From TSN: “This was a difficult decision that I’ve thought long and hard about,” Gretzky said in a statement. “We all hoped there would be a resolution earlier this month to the Coyotes ownership situation, but the decision is taking longer than expected. Since both remaining bidders have made it clear that I don’t fit into [...]
From TSN: Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie has pledged to keep the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale this season if he wins an auction for the financially troubled club. His lawyers say the club would play in Glendale this season, which opens Oct. 3, but Balsillie still intends to move the team to Hamilton as part of [...]
Where to start with the Coyotes? Lost amid all the summer hubbub is the fact that a young team with a great core calls the desert home. Despite a 36-39-7 record last season (79 points) and a 13th place in the West finish, the Coyotes have some pieces in place that should allow them to [...]
Stanley Cup Final Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4) Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart says it is “kind of surreal” to have your season success determined by just one game. Wings GM Ken Holland says that in this situation, you cannot let your mind wander off. Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma really doesn’t remember [...]
From Paul Waldie of the Globe & Mail: In a one-sentence notice issued Thursday, Judge Baum said he will make one ruling on all of the issues heard Tuesday. “The court advised those present that he will not be setting a separate hearing on relocation and fee issue. It will be dealt with in the [...]
From Dave Naylor of the Globe & Mail: Ted Rechtshaffen was performing due diligence for a client who is looking to sell his share in a current NHL team when he started crunching numbers on such things as ticket prices, attendance and market size to see which NHL markets made sense. His conclusions? Size of [...]
Stanley Cup Final Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4) Writing for USA Today, Jacques Demers likes the Wings in Game 7. (Writer’s note: Kelly Hrudey also picked the Wings last night on the IllegalCurve.com Radio Show.) (Second writer’s note: You figure if Demers is submitting a piece to USA Today, they could at least [...]
From TSN: Balsillie has offered US$212.5 million to purchase the Coyotes, conditional on a move to Hamilton and closing by month’s end. However, Balsillie lawyer Susan Freeman said her client would walk away if the relocation fee was too exorbitant. On Wednesday, Balsillie seemed to leave the door open. “However it works out, the issue [...]