a large enough city in Saskatchewan makes it an unlikely destination for an NHL franchise.

That doesn’t mean we can’t bask in the return of the NHL to a Prairie city as part of the West’s economic success story, which also shines so brightly on our adjacent province.

Winnipeg Free Press:  NHL dream moving closer to home.  Lots of kids dreaming of playing for their hometown NHL hockey team.

Slam Sports:  Relocated Flames enjoyed balanced schedule.  I remember the days when players flew commercial.  Nowadays they fly in bad boy Jets like so (Sharks plane in Vancouver).

Ottawa Citizen:  Winnipeg grew up while Jets were away.  The demise predicted when the team left didn’t occur and the city of Winnipeg has continued to grow and get better and conditions are now such that an NHL team can return.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Sticking with the Jets moniker all about loyalty.  The truth is that almost every person I know owns a minimum of 1 Jets item, which  is a testament to the loyalty the brand elicits.

Blogs:

Eye on Hockey (CBS Sports):  Group interested in having NHL in Seattle.  Perhaps Daly’s way of saying “not so fast Winnipeg”.  If you look at the map, the NHL could sure use a team in Seattle or Portland, although no arena of sufficient size currently exists.

Pro Hockey Talk (NBC Sports):  Bettman preaches patience, speculation for announcement continues.  Will the league wait until after Game 7 (Friday at 8pm) between Tampa & Boston?

Tweet of the Day:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Cool your Jets – Thrashers sale likely won’t happen this week.  Even though this isn’t True North who created the situation, they are taking a risk of losing all the good will that’s been building. 

Winnipeg Sun:  Thousands sign petition to retain Winnipeg Jets name.  As our own polling has shown, at least 60% of all who responded want the Jets name back.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Bettman stays consistent.  Consistent or confusing.

Nobody’s announced anything and frankly if there is something going on nothing is going to happen until it actually happens, which means it may not happen.

Click ‘read more’ for additional all the news links, blogs, and today’s tweet/pic/video of the day.

Montreal Gazette:  NHL could come home to a bigger, wealthier, more cosmopolitan Winnipeg.  Anyone who has spent time here can tell you that Winnipeg hasn’t rested on its laurels since the NHL left.

USA Today:  Ownership change turns Lightning into a franchise on the rise.  It is an article like this that will have fans in Atlanta wondering what could have been had they had the right ownership group.

CBC:  NHL franchise hopes give Winnipeg its groove back.  Really great article from a former Winnipegger.

If Winnipeggers saw a strong message in the Jets leaving, there is surely an equally powerful one in an NHL team coming back.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Manitoba premier urges Manitoba hockey fans to be patient.  What he’s suggesting is that people stop reading Illegalcurve and get back to work as workplace productivity in the province must be way down.  We respectfully disagree with that position as does this person (who shall remain nameless to protect their anonymity) who posted this to their facebook entitled “Hard at work”.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  No news on completion, announcement of Thrashers sale.  Perhaps we are not hours away then.

Winnipeg Sun:  NHL announcement this week.  While I tend to agree with Mayor Katz, I hope this just isn’t more speculation. If no announcement is made this week are there any repercussions?

New Jersey News:  Failure of Atlanta Thrashers and other sports can be blamed on Ronald Regan.  All this time you thought you could blame ASG for the failure of the team, but it’s really the fault of former actor turned President Ronald Regan’s and his changes in 1986 to the Tax Code.

Winnipeg Free Press:  You’ll be seeing stars.  Not to dismiss the prospect of seeing Ovechkin and Crosby, but as I said yesterday, just make sure the Coyotes come to town.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Thrashers move all about business, not fans.  You can’t be entirely dismissive of your fans.  Yes people will support NHL hockey in Winnipeg, but if they keep the Moose name for example, I guarantee that you will see more Jets jerseys during year 1.  If I recall correctly didn’t San Jose have a “name the team” contest?  So it isn’t entirely outside the norm to allow fans to be part of the process.

Winnipeg Free Press:  1001 things to do before deal complete.  Let’s hope they get all the details completed in the next few days, because people in both Atlanta and Winnipeg need to move on to the next step.  And while the powers that be have 1001 things to do, all fans in Winnipeg have to do is put on Jets jerseys and get downtown to party.

Ottawa Citizen:  Thrashers’ move all but a done deal.  Is anyone else ready to start worrying about the name debate?  (I write this while wearing my Jets jersey).

Toronto Sun:  Winnipeg won’t let NHL go again.  As we’ve suggested before, this puts Winnipeg back on the map.  It doesn’t define who we are as a city but it helps to get us notice on the North American stage.

Blogs:

The Hockey News:  Deal done, decision on announcement looms. Looks like the NHL finally figured out how much they and the owners will be getting from True North.

Ice Man (AJC):  Another chance for Atlanta Spirit to do the right thing.  An honourable request that wouldn’t be a hardship to accommodate.

SB Nation Atlanta:  Anson Carter says Thrashers had legit local option.  So hard to base anything on a tweet.  140 characters doesn’t exactly leave you with too much room to express yourself.

AM 630:  Thrashers moving to Winnipeg.  Is today the day of the announcement?  As you can see from today’s Tweet of the Day, Bob McKenzie certainly doesn’t think so.

AHL:

CBC:  Moose move to St. John’s may hinge on subsidy.  Wonder if there is a communist party in the Maritimes, which will protest like they did here in Winnipeg yesterday.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Moose remain in picture.  That will mean a lot of work for AHL President Dave Andrews.

Picture of the Day – the Original Jets meter:

Tweet of the Day:

Video of the Day:

Toronto Star:  Life goes on without Thrashers.  Doesn’t hurt that the city has 3 other Major league sports teams to throw their support behind.

TSN:  Jets Meter.   It moved again.  Only 3 clicks left to ‘Drop the Puck’.

Reuters:  Media mogul, car dealer seek deal for Winnipeg. Looks like all the hard work is about to pay off.  I’m not sure why people can’t get Winnipeg’s population right.  According to City of Winnipeg the CMA is 753,600 as of 2010.

True North does not disclose financial figures but is understood to be profitable.

Winnipeg Free Press:  NHL stars could shine in Winnipeg.  If a team in Wpg stays in the Eastern Conference for 1 season, it will be nice to see teams we won’t normally see regularly.

An Eastern Conference team source has told the Free Press that his club has already been told to expect two trips to Winnipeg next season.

HOWEVER the NHL had best ensure that Phoenix is coming to town.

Illegal Curve Twitter: For up to the minute news direct to you.

Click ‘read more’ for additional all the news links, blogs, and today’s tweet/pic of the day.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Chris Mason speaks out on how players didn’t feel ownership was 100% behind team.  We here at IC love how candid Chris Mason is and have enjoyed having him on the show the past two weeks.  (in fact Ezra’s already got his #50 jersey ready to go).

CBC:  Canadian Division could get a push plus 30 thoughts.  Lots of realignment talk plus thoughts 9, 10 & 11 are Winnipeg related.

Winnipeg home opener? Let’s say Sunday, Oct. 9. Don’t have to share the spotlight with anyone else and it’s holiday-free on the Bettman/Chipman calendar.

TSN:  Dreger report.  Standard nothing new to report.

Globe and Mail:  Thrashers inch towards Winnipeg.   Looks like we will be playing a waiting game Winnipeg.

CTV (Article & Video):  Winnipeg mayor remains confident of NHL’s return.  Love that Mayor Katz is wearing his Jets jersey during the interview.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Relax–deal’s not done yet.  Another week???  Not sure my baboon heart can take that.  And what about all the people who keep faking sickness so they can get to Portage & Main?

Ottawa Citizen:  The sun is setting on Sunbelt hockey.  When people mention that Winnipeg is a saturated market, perhaps it’s important to direct them to the figures below;

This past season’s local TV broadcasts of Thrashers games were watched by an average of just 6,000 households. The Phoenix Coyotes pulled in 9,000 households. Columbus? Just 10,000. Florida Panthers games were seen by a mere 3,000 households, or fewer than 10,000 people. The average Toronto Maple Leafs local game on Rogers Sportsnet, in contrast, had an audience of 656,000 people. The Ottawa Senators drew 153,000. The Edmonton Oilers, 177,000. And those are mid-week games; weekend audiences for Hockey Night in Canada are even higher.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Let us not forget our glorious past.  Brown makes a good point (and when a guy is 6’7″ you don’t want to disagree too vociferously with him) when he says decision should be made by the owners who are spending the money to get team to Winnipeg.  At same time the fans who buy tickets are not exactly inconsequential to the process and should be given some input to the name.

ESPN:  Thrashers heading towards move to Winnipeg.  It would appear that the ASG’s final play is to do whatever they can to get additional funds out of True North.

Market Watch:  Winnipeg wins as NHL’s southern strategy fails.  While I agree that a new arena and a stronger dollar are very important, the aspect that seems to be downplayed is True North’s control over all facets (i.e. revenue streams) of the MTS Centre.

Montreal Gazette:  Salary cap going up again in NHL.  Perhaps part of the reason all the players seem in favour of a return to Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Sun:  New NHL team, new fans.  All the hockey fans in Winnipeg who have thrown their allegiance to other teams (including your truly and his affection for the Wings) will quickly return to whatever team plays in Winnipeg.

Blogs:

Jetsowner:  Darren Ford is saying Mission Accomplished.  For those of you who have been a member of Jetsowner.com Forum, apparently Darren is now moving his meter to 100%.

Fan 590:  Don’t fret Winnipeg, you have your team.  This should make people in Manitoba feel good.

There is “virtually nothing” that can scuttle the transfer of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg for next season, a prominent member of the NHL’s legal universe told me today.

National Post:  Bombers not threatened by NHL’s return to Winnipeg.  Can’t exactly expect Bombers to admit it if they were against NHL returning to Peg.

Atlanta Journal Constitution: Cowardly Bettman ignoring evidence of Thrashers fans.  At the end of the day, regardless of blame, Atlanta needs a new owner.

Puck Daddy (Yahoo):  Pass or Fail – realigning the NHL for geographic accuracy.  Everybody and their dog has an opinion as to which way the NHL should be aligned.  Seems only agreement is that regardless of divisions, Winnipeg is going to be in one of them.  Even we at IC has some ideas.

CBC:  After politics, Danny Williams hopes to bag the Moose. St. John’s arena survives without an anchor tenant.  Quick someone get word to Mayor Scruggs.

Ice Man (Atlanta Journal Constitution):  Surviving predictions of impending doom.  In fairness to everyone involved, the NHL needs to make a decision, instead of continuing to vacillate.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Count Bettman & Spirit Group get killed on Facebook, Twitter.  People of Winnipeg won’t be rolling out red carpet for Bettman.

Behind the Net:  The History of Professional Hockey in Winnipeg Part II.  As per usual a great assessment of the past by frequent IC Radio guest Gabriel Desjardins.

SB Nation Atlanta:  Top 10 memorable moments in Thrashers history.  Laura’s done an excellent job chronicling the many memorable moments for Thrasher fans.

Thrashers Backer:  Where the Wild Things are.  As we’ve said countless times, the ones who truly suffer are the fans.

The Post Game (Yahoo):  It’s not Atlanta’s fault the NHL may be taking out the Thrash.  Even with new ownership, how long would it take to turn things around in Atlanta?  As can be seen above only 6000 households in Atlanta watched Thrashers games.  Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

Tweet of the Day:

Picture of the Day – 4 Play sports bar across from MTS Centre:

Wall Street Journal:  Creating the geographically accurate NHL map.  Looks good to us.

Toronto Star:  Thrashers jetting off to Winnipeg?  Wait and see.  Can the standard Toronto line about no corporate support be given a rest?  Winnipeg has more than both Ottawa and Edmonton (as per CBC report).

Winnipeg Free Press:  No press conference Tuesday.  If you go down to MTS Centre best you’re going to get is a Kid Rock Concert.  But when the time comes to have a rally, it is going to be monumental.

11Alive News:  NHL Deputy Commish Dalsy says no announcement tomorrow.  Further quelling the idea that True North is having a press conference tomorrow.

Winnipeg Sun:  Return of the NHL press conference likely delayed.  People in Winnipeg have been waiting 15 years, a few more days won’t kill them.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Spirit ends exclusivity on Hawks sale talks.  Appears that NBA commish Stern won’t be rid of the ASG guys, but will NHL commish Bettman?

TSN:  Jets meter.  Jumps from 33 to 38.  We are getting quite close to “Dropping the Puck”.

Click ‘read more’ for additional all the news links, blogs, and today’s tweet of the day.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  While Bettman hides, Thrashers slow death near complete.  The Thrashers fans are going to be left wondering, why Phoenix but not Atlanta?

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Last local buyer in Atlanta likely out.  That would appear to be the end of the Thrashers in Atlanta.    Only possible rescue would have to come from NHL.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Fans have ideas on how to save Thrashers.  Fans continue to show they have way more interest than the ASG in keeping the Thrashers.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets or bust?  Ironic that Chipman would become a part owner of the Coyotes.

STEPHEN RIPLEY/Winnipeg Sun

Globe and Mail:  Winnipeg working to regain role as transportation ‘gateway to west’.  Say what you will about our city, but the old sign as you entered the city limits was absolutely right when it described Winnipeg as  ‘one great city’.

Toronto Star:  Cheering for the Jets.  Why can’t everyone just cheer for now, and then wait to tell us “I told you so” after our first non-sellout.

Toronto Sun:  Thrashers saga shows no signs of abating.  If things aren’t cleared up by this week, then I give up.

Winnipeg Sun:  Paying the NHL piper.  Peggers will be sure to break open the piggy banks when given the opportunity.

NESN:  NHL will benefit from return to Winnipeg.  Winnipeg will impress everyone.  We now know what it takes to support our team.   Nice to see the sentiment from out East.

Blogs:

Yahoo:  Five best Winnipeg Jets teams of all time.  Makes you hate the Oilers so much.

Box Seats (Washington Post):  Thrashing about.  Hate that they keep throwing the 15,000 seats in MTS Centre in our face.  If they are charging $60 average price per ticket and someone with an 18,000 seat arena is charging $45 average price per ticket, what’s the difference?  (Hint:  Advantage MTS Centre).

Yahoo:  Thrashers message to NHL – stay North.  Good summation of the situation.

The Purple Rod:  “Spirited Energy” creator says naming new NHL team Jets a bad idea.  With all due respect, if this is the guy who came up with “spirited energy as our slogan, I’d suggest we do the exact opposite of what he recommends.

Toro Magazine:  Jets could crash in Winnipeg.  I really wish these guys would do their homework before writing an article.  It has already been stated (by CBC) that Winnipeg has more corporate sponsors than Ottawa and Edmonton.

Video of the Day – Thrashers Chris Thornburn sounded off on Saturday:

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Is Atlanta a lousy sports city?  Having never been I cannot say.  What do readers think of Atlanta as a sports town?

Columbus Dispatch:  Welcome mat is already out in Winnipeg.  I will take Winnipeg’s dry cold to the wet stuff they get out East.

Boston Globe:  It’s hard to see Winnipeg as a winning move.  I’m sure if you ask people in Canada, Winnipeg is the ONLY move left for the NHL and many think it will be a WINNING move.  And we’re supposed to believe that people in the U.S. care to see Atlanta or Phoenix coming to town.

Winnipeg Sun:  Alex Steen hopes deal goes through.  Will sure allow him to get back to visit the family more often.

Calgary Sun:  Steve Staois backs Winnipeg.  Love to see that players are coming from everywhere to support the Peg’.

Click ‘read more’ for additional all the news links and blogs.

Fargo-Moorehead Forum:  Improving landscape bolsters Winnipeg’s chances.  Nice for the city of Fargo to have access to both Winnipeg and St. Paul.

Toronto Sun:  Lawyers will be winners in Thrashers move.  Shocker…

Edmonton Journal:  Backing Winnipeg.  Gotta enjoy the love the city is getting from out West.  Will only last until Winnipeg is back in the league, and then let the hate return.

Arizona Republic:  Glendale may be reworking budget to pay 25 million to NHL.  Missed this story yesterday.  Doesn’t sound so good for the COG.

Blogs:

Vancouver Sun: If Winnipeg is good for NHL, why wasn’t Hamilton before? It begins and ends with the Leafs.

Macleans:  Hey Quebec City, ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated?  No question that like Winnipeg, people in Quebec City have a ton of passion.

John Amis of the Associated Press

CBC:  Rally supports Thrashers in Atlanta.  As we discussed with Thrashers goalie Chris Mason on the Illegal Curve Radio show, the Thrashers have a small but dedicated and passionate fan base.

Globe and Mail: Why Winnipeg is the perfect place for another NHL team. A wonderful ode to the City of Winnipeg from an expat.  The NHL’s return will be one more positive about our already great city.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Hungry for final NHL decision.  Why I’m inclined to believe Brunt is telling truth;

“David Thomson is a partner in True North Sports and Entertainment and owns the newspaper I work for. We don’t move in the same social circles and I did not get this story from him,” said Brunt. “But this story is on the front page of his newspaper.”

Globe and Mail:  Is Gary Bettman a master manipulator or just lucky?  We will let you decide.

Calgary Herald:  Sutter thinks another Canadian team is a great idea.  We at IC love the good people of Red Deer, AB who seem to support NHL hockey in our city.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets gear gone in a flash.  And they don’t want to retain this logo?  Cuckoo Cuckoo.

Toronto Star:  Wild about ‘Winterpeg’.  Gotta love hearing from the players like Andrew Ference who say these types of things.

“You’re on Hockey Night in Canada. You’re on the front page of the papers. You’re around people in your community that absolutely love the sport and there’s tremendous support for you. There are some guys that will seek that out and love it. There are (other) guys that don’t like pressure; those are usually guys that don’t play in the playoffs too much either.”

Click ‘read more’ for additional all the news links, blogs, video related clips and today’s tweet of the day.

Globe and Mail:  Complex NHL deal goes down to wire.  Can we go back to the feelings of elation that we were feeling on Thursday night?

Globe and Mail:  NHL’s return to Winnipeg is Canada’s redemption.  We’re back baby, time in!

Winnipeg Sun:  Fans jump, sing and shinny for joy.  Our own Michael Remis went down while we were in-studio to capture the excitement and said it was pandemonium at Portage & Main.

TSN:  Ex-Jet Essensa happy to see possible team return to Winnipeg.  If you’re ready to hear Curt Keilback say “great save essensa” tune into tomorrow’s Illegal Curve radio show as Curt will be joining the boys in-studio for the last hour (11am cst) of the show.

New York Times:  Fans rally as Thrashers fate remains uncertain.  Good for Thrashers fans for not going out without a fight.

Blogs:

Puck Daddy:  Thrashers fans rally, buy tickets as Winnipeg sale talks continue.  Winnipeg fans could learn a thing or two, like tailgating.

ESPN:  Thrashers relocation may have ripple effect.  While I agree with LeBrun that the below is possible, I would suggest it’s not unlikely, it would never happen.

And by the way, even if the Thrashers and True North agreed to a deal, the board of governors and the league reserve the right to explore the possibility of keeping the team in Atlanta if a local interest suddenly pops up in the wake of the Winnipeg announcement. It’s highly unlikely in my opinion, but it’s a right the league has nonetheless.

ESPN:  Bruins goalie coach (Bob Essensa) says quality of Winnipeg can’t be matched.  Even though the continuity with the old team is left behind with Phoenix, there is no doubt going to be a need to honour all the former Jets players.

Bird Watchers Anonymous:  Eulogizing the Thrashers.  Might be premature but another testament to the great hockey fans that supported the team.

National Post:  Winnipeg reclaims its place among the first rate.  NHL hockey will put Winnipeg back on the map.

Red’s Notebook (Montreal Gazette):  Thrashers headed to Winnipeg.  Waiting another year would seem untenable at this point.  Of course if NHL guarantees a team to Winnipeg, then it would be worth the wait.

Fox Sports:  Wild could be heading back to Norris.  Makes sense to me.

CBC:  Winnipeg chatter enters Game 3.  Lots of Manitoba connections around the NHL.

National Post:  Winnipeg wins but a Nation rejoices.  I remember in 2004 at Game 6 of the Stanley Cup when about 10 guys from Winnipeg were down in Calgary and all the Flames fans were super supportive of the Jets.

Video:

CBC:  After 40 Minutes.  Starting at the 4:25 mark of the video.  Pierre LeBrun gives his thoughts on the situation.  I-Desk informs that Moose would remain affiliate of new team in Winnipeg.

CBC:  Coach’s Corner.  Starting at the 5:07 mark of the video.  Donald S. Cherry gives the Peg props and says that CBC has promised him to be there for the 1st game at the MTS Centre.  Can you imagine the roar he will get?

AHL:

CBC:  AHL returning to St. John’s?  If Thrashers do in fact move to Winnipeg, makes sense that True North retains the Moose as a minor league team.

Picture of the Day – Blue Jays game @ Skydome:

Video of the Day:

Globe & Mail:  Why Bettman fights for Phoenix.  The implication is that GB’s ego is keeping the Coyotes in Phoenix.  I’d suggest it was the 25 million that was forked over from the COG.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Down to one group negotiating to keep the Thrashers in Atlanta.   I think this is the ASG doing what it needs to do to appease the NHL (exhausting search for local ownership) as well as attempting to gain some leverage vs. True North.

Penn Live:  NHL should return to Winnipeg.  Nice to hear the comments of a team beat writer, who has been to Winnipeg and can give a non-biased view of the city.

Toronto Star:  The Spin. Not too surprising that the ASG is trying to get as much out of True North as they can get.

Finally, hearing whispers that negotiations between Atlanta and Winnipeg over the future of the Thrashers may be slowed by the difficulty in reaching a sale price. The team is valued at about $60 million by industry analysts, and the Winnipeg group backed by Mark Chipman and David Thomson may be wondering why they are being asked to pay $160 million or more.

TSN:  Can’t debate Winnipeg’s love of Jets name.  Perhaps if we want to win a Cup we are best off leaving name in the past.  I’d ask for readers thoughts but you have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Jets name in a previous IC poll.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Keilback would like shot at another WRAPAROUND.  One of the best guys to do play-by-play.  I really hope he is given an opportunity.  Give him a listen as he calls Teemu Selanne’s goal to break Mike Bossy’s rookie goal scoring record.

Click ‘read more’ for additional news links, blogs and today’s tweet of the day.

Winnipeg Free Press:  NHL team would mean fight for radio rights.  Since the Illegal Curve Radio show is broadcast every Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm cst on Sports Radio 1290, it isn’t difficult to figure out which station we think should get the broadcast rights.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Lil John not interested in investing in Thrashers.  One can’t help but think of the parallel between Dave Chappelle’s Lil John sketches, where periods of lunacy are punctuated by briefs periods of lucidity and this Thrashers mess.

Winnipeg Sun:  NHL’s calm before the storm.  Friesen has done an excellent job covering the NHL’s return to Winnipeg.  If this is in fact the calm before the storm, I cannot imagine how crazy it is going to get in Winnipeg, when the actual storm hits.

CBC:  Is Winnipeg itself biggest obstacle? I was hoping Morrison was talking about Winnipeg’s skepticism that the NHL will actually allow a team to return to the Manitoba capital.  I don’t think there is any questions fans will step up to the plate.

Montreal Gazette:  Winnipeg readies welcome mat…again.  I used this analogy on air during the Illegal Curve Radio show last Saturday and both Ez and Leah gave me blank looks, but Winnipeg feels like Charlie Brown and we keep expecting the NHL (Lucy) to pull away the ball but we want our shot regardless.  Let’s hope this time we actually get a chance to punt the ball.

Blogs:

We Love DC:  Atlanta, Winnipeg and how it may affect the Caps.  Taking a look at how this move could shakeup the Southeast.

Midwest Sports Fans:  Franchise relocation’s that never happened.  Lest people count their team before it arrives, here are some examples from the past of team’s that were supposedly moving, but didn’t.

Eye on Hockey (CBS Sports):  Gary Bettman says don’t buy into Winnipeg hype.  A classic non-denial denial by the Commissioner of the NHL.

“True North is going about their business and they’re taking a businesslike approach,” Bettman said. “We are pleased with that, but there’s nothing to report. . . . I never say never about anything. There is no deal right now.”

SB Nation Atlanta:  Save the Thrashers ‘Rally’ needs shocking turnout to avoid ridicule.  Its a damned if you do and don’t situation.  If they don’t get a ton of fans, then they will be ridiculed as being a bad fan base.  Even if they do have a great turnout, I’m not sure it’s too little too late to save the franchise, so the effort might be wasted.  At end of day, always better to give it a shot.

Tweet of the Day:

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Thrashers fans plan rally.  Good for Thrashers fans.  Hopefully they can get a big crowd out and show that the real cause of problems is squarely on the shoulders of the ownership group.  Of course Winnipeg has set the bar rather high when it comes to save our team rally’s.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Forget Hawks, Thrashers  - J.B. Smith has other issues. Schultz doesn’t pull any punches.

Globe and Mail:  Should Winnipeg, Quebec get public funds?  Until we have hard numbers, it is too difficult to have any sort of informed opinion.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Hockey fans favour familiar moniker. I don’t need to be convinced.  Of course with the team being Atlanta, rather than Phoenix, the connection to the Jets is lessened.

“From a brand management standpoint, the Jets is so obviously the best choice,” he said. “It’s got to be the second easiest marketing job in the world after making ads for Viagra.”

Click ‘read more’ for additional news links, blogs, and our tweet of the day.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Premier confirms help sought on NHL bid.  This information doesn’t come as much of a surprise so I’m not sure why it would qualify as “breaking news”.  As was reported by CJOB 68, the Province does not plan on safeguarding against losses.  To hear Premier Selinger discuss same, click here.

Calgary Herald:  Coach cooling his Jets.  More and more we’re hearing former players and coach’s speak out so positively about their experience playing in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Too early for name that team.  Ironic considering the Free Press had a poll asking that very question back on May 10th (of the 12,000+ who voted, 68% said Jets).  His point though is accurate, we are putting cart before the horse with the name debate.

Globe & Mail:  Flames owner back Winnipeg bid.  Nice to see support for the Winnipeg bid is coming from across the land.  Also a bit of irony that its coming from the team that got to Calgary as a result of a previous NHL failure in Atlanta.

USA Today:  If Thrashers land in Winnipeg, what would it mean for NHL? Just some of the scenario’s that will result when/if a team moves to Peg’.

Toronto Sun:  Push to keep Thrashers in Atlanta.  Most people in Winnipeg won’t recognize an effort until they see tens of thousands of people in the street, chanting for the team’s return.  Many remember what happened on May 6th, 1995..

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Spirit also pursuing Hawks sale.  Well if the Arena & Hawks sell, that would spell the end of the Thrashers as nobody is anticipated to be interesting in solely purchasing the hockey team.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Local Thrasher suitors discredited. So much for all that noise.

Blogs:

Puck Daddy:  Ted Turner’s awkward support for Thrashers.

Bird Watcher’s Anonymous:  The Balkan does exist, does he have enough dough to pull anything off? So you’re saying there’s a chance?

SB Nation:  For the last time, Lil Jon isn’t buying the Thrashers.  I would just like to see him sitting in Phillips Arena with one of his big crunk cups, shooting a music video while Thrashers play.

Houses of Hockey (The Score):  What about Quebec?  As I’ve said before you have to give props to Nordiques Nation for the effort they put forth.

AHL:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Business as usual for Moose GM.  Not surprising given True North’s feeling about speaking out of turn.

Tweet of the Day:

A quick Google search about J.B. Smith indicates that he originally is from Philadelphia but now resides in Detroit, Michigan and is/was the Managing Partner of an independent private equity firm called “Equity 11?.

According to John Kincade, Mr. Smith has been negotiating with the Atlanta Spirit Group since early March in an attempt to negotiate a purchase of the Atlanta Thrashers, Atlanta Hawks, and Phillips Arena.

Here is the bio of JB Smith from the Equity 11 website

Update 1:

Chris Vivlamore, a frequent guest on The IllegalCurve Hockey Show, and one of the most “plugged-in” reporters on the plight of the Thrashers, tweeted the following after the “reveal” by Craig Custance:

Update 2:

Speaking on Hustler & Lawless on Sports Radio 1290 in Winnipeg (home of The Illegal Curve Hockey Show) Chris Vivlamore indicated that Mr. Smith may be lacking in some credibility, as in prior meetings with the Atlanta Spirit Group he has failed to disclose fairly standard financial documentation.

Continuing on, Vivlamore reports that there is a group in Atlanta who has an exclusivity agreement to purchase the Atlanta Hawks and the Phillips Arena BUT NOT the Atlanta Thrashers.

Update 3:

Continuing on with the interview conducted with Chris Vivlamore, he indicated that the Atlanta Spirit Group was eager to talk with Mr. Smith but were scared off by his reluctance/refusal/inability to produce appropriate financial documents and that his money is not easily accessible/liquid as it is “in China.”

Update 4:

From Craig Custance of The Sporting News, this most interesting comment about the viability of J.B. Smith as a potential owner of The Atlanta Thrashers:

An NHL source (emphasis added by Drew) told Sporting News that the belief is Smith doesn’t have the necessary financial backing to make such a significant purchase, and questioned the validity of Smith’s group. In 2009, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Smith announced that he would be a major investor in the NFL’ Pittsburgh Steelers but sources later told the paper that there were never negotiations between Smith and the Rooney family.

Read the full article by Craig Custance here.

Update 5:

Equity 11 put out a press release today stating that they no longer have any association with JB Smith.

“The shareholders of Equity 11 and iSekurity removed JB Smith from all positions he held with our companies in June 2010,” said Jim Juliano, Equity 11′s and iSekurity’s Chairman. “In addition, the Oakland County Circuit Court entered a $1.9 million judgment against JB Smith, banned him from all positions with Equity 11 and iSekurity and ordered him to relinquish any ownership in these companies.

Stay tuned to IC for any further breaking developments in this ongoing saga.

Miami Herald:  Thrashers-to-Winnipeg story is bad news for Bettman.  Of course while many in Winnipeg are not fond of the Commissioner for what they saw (fair or not) as his lack of effort to save the Jets, perhaps he will be able to bounce back when/if a team returns.  Who am I kidding, the boo birds will rain down the moment he steps foot in the MTS Centre.

XM Radio (audio):  Dale Hawerchuk interview.  How great is #10?  Man crush time.  Great interview to listen to.  I like how pensive he sounds when asked if he might be a future head coach of the Winnipeg Jets.  Considering that his old wing man Paul MacLean is an assistant in Detroit, perhaps it’s time to reunite the 80′s boys in Winnipeg.

CBC:  30 Thoughts (Items #3 & 4).  Well at least the Moose have a new logo and not the old “friendly” one.

TSN:  Dreger Report.  Realignment talk and discussion of Anson Carter’s interest in buying Thrashers.

Globe and Mail:  Would the new Jets be called the Moose?  Let’s hope not.  With all due respect to True North, there is almost no affinity for the Moose with the majority of people in Winnipeg.  Poll after poll would seem to indicate same.  Of course perhaps this is why there hasn’t been any leaking of a potential team name.    Would you want team to be called Moose?  Sound off in comments.

National Post:  It seems the NHL is only willing to play one shell game at a time.  Still surprised that the COG saved the Yotes.  Perhaps like Councillor Lieberman, they are hoping Balsillie will come back into the game.

Toronto Star:  NHL retreat from Atlanta far from strategic.  Interesting to note that the schedule is released on the 15th according to Cox, not the 22nd as had been previously mentioned.  I don’t know about you but on my imaginary calendar, I already have 1 game scheduled.

Click ‘read more’ for additional news links, blogs, polls and our video/picture/tweet of the day.

National Post:  True North learns from Balsillie’s blunders.  Still have to wonder if the NHL couldn’t have straightened out this Balsillie mess.  Financially he’s clearly the type of owner the NHL needs.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Will Thrashers have more class than Coyotes?  I think Doug Brown’s first mistake is assuming that Phoenix has a PR department on staff.  And as we learned when we interviewed Thrashers goalie Chris Mason on Saturday’s Illegal Curve Radio show (every Saturday from 9am cst to 12pm cst on Sports Radio 1290), some players at least won’t have a problem playing in the Peg’.

National Post:  Still waiting for X-mas in Winnipeg.  Great read by Bruce Arthur.  People in the city have curbed their enthusiasm until an announcement from True North is forthcoming.

CBC: Thrashers’ Rollercoaster Ride Hurtling Toward Winnipeg?. Elliotte Friedman with an optimistic piece here for Winnipeg fans. He sums up the story nicely, the Thrashers will lose $32 million next year, they’d rather fill their arena with concert dates, nobody wants to buy the team and pay the lease because they will lose money. Enter…True North.

Sportsnet:  Teams on the move.  Interesting sentence in the article was this;

……Commissioner Bettman wouldn’t comment on the agreement, but a source told Sportsnet that “Gary has promised Winnipeg a team for this year”.

Blogs:

Bird Watchers Anonymous:  Is this the End of the Thrashers?  Does Gary Bettman have one more rabbit to pull out of his hat.

Behind the Net:  On hockey returning to Winnipeg.  Our guest on the IC Radio show this past Saturday, Gabriel Desjardins isn’t too happy with the Star’s Damien Cox.

The Malik Report:  If things keep rolling the way they are between Atlanta and Winnipeg, stick with Jimmy D.  More talk of division realignment.

Polls/Questions:

TSN:  What should Winnipeg’s team be called?  As we learned from the 500+ votes that were cast, most are still tied to the name, Winnipeg Jets.

CBC:  Where would you like to see an NHL team.  Either people in Winnipeg have a lot of internet access, or across the board, people are feeling the love for the Peg’ as it currently leads the poll.

Video of the Day:

Tweet of the Day:

Picture of the Day:

ESPN:  Thrashers  Prez mum on teams status.  I’d say that this rumor is snowballing past the point of stopping but we always have the Phoenix example to point to as proof that the unbelievable can happen.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Winnipeg included in NHL draft schedule.  My understanding was that Winnipeg has been part of a draft schedule before so not sure how significant this information is, but it is another piece of the puzzle.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Door isn’t closed but Thrashers picture gloomy.  I don’t see anything falling apart from True North’s position but I could see the league stepping in and giving the franchise a one year stay of execution as Schultz puts it.

Click ‘read more’ for additional news links, blogs, video and our tweet of the day.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Atlanta Spirit, True North in negotiations about Thrashers sale, relocation.  Vivlamore has been on top of this better than anyone.  Read if you want to know where things are at.

TSN:  Dreger report (#1).  And so we continue to wait.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Could NHL”s other owners save the Thrashers?  If #4, the revolt in the Peg would be on.  Of course #2 doesn’t seem that likely either…..

Macon Telegraph:  Atlanta hockey on thin ice.  It’s a pretty bad situation for the fans of the Thrashers.  They’ve had to put up with 11 seasons of mostly sub-par hockey, to have an ownership group which basically doesn’t want the team and the rest of the league questioning them as a fan base.

The Daly:  Roughing up taxpayers.  Good summation of problems in desert.

The vote was Gary Bettman 5, common sense 2.

Columbus Dispatch:  Plight of Thrashers hits a little too close to home.  Not sure the assertion that True North circled the Coyotes like a vulture over a dying corpse is accurate.  It’s been suggested that the league asked True North to step in if the situation in Phoenix couldn’t be resolved.

A consortium known as True North Sports & Entertainment owns a 15,000-plus-seat arena in Winnipeg and has been casting about for an NHL team. True North circled over the Phoenix area waiting to see whether the Coyotes might become available. When that did not happen, True North looked east.

Detroit News:  Wings move to East logical.  Not much Winnipeg related news, but more talk of divisional realignment, which we know wouldn’t be happening until the 2012/13 season anyways.

Blogs:

VBlog (AJC – video):  Thrashers moving to Winnipeg?  Here is some video of the AJC’s Chris Vivlamore talking about the Thrashers.

Puck Daddy (Yahoo):  Thrashers in talks with Winnipeg group for relocation.  The hockey world is talking.

Ice Man (AJC):  Cool your jets Thrasherville and remember four letters – WWGD.  He’s absolutely right.  As I’ve said before, everyone and their dog knows someone who claims to know that this is a done deal.  The focus correctly remains on WWGD (What would Gary DO) and as the writer accurately states, GB doesn’t seem overly excited about the Winnipeg market.  Until their is an announcement, one way or another, there is no advantage in getting overly excited.

SB Nation Atlanta:  To understand the Thrashers relocation story, first understand Atlanta.  Always interesting to get a “local” perspective.

The Spin (Toronto Star):  Small ideas that could grow.  Small blurb about Peg’ possibly being used as leverage.

Tweet of the Day:

Toronto Sun:  Clock ticking on future of Thrashers.  Varying accounts out of Atlanta either have team being saved or nobody interested in saving it.  Who knows what anymore.

Columbus Dispatch:  Jackets’ hopes rise in East.  Doesn’t sound like anyone will be making move next season.

Albany Herald:  Whispers everywhere that Thrashers leaving for Winnipeg.  Key word; everywhere.  Everybody and their dog knows something.

Click ‘read more’ for additional news links, blogs, video and our tweet of the day.

CBC(video at 5:50): Hotstove.  Eric Francis says that the window for the team to be moved is within the next 3 weeks, and that it “could” happen within that time frame. Interesting to note, he also says that if Atlanta were to be moved to Winnipeg for next season the NHL Board of Governors doesn’t have time to vote on division re-alignment for next year and they would stay in the East. A vote would then be held for the 2012-13 season. For Illegal Curve’s take on division realignment, see our post here.

Blogs:

Sun-Sentinel:  Thrashers’ situation an ominous sign for Panthers.  Panthers better hope GM Tallon can work some magic.  Panthers haven’t made playoffs since 1999/00 season.

The Hockey News:  Stephen Bronfman has no interest in being owner of NHL team in Quebec.  Looks like the Habs vs. Nords divide remains in effect.  Can we expect sales of Crown Royal to decrease in Quebec City as result.

SB Nation Atlanta:  NHL division realignment least of Thrashers worries.  We’ve talked realignment in the past but as the writer suggests, it can be discussed more fully when/if the team moves.

Picture of the Day:

IC Reader Justin provided us with some of his ideas for a potential new jersey.

Toronto Sun:  Signs point to move for Thrashers.  Nobody else to focus on…or is there.

Globe and Mail:  The Heat is on in Atlanta, no kidding.  Well at least the NHL can take solace in the fact that they’re the best at being the worst.

Blogs:

Slap Shot:  Struggling franchises plot next moves in uncertain climate. Still can’t digest talk of the Islanders ever moving.

Arizona Republic:  Hey Glendale, why don’t you just buy Coyotes.  Don’t they already own them?  Or is that just the parking right?  So confusing.

Video of the Day:

TSN:  Jets Meter.  Takes a massive 5 point leap from 28 to 33.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Unclear if Atlanta Spirit, True North in negotiations.  If the Levenson interview wasn’t clear that there is nobody with which the ASG is locally negotiating, I’m not sure what is.

National Post:  NHL hopes spring eternal in Winnipeg.  Every time you think that people in Winnipeg are fed up of this broken record, they request the DJ play that song one more time.

TSN:  Thrashers co-owner Levenson discusses future in Atlanta.  After watching the video (posted below as today’s video of the day) interview it is no wonder that the fans in Atlanta are as disenfranchised as they are.

NBC Sports:  Why Atlanta moving to Winnipeg would become a dream for City of Glendale.  Good point.  The COG, as GWI attorney Nick Dranias pointed out during the Council meeting on Tuesday night, would finally have some leverage on the NHL.

Toronto Sun:  Open season on Thrashers.  The NHL spin masters clearly learned their craft at the same school as the Iraqi foreign minister who insisted that Iraq was doing well as the US army overran the city.

Click ‘read more’ for additional news links, blogs, video and our tweet of the day.

NBC Sports:  Bill Daly admits he “can’t guarantee” that Thrashers will remain in Atlanta.  Standard NHL non-denial denial.  Oftentimes our focus needs to be on what they aren’t saying.

Toronto Sun:  Puck fans duped by teen’s Twitter hoax.  Which is why you should take any news that is getting reported as “fact” on the twitter-verse as suspect, unless of course you’re reading the info from @illegalcurve.  For those who don’t use twitter here is the tweet that caused the big stir:

Arizona Republic:  Coyotes saga needs quick resolution.  I don’t see this situation resolving anytime soon.

ESPN:  NHL commissioner Gary Bettman refutes relocation talk. He does make a good point about the lack of accountability for people who make grand statements but don’t feel any repercussions for the excitement/disappointment their comments elicit.

Video of the Day – Thrashers owner speaks:

Picture of the Day:

Fan 590:  This isn’t an exit…yet.  Basically the Fan 590′s Greg Brady (our tweet of the day) was having a discussion with a Thrashers player he is acquainted with and he became privy to info and boom, it gets tweeted, people ask questions and it snowballs from there.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Is NHL abandoning Thrashers, Atlanta after rescuing others.  No question that if this franchise is moved, the NHL is guilty of standing by and letting it happen.  Which doesn’t, as Jeff points out, absolve ownership of culpability.

CBC (Elliotte Friedman’s 30 Thoughts): NHL should be more transparent about relocation. I have to agree with his position.  There is only so long you can do this to people.

Winnipeg Free Press:  No Thrashers bailout coming in hard hit Georgia capital.  It really shows you the lengths the NHL is willing to go to, to keep the NHL franchises where they are presently.  Some of these areas have been decimated by recession but instead of bringing it’s product to a city which has largely avoided said recession and is hockey mad, they choose to keep it in areas which for the foreseeable future are still in recovery mode, and won’t likely be using their disposable income on niche sporting events like hockey.

Click read more for additional news links, blogs, video and our tweet of the day.

Winnipeg Free Press:  There’s a kind of hush…..While the primary parties may keep their tongues from wagging, I doubt the speculation we saw with Phoenix will die down entirely.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Q & A on the Thrashers’ future.   For those whose focus has primarily been on the desert, here is a Q & A to get to know what is happening in dixie.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Thrashers’ future remains up in the air.  Doesn’t appear the Mayor of Atlanta (Kasim Reed) is as giving as Glendale Mayor Scruggs.

Reese McCranie, spokesman for Reed, said Atlanta has not been approached by the NHL about making a financial deal such as Glendale’s. Even if approached, the city — in the midst of pension reform and possible layoffs in 2012 — would not consider it, McCranie said.

Winnipeg Sun:  NHL fiasco far from over.  If I had a dollar for every rumour I heard, I might have enough to cover the losses for the Coyotes next season.

Arizona Republic:  Yotes GM Don Maloney facing challenge. The Coyotes have a number of free agents that they need to re-sign, not least of which is Winnipeg hater Ilya Bryzgalov.  However after his playoff performance, the payoff he was expecting might not be forthcoming.

Blogs:

Puck Daddy:  NHL responds to Thrashers -to-Winnipeg rumours.  Wake me when this mess is over.

ESPN:  Glendale vote = Yotes stability?  Not exactly.  While I understand that the continued threat of a lawsuit has the COG cautious in their dealings regarding the Coyotes, why punt Hulsizer after they’ve “saved” the team.  With Ice Edge confirming they are out, and with rumours that Hulsizer has walked away from the table, who is left to possibly save this team?

The Brawl (Wpg Sun):  Time to force NHL’s hand.  While I can understand his sentiment, I think that Winnipeg will have to remain in the patient, quiet mode if they want to gain entry to the “exclusive” club of 30 NHL cities.

Picture of the Day – Appears the Blue Crew is expecting to be back in business :

Tweet of the Day:

Globe and Mail:  Glendale continues to go ‘all in’ on Coyotes.  Mirtle offers his take on last night’s proceedings.  Not sure about you but so far Little Logan Wade making an appearance was my highlight of the night.

TSN: Dreger Report.  Can you say another year of waiting?  If that is the case a lot of the momentum that has built up in favor of NHL hockey will cease.

If not, True North will go about its business, biding time, while working with the NHL on the potential of a relocation opportunity for the 2012-2013 season and a real possibility either Phoenix, Atlanta – or both – will still be the primary targets.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Arizona votes to keep Coyotes for another year.  Not the news fans of Atlanta wanted to hear.  Now they can expect a lot more attention coming.

Columbus Dispatch:  Blue Jackets lose 25 million last season.  Oh boy, are we about to add a team to the above title?  Desert, Dixie and __________?

TSN:  Jets meter falls to 28.  Since it was at 30, not quite as far a drop as I anticipated.

TSN:  Glendale pledges $25  million to keep Coyotes one more year.  Can Winnipeg fans take any more?  Good read from Naylor.

Click read more for additional news links, blogs, video and our tweet of the day.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Council meeting hot ticket.  I don’t wanna say I told you so, but I did predict the vote would be anticlimactic and end 5-2. 

Phoenix Business Journal:  Glendale approves another 25 million for Coyotes.  Between Councillor Lieberman’s talking about good Italian restaurants and places to get a good kosher sandwich, I must have missed Councilwoman Clark suggesting that the $100 million bond was dead.

Winnipeg Sun:  Coyotes circus pure bush league.  Perhaps one of the concerned citizens from Arizona was right when he compared hockey to horseshoes.

Blogs:

Illegal Curve:  COG Synopsis.  We have a play by play of all last night’s festivities if you want a blow by blow accounting.

Puck Daddy:  Glendale approves $25 million to keep Coyotes for 2011-12. There sure were some beauty’s at the meeting last night.

Ice Chips (Az Republic):  It’s time for rumor mill operators to hit the road.  I would disagree with Jim on one thing he said.  Folks in Winnipeg won’t be focussed on the Yotes next season.  Instead he might want to spread his gaze a little farther East.  While Manitoba has a significant % of french speakers, the place whose gaze is going to turn to the Yotes speaks a whole lot of French…and will make Coyote Eric Belanger very happy.

AHL:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Is this the end of an era?  Class organization with class players.  Nice to hear that guys would like to be back in the city, whether it was with an AHL or NHL team.

Video of the Day:

Tweet of the Day:

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  How Thrashers fans are dealing with the team’s future.  Folks in Manitoba should have empathy for their brethren in Georgia.  They too seem to be on the receiving end of the NHL’s arms length “care” unlike the Coyotes.

Globe & Mail:  NHL’s return to Winnipeg may have to wait.  Not sure I agree with Mirtle that time may have run out.  Hartford Whalers owner Peter Karmanos announced the team’s relocation to Raleigh on May 6th, 1997.  NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has already said that June 22nd is when the schedule gets released and we know it isn’t done quickly.  While I don’t believe a ton of time exists there is still a window in which to get this completed.

CBC:  Elliotte Friedman 30 Thoughts (4 & 5). Very interesting word from Friedman.

4. Word is The Raine Group, which is handling the sale of the Atlanta Thrashers for Atlanta Spirit LLC, is telling prospective buyers the team can be moved because having those dates available for other events (ie. concerts) is a better financial option than hockey. Neither a phone call nor a follow-up email were returned by 10 p.m. ET Monday.

Arizona Republic:  Ice Edge Holdings withdraws from Coyotes deal.  What doesn’t add up is if you are Ice Edge why pull out now?  Conceivably you are getting a lifeline extended to you by the COG so why suddenly abort when you’ve spent 2+ years trying to get this done?

TSN:  Glendale vote tonight has impact on Atlanta and Winnipeg.  It seems rather anticlimactic since the vote is expected to go 5-2 in favor of paying an additional 25 million next season to cover Coyotes losses.

Click the link below to see the rest of today’s additional news links, blog articles & our tweet of the day.

Winnipeg Sun:  Slam dunk in desert for Coyotes.  Apparently even little Logan won’t be enough to sway Councillor Lieberman this time, although it appears not to matter since he is in the minority.

“I’ve been on the council 20 years, and I’ve never seen us in such a position that we are now,” Lieberman said. “Why do we want to throw another $25 million in, when we lost the other $25 million even though we had been assured by everybody that it would never be used? Because if nothing happens, a year from now we will be in the same position.”

Arizona Republic:  Council vote could offer a reprieve in fight to keep Coyotes.  Don’t see how the catch-22 gets resolved.  This vote appears to put off the inevitable.  I’m sure the GWI has a good reason for allowing the 25 million to be used to extend the Yotes life by one year, but what changes exactly for next season?  You’re still going to require an owner who will want favourable economic concessions from the city and if GWI continues to threaten, I don’t see how the league isn’t right back here next April.

Goldwater Institute:  Avoiding a multi-million tax dollar “emergency” in Glendale.  I have to admit that I was surprised to read that the GWI isn’t objecting to the spending of a further 25 million to keep the team in Arizona.  Really does read as if they’ve resigned themselves to not suing (on this 25 million) if same is approved by council.

Atlanta Thrashers:  2011 Select-A-Seat.  Appears folks in Atlanta didn’t get the memo that their team is moving as they continue to proceed as normal, which in this case means selling season tickets on Thrashers NHL page.

Arizona Republic:  Confidential (draft) copy of the Agreement between the COG and the NHL.  Prepare to be bored to tears reading this Agreement.

Globe & Mail:  Lessons learned in Phoenix?  Really good read from Stephen Brunt.  Here are some words that should calm people in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg, you’re still going to get your hockey team. It just looks like it will be a different hockey team.

Quebec City, if you can get the money and arena together by this time next year, say hello to Les Coyotes.

Blogs:

SB Nation Arizona:  NHL manages Arena and Glendale city coffers to empty.  One of the biggest failures in the arena’s management is the lack of additional sources of revenue.

The Offside Blog:  What’s different from last year?  A pretty good assessment of what has occurred over the past year.  Perhaps he could have attributed those terse comments to the Illegal Curve Radio show, when the guys had Deputy Commissioner and chief legal officer of the NHL Bill Daly on the show back in November of 2010.

The Hockey News:  Coyotes staying will have a huge impact across NHL.  Not least of which would have Mike Illitch’s Red Wings moving over to the East.

AHL:

AHL.com:  Moose lose the longest game in AHL playoff history.  Ironic that a team from Winnipeg is battling it out for hockey supremacy with Hamilton considering both teams were vying for the Coyotes. (Hamilton won in 3 OT’s).  Was last night the final game in Moose history in Winnipeg?  If it was, the city of Winnipeg owes a big thanks to the Manitoba Moose for a decade and a half of fun, family friendly, sports entertainment!

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One thing which will be a must if it is indeed the Thrashers relocating and not the Coyotes, will be the transfer of the Atlanta Thrashers Blue Crew to Manitoba.  Reminds me of a post from 2009 discussing cheerleading in hockey.

Winnipeg Free Press:  NHL in Winnipeg answer coming quickly.  Lawless key point appears to be, even if you manage to save the team in Arizona, how much money will the team recoup for the losses incurred.  Certainly not what an organization like True North (or Balsillie’s RIM) would have been willing to pay.

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Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Vote in Arizona could go long way in determining fate of Thrashers.   Last Saturday’s guest on the IC Radio show Chris Vivlamore with an informative post.

TSN:  Dreger Report.  Just when you thought this couldn’t get anymore dramatic.

Winnipeg and Atlanta are both eager to learn the outcome of tomorrow’s vote and while True North has pretty much reached its breaking point from a time stand point, there is still strong belief their patience will be rewarded in the form of NHL relocation, if not this year, then possibly next.

Blogs:

Forbes:  NHL should let Coyotes go to Winnipeg and keep Thrashers in Atlanta.  With the above report from TSN`s hockey Insider, it might not be either team appearing in Winnipeg for the 2011/12 season.

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Arizona Republic:  Glendale fight for Coyotes turns 2?  Sanders provides an excellent breakdown and shows us that this is messier than any divorce.

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Calgary Sun:  Phoenix rising again?  Did anyone really believe that Ice Edge was still involved.  Very curious that they “pull out” just when it appears the deal to save the Coyotes is on its way to completion.

The Ice Edge Group has just informed prospective Phoenix Coyotes buyer Matthew Hulsizer it is no longer interested in being part of the group to buy the team. Reports also indicate perhaps Hulsizer himself is getting cold feet.  However, Glendale city councillors can buy the club another year in the desert Tuesday when they’ll vote on whether to provide the NHL with another US$25-million guarantee to cover next year’s losses as they did this year.  The stop-gap measure would allow time to try and find the right buyer to keep the team in America’s sixth-largest TV market.

Phoenix Business Journal:  Second 25 million could buy Glendale time.  Well, if the rumour that they have grown weary of Hulsizer is true, then they might need that time to recruit a new potential owner….wonder if they have Jim Balsillie’s number anymore.

CBC (Video):  Hotstove.  Starts at 7:36.  Eric Francis and Glenn Healy discuss.

Forbes:  Despite getting 25 million from taxpayers, Coyotes still lose 12 million.  Actually the 29 other owners lost $12 million and I can’t see them being overly happy repeating this process next season.

Blogs:

Atlanta Thrashers Fan Page (on Thrashers official NHL page):  An open letter to Gary Bettman.  Some Thrashers fans send Commissioner Bettman open letters detailing their disappointment with the NHL & current Atlanta ownership.

Picture of the Day – new MTS Centre Press Box

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“We do not have a signed deal with Hulsizer — and there is some discussion as to whether we will ever get one or not get one. I don’t personally want to give him $110 million,” said Lieberman. “In my mind, this (proposal) will give us a year to find somebody else who may be willing to buy it and come up with much more money. Real money — instead of city money.”

ESPN:  Glendale to vote on 25 million proposal.  Just when you thought things couldn’t get any crazier, they up the crazy level.  Should be an interesting vote on Tuesday.

TSN:  Glendale looking to renew contract.  GWI says they have to identify source of the money, but if this isn’t some backdoor way of financing Hulsizer, perhaps Goldwater will not sue.

Phoenix Business Journal:  Another 25 million from Glendale to keep Coyotes.  Perhaps if the Yotes fans support the team next season they might not cost the city the full 25 million.

Arizona Republic:  Glendale may pay NHL for more time to find buyer.  There is a lot of posturing going on between the COG and Matthew Hulsizer, he’s supposedly interested in buying the St. Louis Blues, the COG is talking about finding a “new buyer” including maverick councilor Lieberman throwing Jim Balsillie’s name back in ring.  I think these two need to realize that if they want to go to the prom, they aren’t finding better dates, so they need to figure out how to make it work between them.

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Forbes: Hulsizer Getting Cold Feet On Purchase of Coyotes Can you blame him for not wanting to get involved with a possible lawsuit from Goldwater?

Globe & Mail:  The real trouble with the Atlanta Thrashers.  Mirtle offers his thoughts on how Phoenix and Atlanta differ.

Hamilton Spectator:  Winnipeg turns the Jets on.  Very good article which captures the enthusiasm in Winnipeg.

Edmonton Journal:  Potential NHL markets should make Edmonton worry.  At least the myth of a lack of corporate support in Winnipeg is being crushed.

Globe & Mail:  Revised deal for Coyotes could be on table.  Interesting to see how the principals involved in the deal don’t appear to know what is going on with this dog and pony show.  Let’s hope little Logan doesn’t make a return appearance and sway the council.

Winnipeg Free Press:  The end of Coyotes saga could be near.  A few too many ‘maybes’ and ‘coulds’ for my liking.  Time for emphatic “this is the day” talk.  For example I am perfectly prepared to boldly predict that this situation will aboslutely, 100% be resolved by June 22, 2011 (when 2011/12 schedule is released).

TSN:  Return to Winnipeg hub.  No new news to report, but if you hadn’t noticed, TSN has now given a return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg it’s own page.

Blogs:

Phoenix Business Journal:  No Kings-sized help for Phoenix.  An interesting perspective on how the business community in Arizona has not stepped up in the Coyotes moment of need.

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TSN:  What makes Winnipeg and Quebec viable for NHL.  Another very good piece by Naylor.

Goldwater Institute:  Goldwater offers solutions to Coyotes quandary.  The ball is back in COG court.

Winnipeg Free Press:  The end of Coyotes sage could be near.  I’d say we’ve been hearing this (“the end is near”) over and over but perhaps this Tuesday will finally be “the end” one way or another as the COG votes on a “new deal”, and apparently even the GWI might be fine with it.

“Well, the bottom line for us is that the money flowing from the city cannot be grossly disproportionate to the money flowing back. If the NHL provides seller financing by cutting its price substantially and/or spreading purchase payments over the term of the lease, if the city cuts its contribution substantially, if the management fee is reduced to cover primarily operating expenses that would otherwise be born by the city, and if Hulsizer guarantees revenue flows to the city backed by something more than a promise from a shell entity, then it is conceivable the deal could pass constitutional muster,” Dranias told the Free Press in an email. “I’m not holding my breath because if they had a deal that was constitutional, I think they would have shared it with us already.”

Montreal Gazette:  New deal to keep Coyotes in Arizona in the works.  It appears that the Friday deadline that we’ve been hearing is, in fact, relevant.  In order for the COG to vote on the motion during the following Tuesday’s meeting of the council it needs to be looked at on Friday.  I still don’t see how this deal still won’t offend the sensibilities of the Goldwater Institute.  But perhaps this will be enough to Save the Coyotes.

TSN:  Thrashers having trouble finding local investors.  The problem as I understand it is current ownership is very basketball orientated and hockey is not of primary importance other than filling 41 nights a season in Phillips Arena.  This is terrible for fans of the team, as the team isn’t given all the advantages of an ownership that wants to win (although this isn’t always going to result in a winning team; see Washington Capitals).

Toronto Sun:  Another plan to save Coyotes?   I still don’t see how this “new deal” will avoid a law suit by Goldwater.

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TSN:  Dreger Report (#3).  So basically TSN’s Hockey Insider is throwing away the “one to two week” threshold and now we basically know that it will be anytime between now and June 22, 2011 (when schedule gets released).

Canoe:  More proof for Winnipeg.  Broadbeck makes some excellent points, points that I don’t understand how the ‘Think Tank’ missed.

Toronto Sun:  NHL to Winnipeg hopes just won’t die.  For everyone wondering when the news will finally break, read Paul Friesen’s account of all the stories he’s written since the bankruptcy began.  What is important, is that fans of NHL hockey in Winnipeg, continue to be unwavering in their support of the return of professional hockey to the city.  (and even those not in the city, like TBS late night talk show host Conan O’Brien, pictured here with longtime IC reader J.W., have love for the Peg’)

Globe & Mail:  Viability of NHL in Winnipeg and Quebec.  Pretty positive article but this one line sticks out like a sore thumb:

“It’s a wholesale city that wants everything at cost” said one former NHL owner about Winnipeg.

Toronto Star:  Loonie boosts odds of NHL success in Canada.  Paying players in US dollars is a lot easier on the bottom line when the dollar is 5 cents above par instead of 35 cents below par.

Hamilton Spectator:  It takes more than fans to make it in the big leagues.  It would be a lot harder for the NHL to deny Hamilton if they had a building like the Sprint Center in Kansas City.

Goldwater Institute (audio):  Goldwater Institute attorney Nick Dranias appeared on KFYI’s Jim Sharpe Show.  He updates listeners on the latest in the Glendale-Coyotes situation including a suspicious parking rights document uncovered by the Goldwater Institute.

Blogs:

Yahoo Sports:  If Nashville can make NHL work, why not Phoenix?  The nice thing for Nashville, is in terms of major league sports dollars, they only have the NFL’s Tennessee Titans to compete with whereas Phoenix has 3 other professional teams to compete against.

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TSN:  City of Glendale has paid NHL.  Don’t see how they had any other option and as per Darren Dreger’s tweet (see below), the bill was apparently paid yesterday.  Next move in this chess match to Goldwater.

Columbus Dispatch:  Relocation is a murky business in NHL circles.  Seems like the tire kicking is too little too late to save one of these troubled franchises.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Ready to play, decisions been made.   While I agree with Campbell that the decision has already been made, so the report may be somewhat irrelevant, with some of the anti-Winnipeg articles and statements still being made, it may be required as further proof that the NHL can work in Winnipeg.

Toronto Star:  Predators survive and soar in ‘Smashville’.  Fear not.  We aren’t including this link because there is cause for concern in the Music City.  Cox talks about Nashville as an example of how hockey  can work in a smaller market.

Winnipeg Sun:  There’ll be free pizza if NHL returns.  In an effort to counter the recent publicity that the owner of Domino’s garnered with his full page ad, Boston Pizza offers up free pizza.

Opinions:

Arizona Republic:  Loss of Coyotes would negatively impact all. Looks like the Mayor of Scottsdale won’t be invited to the next Arizona Mayors party.

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TSN:  Dreger Report (item #4).  So far there hasn’t been much in the way of enlightening news.

Forbes:  Atlanta Thrashers will likely be sold for 110 million.   Sounds a lot better than 170-210 million the NHL reportedly wants for the Coyotes.

Canadian Press:  Coyotes assistant coach Samuelsson heading to MODO of Swedish Elite League.  Are people abandoning a sinking ship?

Winnipeg Sun:  NHL team in Peg would be good for business.  It would certainly help to bring 15,000 people downtown 3 to 4 times a week during the NHL season.  Of course if I lose my standing reservation at Earls Main on Wednesday, then I’d prefer for a new NHL team to play at the Ice Plex west of the city.

Winnipeg Sun:  Players would come here.  As the longest tenured Jets so appropriately states:

“There are enough that want to win, and those are the ones you should target,” he said. “Players who think it’s not good here shouldn’t play here.”

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Winnipeg Sun: Fans aren’t Bettman’s bosses, so support the team we have.   Bruce Dowbiggin of the Globe and Mail last week seemed to suggest that a loss of either the Phoenix or Atlanta market wouldn’t adversely affect the TV contract.

Team 1200 (Audio):  Scott Taylor joins Team 1200 to talk poor journalism.  Scott sounds like he has a personal axe to grind with Lawless.

Blogs:

The Hockey Writers:  Atlanta Thrashers 2011 Unrestricted free agents.  Since people think it’s important to keep your eyes on more than 1 team, here is an intro to the unrestricted free agents on the Thrashers.

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