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.

L.A. Times:  Thrashers move to Winnipeg.   What better way to end the night then a quote by one of the best people (and this had nothing to do with his hockey skills which remain insane) to ever wear a Jets jersey, Teemu Selanne:

“I’m so happy for the city of Winnipeg and the fans,” said the Anaheim Ducks Ducks Teemu Selanne, who scored 76 goals as a rookie with the Jets in 1992-93. “It’s always been a very special place for me. There’s a reason why it’s called ‘Friendly Manitoba.’ It’s obviously sad for Atlanta fans, but it will be great to see NHL hockey in Winnipeg again.”

Montreal Gazette:  Winnipeg beats the odds, gets team back.  Manitobans never gave up hope.

Ottawa Citizen:  MTS Centre gives Winnipeg NHL calibre rink.  This is what people here have been saying since it was built.

Winnipeg Sun:  New owner cares about hockey.  He, along with Chipman have formed an excellent ownership group.

Sportsnet:  No name decided.  I think we know which way the people of Manitoba want this to go.

Kansas City Star:  KC to host exhibition game.  Let’s remember what happened after Winnipeg started hosting games….

Winnipeg Sun:  Steen confident Winnipeg will attract talent.  The chant I heard when he was speaking at the Forks was “we want Alex”.

Winnipeg Sun:  Players will warm up to city.  Rumour has it that Paul MacLean is getting looks as a possible NHL head coach.  Perhaps he would be interested in a return to the city.

TSN Panel:  The business behind Winnipeg’s return.  I have faith in Truth North having done their homework.

True North:  Drive to 13,000.  Have at it Winnipeg.  Those prices are very good Manitoba.  Sales go to the General Public start June 4th, 2011.   Congrats Winnipeg we have a new meter to follow!!

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Search for local investors failed.  Interesting that the Thrashers met with Jim Balsillie.

Winnipeg Free Press:  NHL fans heading to The Forks for celebration.  Let the party begin.

Remember follow @illegalcurve for all the latest news.

National Post: The NHL Needs Winnipeg More Than Winnipeg Needs The NHL: Exactly what Richy P said on last Saturday’s show

CBC: Winnipeg Jets deal: the investors who made it happen. A nice profile of the new owners. Includes a shout out to IC’s Dave Minuk!

The Score: The Atlanta Thrashers: A Look Back At Their Awful, Uniforms Hopefully Winnipeg’s new team will have less hideous uni’s. Going back to the old Jets’ jerseys wouldn’t be a bad idea.

TSN:  Jets still hold special place in hearts of Winnipeg fans.  They sure do but people are happier knowing we have an NHL team back.

ESPN:  Sale of Atlanta Thrashers finished.  That has to be one tired group of lawyers but at least they finished before the Cup Finals.  This group looks relieved.

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

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Thrashers, Atlanta were never given a chance.  Gotta feel bad for the city of Atlanta and its fans.

Ottawa Citizen: What the NHL’s Return Means for Winnipeg? Former Winnipegger James Gordon shares his memories of the city and looks to the future

CBC:  Do you think Winnipeg will have a successful franchise?  No doubt.

Miami Herald:  Thrashers are heading to Winnipeg.  Possibly looking forward to playing Florida this season.

Winnipeg Sun: Press conference called in Winnipeg.  So it’s official?  No not the deal.  The fact I don’t ever have to hear “the deal’s not quite done”.

Globe and Mail:  Hockey-mad Winnipeg gets ready to party.  This city has waited 15 years.  The celebration will be monumental.  Includes a mention of Illegalcurve.

Winnipeg Free Press:  True North to announce purchase at press conference.  Must be nice that Gary can finally write those words.

Detroit Free Press:  NHL mum about Wings possible move.  Tough for NHL to say no to the Illitch’s but at same time Nashville and Columbus are also highly rumoured to want to make the move.

Canoe:  Thrashers sale just a matter of time.  If this doesn’t happen today, there are going to be a lot of media personal wondering why they’re in Winnipeg and not in Vancouver.  Plus while it’s naive to think this won’t overshadow Stanley Cup Finals, you would think the NHL would want this done before they begin.

Winnipeg Sun:   Forks ready for NHL party.  Not from what I saw when I popped down there this evening.   Stage was being  set up.

Toronto Star:  Winnipeg heading into NHL’s brave new world.  Might have to ban Toronto Star articles for awhile.  It’s not that we’re afraid of the truth but I’m sick and tired of all the doom, gloom and negativity towards Winnipeg.  We get it.  You resent a 2nd rate city like the Peg’ getting a major league team.

Globe and Mail:  Thrashers on verge of ‘elite status’.  This is a very good up and coming team.  I hope the players are ready to lose that anonymity as David Shoalts himself learned when I went up to chat with him as I was waiting for my girlfriend’s plane to land from Toronto.

Blogs:

Bird Watchers Anonymous:  Thrashers chapter comes to a close.  A heartfelt tribute to his team.

CJAD:  Winnipeg news angers Quebec City mayor.  Bit of a misleading title.  He’s just upset that they are squabbling instead of putting forth a united effort to get NHL back to Quebec City.

ESPN:  Thrashers Ron hainsey prepares to move. This is the part that nobody likes, uprooting families but it is a part of the game.

Edmonton Journal:  Winnipeg hockey fans primer.    Lots to learn about our new team.

Puck Daddy:  Thrashers still selling season tickets 1 hour before announcement.  Not surprised that the ticket agents didn’t know.

Puck Daddy:  Winnipeg to announce Thrashers relocation, party hard on Tuesday.  To paraphrase U2 from a few days ago, it’s going to be a “beautiful day” in Winnipeg.

Puck Daddy:  Bettman and the Jets  – tales from the NHL’s flight from Winnipeg.  An amazing/depressing narrative for those interested in the history of the Jets move.

ESPN: Thrashers’ Ron Hainsey prepares for move I have a feeling we’ll see many stories like this. Winnipeg welcomes all of the new players with open arms.

AHL:

AHL.com:  Releases statement about True North.  Classy league that we were fortunate to be a part of for 15 years.

Video of the Day:

A convocation ceremony at the University of Manitoba is interrupted by the announcement of the return of the NHL to Winnipeg.

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:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Premier hints NHL word could come Tuesday.  Don’t think fans in Manitoba or Georgia can take much more of this.

Premier Greg Selinger hinted at a Tuesday press conference.

“Let’s make sure we’ve got the ink dry,” Selinger said. “Let’s see what happens on Tuesday.”

USA Today:  Atlanta in midst of another hockey death watch.  There’s only so much blame you can heap on the fans.

ESPN:  Players support Winnipeg getting Thrashers.  For every Ilya Bryzgalov, there’s a Ian White or Jeff Tambellini or Kevin Bieksa.

Globe & Mail:  Atlanta Thrashers set to move to Winnipeg. The man who broke the news last night, Stephen Brunt, updating the article he wrote which started the insanity.

TSN:  Winnipeg’s entry will require support of most owners.  Guess the owners have to decide if they want to be holding the bag for another franchise.

Canoe:  Thrashers still selling tickets.  Why wouldn’t they?  Its business as usual until they hear differently.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Bettman wants to make Thrashers’ sale hurt for Spirit.  GB gets to put the screws to Atlanta ownership.  Of course the Commish didn’t look too pleased receiving the news last night at the Bruins/Lightning game.  Anyone else note the irony that he got the news via a Blackberry?  Revenge for Balsillie?

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

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Fans still planning to attend Thrashers’ select-a-seat event.  I have a lot of respect for the fans of the Thrashers.  As we discussed with Thrashers Goalie Chris Mason, they definitely have a dedicated fan base, who know their stuff.

CTV:  A look back at Winnipeg’s hockey history.  We may not have won any Cups but we sure had some great teams/players.

Globe & Mail:  Thrashers failure rests with Owners (and NHL too).  I’d like to say Worst Owners ever but I’m not sure these guys would qualify as NHL’s worst.

CBC:  Winnipeg fans cheer possible return of NHL.   Our own Michael Remis went down to Portage & Main and took photos and videos of the impromptu celebration which you can find on our twitter feed.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Don’t moan about Province wanting to help with NHL.  I like what Lawless has to say.

National Post:  Is NHL coming to a city near you?  Taking a look at all the cities that could get an NHL team.

Boston Globe:  Move of Thrashers denied?  Watching GB shake his head at last night’s Boston/Tampa game showed he wasn’t too happy with the news getting out.

The Province:  Deal to bring NHL team to Winnipeg ‘done’.  Always nice when the print media out East gives Winnipeg credit.

Toronto Sun: Cool your Jets.  I think as was displayed last night at Portage & Main, people want an NHL team.  Here’s a shot as the first group of Jets fans rush Portage & Main.

Sportsnet:  Reflection of the Past.  Brophy discusses the potential new team coming to Winnipeg and how it is similar to our teams of the past.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Our cash, arena go well together.  Here is some info for those concerned about the Province spending money on NHL hockey.

Atlanta Journal Constitution:  Deal not done to sell and move Thrashers.    Vivlamore has been on top of this story from Atlanta.

Blogs:

Progressive Winnipeg:  Chants from the Portage & Main impromptu rally.  It may be in no particular order but #1 is my favorite.

Oil on Whyte:  Go on and believe the hype.  We already are.  And while I have pulled for teams during the last 15 years that I hated growing up, I’m looking forward to regaining that rivalry with Edmonton, Calgary & Vancouver.

Deadspin:  Don’t cry for me Phillips Arena. If speculation is true that the arena will make more money without the 40 something nights of hockey per season, I guess arena won’t be crying.

Capitals Insider (Washington Post):  How the Thrashers’ fate impacts Capitals.  Looking forward to the possibility of seeing Alexander Ovechkin 3 times next season.

SB Nation Detroit:  Possible NHL realignments scenarios.  This is the kind of speculation people in Winnipeg appreciate.

On the Forecheck:  If the Atlanta Thrashers move to Wpg but stay in Southeast. That’s a lot more travel then anyone else, but with a young team, perhaps they could get past that.

Puck Daddy:  They’re partying in Winnipeg.  Yes we are and it doesn’t look like it will stop until someone tells us differently.

The Spin (Toronto Star):  The soap opera turns.   More drama for the NHL.

Ice Man (AJC):  Do the right thing Atlanta Spirit…for once.  The people who always lose are the fans.

The Hockey News:  Thrashers on verge of move.  Shocker, NHL trying to get as much as they can out of Winnipeg.

Bird Watchers Anonymous:  Calm down everyone.  Nothing to see here.  Sale is not final.  So much misinformation.  We will continue to monitor the situation.

Tweet of the Day:

Instead of our usual Tweet of the Day, Lindsay Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press has been capturing the excitement of Social Media from across the land.