I found this article, hope no one put it up yet.. if so SORRY!
www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/coyotes/article/787383--are-desert-days-numbered-for-phoenix-coyotesAre desert days numbered for Phoenix Coyotes?
Another Canadian billionaire could rescue the Phoenix Coyotes from fiscal ruin and possibly move them to Winnipeg
Published On Tue Mar 30 2010
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Phoenix Coyotes' Keith Yandle (3) gives a high-five to teammate Vernon Fiddler after their win over Colorado Avalanche at the end of the third period of an NHL hockey game in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, March 27, 2010. The Coyotes defeated the Avalanche 6-2 and clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2002.
ROSS D. FRANKLIN/ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Mark Zwolinski
Kevin McGran Sports ReporterS
Another Canadian billionaire has emerged as a possible owner in the ever-spinning saga that is the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes.
The Coyotes clinched their first playoff berth in six seasons last week – thanks in part to an offensive outburst from ex-Leaf Lee Stempniak – but could be moved to Winnipeg next season under David Thomson's True North Sports and Entertainment.
Thomson, whose True North owns the Manitoba Moose and the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, at least has had discussions with the NHL – in contrast to the murky power play last summer that saw the NHL trump BlackBerry founder Jim Balsillie's agreement in principle to purchase the Coyotes and move them to Hamilton.
"We've had discussions with Mark Chipman and David Thomson over time about their interest in owning an NHL franchise in Winnipeg," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told the FAN 590 yesterday.
"It's something we're certainly aware of. It would be one of the logical opportunities if we get to the point where this be relocated."
Daly, however, denied there was any deal to send the team to Winnipeg.
"There's no deal in place with any other city other than Glendale," Daly said. "We've heard some good information and optimistic information from people interested in keeping the Coyotes in Glendale. I think there's a fairly high level of confidence among the stakeholders they might be able to get something done."
That group may not be Ice Edge, which has been working with the NHL to keep the team in Phoenix, but is reportedly having trouble with its financing. It may be Chicago's Jerry Reinsdorf, although Daly declined to talk specifically about any group other than Ice Edge.
Daly said it is possible that, as a result of the bankruptcy proceeding, the Coyotes could terminate their lease with Glendale. Ice Edge has been trying to work out a deal with city officials with a more favourable arrangement, which may gain them leverage with obtaining loans, and with the managing the purchase price of the team.
"The contract can be terminated and in the event the contract is terminated, the result could be the franchise could be relocated," said Daly.
Relocation is the worst-case scenario for the NHL which successfully derailed Balsillie's bid and purchased the Coyotes late last summer from former owner Jerry Moyes after Moyes placed the team in Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year.
But the NHL appears prepared for such a scenario. The Phoenix Business Journal reported yesterday that the league has an agreement in principle completed with Thomson, a deal that acts as a fallback should current talks with Ice Edge or Reinsdorf collapse (and one denied by Daly).
"Due to the possible impact on both the Coyotes and our own AHL product here in Manitoba, we've actually been hesitant to engage in any discussion publicly about the situation in Phoenix as far back as last summer when rumours began to surface of the team's possible departure," True North spokesperson Scott Brown told the Journal.
"It is our understanding the NHL is working very hard to keep the team where it is in Phoenix."
Ice Edge COO Daryl Jones believes banks behind Ice Edge's financing remain "very interested in this deal," but that he would like to see talks move faster on the renegotiations of the arena lease.
"Ice Edge Holdings is committed to keeping the Phoenix Coyotes in Arizona," Jones said.
"As of now, there is no new update. With the appropriate lease with Glendale, we feel confident the team can be successful. We won't comment on others plans, though we do believe Winnipeg would be a tremendous hockey market with the new facility and the new CBA. But we have no knowledge of a plan to move the Coyotes."
The Coyotes, meanwhile, with new coach Dave Tippett, are closing in on Chicago in the Western Conference.
Phoenix beat the Blackhawks two weekends ago, in the franchise's second sellout this season, to move to within a couple of points of the conference lead. It was the club's ninth straight win."I didn't know much about them when I got here, I just knew they were playing well," said ex-Leaf Stempniak, who was traded to Phoenix at the deadline March 3.
"Talking to the guys here, they never stopped believing in themselves. They listened to (Tippett) and believed in him, he is a stabilizing effect on this team."
Stempniak, who has 12 goals in 12 games, was also impressed with captain Shane Doan."There's great leadership there. There's no panic. When we're down two goals in the third, we still expect to win. There's a lot of confidence."