Posted by admin on 16th, 2009
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PHOENIX (AP)—The Coyotes are staying in Phoenix, at least for now.
A bankruptcy judge has rejected the proposed sale of the franchise to Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie, who would have moved the team to Hamilton, Ontario.
Judge Redfield T. Baum issued a 21-page ruling late Monday afternoon, concluding the June 29 deadline imposed by Balsillie did not allow enough time to resolve the complex case.
“Simply put, the court does not think there is sufficient time (14 days) for all of these issues to be fairly presented to the court given that deadline,” the judge wrote.
The ruling is a victory for the NHL, which had argued Balsillie was using the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to make an end-run around the league’s rules over who owns teams and where they are located.
“We’re pleased the court recognized the validity of league rules and our ability to apply them in a reasonable fashion,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement Monday night. “We will turn our attention now toward helping to facilitate an orderly sales process that will produce a local buyer who is committed to making the Coyotes’ franchise viable and successful in the Phoenix-Glendale area. We are confident that we will be able to find such a buyer for the Coyotes and that the claims of legitimate creditors will be addressed.”
But Balsillie, who has failed in two other bids to buy NHL teams, refused to concede defeat, saying he wants to work with the league and move the franchise.
“We look forward to hearing from the NHL soon on its view of our relocation application and an appropriate relocation fee, so as to allow the court to determine if that fee is reasonable,” Balsillie spokesman Bill Walker said. “We still think there is enough time for the NHL to approve Mr. Balsillie’s application and move the team to Hamilton by September.”
Walker said the judge’s ruling “invited mediation.”
“Mr. Balsillie is willing to participate in such mediation if the NHL is also willing to do so,” Walker’s statement said.
Baum called the case unprecedented in U.S. bankruptcy history.
“The legal issues trigger not only bankruptcy law, but antitrust law and commercial law in the context of a professional sports team, as a Chapter 11 debtor, which team has for years incurred, and is continuing to incur, very serious financial losses and problems,” Baum wrote. “No cases have been found that precisely or even closely fit this scenario.”
Walker’s statement ignored several aspects of the ruling that were made against Balsillie.
Baum shot down the claim by Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes and Balsillie that failure to allow the team, over the objection of the NHL, to move would violate antitrust law.
“This court can not find that antitrust law, as applicable nonbankruptcy law, permits the sale free and clear of the relocation rights of the NHL,” Baum wrote.
He added, “It is not an antitrust violation for professional sports leagues to have terms and conditions on relocations of its members.”
An antitrust claim requires a “bona fide dispute,” but there is none because Balsillie only sought the NHL’s permission to relocate the franchise after it was brought up in court, Baum wrote.
“This court is unconvinced that it should order that the NHL must decide the relocation application to meet the June 29 deadline,” the judge wrote.
Baum also rejected claims by Moyes and Balsillie that while assuming the contract the Coyotes have with the NHL, they can disregard the portion of the agreement that requires the games be played in Glendale.
The judge compared that claim to “a purchaser of a bankrupt franchise in a remote location asserting that it can be relocated far from its original agreed site to a highly valuable location, for example New York City’s Times Square …”
The judge’s decision is also a win for the city of Glendale, which had spent $183 million to build an arena for the Coyotes and had contended the franchise could not use bankruptcy to evade its lease.
Baum said that because he was rejecting the motion, he need not rule at this time on whether Moyes and Balsillie could void Glendale’s lease. The city said it was pleased with the ruling.
“Clearly the court recognized the significance of these issues and the unique interests of the City of Glendale and its taxpayers,” the city said in a statement. “The court based its decision on the law and facts and not on countless rumors and innuendo regarding this matter.”
This is the third time Balsillie—whose company makes the Blackberry—has tried to buy an NHL team. His made previous attempts to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators.
Moyes took the NHL by surprise when he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 5, proposing to sell the team to Balsillie for $212.5 million, contingent on the franchise moving to Hamilton, Ontario.
The NHL said that commissioner Gary Bettman was on his way to deliver a letter of intent to Moyes from Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of baseball’s Chicago White Sox and the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, to purchase the team and keep it in Glendale. However, any bid to buy the team will be far less than the offer Balsillie made.
“I think people are going to be shocked when they see the value of this team remaining in Glendale,” Moyes’ attorney Thomas Salerno said. “It’s going to be materially less than the offer we have on the table.”
Salerno said Moyes is disappointed and is evaluating his options. Moyes says he has more than $300 million invested in the team and would have recouped about $100 million if the Balsillie sale had gone through.
The NHL says four parties, including Reinsdorf, have filed preliminary applications to investigate purchasing the team and keeping it in Arizona. However, if no buyer can be found, the league would look to relocate the franchise.
Moyes and Balsillie contended that the team would never succeed in Arizona and would flourish in hockey-crazy Ontario. But the move raised territorial rights issues because of the proximity of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres.
Baum had raised the specter of a fee due to the NHL and the two teams if the franchise moved.
The Coyotes have lost more than $300 million since the franchise moved from Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1996, and at least $36 million each of the last three seasons, but the NHL contends the franchise can be viable with better management and more success on the ice.
Associated Press writers Jonathan Cooper and Mark Carlson in Phoenix contributed to this report.
Posted by admin on 9th, 2009
Senators sign Clouston to new deal
The Ottawa Senators are keeping Cory Clouston as their head coach, removing his interim tag Wednesday and signing him to a two-year deal.
The 39-year-old Clouston took over the Senators on Feb. 2, when Craig Hartsburg was fired after the team got off to a 17-24-7 start. They’ve been 19-10-3 since then, but will still miss the postseason after 11 straight appearances.
Still, owner Eugene Melnyk and general manager Bryan Murray moved quickly to lock up the architect behind the turnaround.
“Cory’s come in and done a remarkable job,” Murray said during a news conference at Scotiabank Place, where the Senators play their final home game Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils. “He’s made (the players) accountable.”
- Read more on Yahoo
Gaborik puts focus on playoffs, not next contract
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)—Marian Gaborik didn’t bite. Given yet another opportunity to expound on his preferred career path beyond this season, Minnesota’s injury-burdened, goal-scoring superstar stayed mum on the subject.
Even with his potentially final home game as a member of the Wild approaching.
“Still playing here,” Gaborik said, laughing, “so obviously we’ll see what’s going to happen down the road. But we’re still in the season right now, so that’s where my head is, that’s where my heart is, and that’s where my focus is.”
- Read more on Yahoo
Blue Jackets clinch first playoff spot
CHICAGO (AP)—Rick Nash put Columbus in the playoffs for the first time, and Fedor Tyutin capped the Blue Jackets’ big night with the shootout winner.
After Nash scored a late goal to force overtime and give the Blue Jackets the final point they need to clinch a playoff spot, Tyutin scored the lone goal in the shootout in Columbus’ 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night.
Columbus, which entered the NHL in 2000-01, was the only active team that hadn’t made the playoffs. Against Chicago, the Blue Jackets overcame 2-0 and 3-2 deficits.
- Read more on Yahoo
Posted by admin on 4th, 2008
Avery Alert: With so much news surrounding the Sean Avery situation, our new section “Avery Alert” will bring you all the news comments you need in one handy location. Don’t worry though, this section will only last a short time and will stop once we all get sick off hearing about Avery.
- Avery to meet with Bettman and the NHL Thursday.
The date of the hearing has been set; this Thursday. Avery will travel to New York to face the NHL. Stars co-GM Brett Hull is said to be traveling with Avery. (The Full Story on TSN)
- No Way Out For Avery
Ross McKeon of Yahoo! Sports breaks down the Avery situation and explains that there may be no way for Avery to come out of this in a good position. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
- Avery Apologises to NHL, Team, Ex’s
Avery’s publicist wasted no time in drafting a well written apology. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
- NHL Suspends Avery Indefinitely
After making the “sloppy seconds” comment, the NHL quickly jumped in and indefinitely suspended the agitator. (The Full Story on TSN)
News
- Fan injured in fall at Senators game
A male fan was injured at Scotiabank Place on Wednesday during the Ottawa Senators’ 5-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers after falling from the top level of the arena. The man, who Senators president Roy Mlakar stated was not inebriated, originally fell over in row D of the 300 level. He then plummeted into row D of the 200 level, falling on a woman who also sustained injuries. Mlakar believes the man was not seriously hurt. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
- Canes Sack Peter Laviolette
Carolina fired Peter Laviolette on Wednesday. The Hurricanes brought back Paul Maurice to take over as coach, and moved assistant general manager Ron Francis behind the bench as Maurice’s associate coach. Laviolette led the team to the 2006 Stanley Cup title. He’s the career victory leader among U.S.-born coaches.
Trades & Transactions:
- Anaheim acquired defenseman Logan Stephenson from Phoenix on Wednesday for left wing Joakim Lindstrom. Stephenson will report to Iowa of the AHL.
Injuries:
- Brian Rolston (NJ Devils) – Expected back thursday.
- Joe Sakic (C – Avalanche) Expected to miss 6 weeks.
- Marian Gaborik (Wild) Not yet ready to return.
Rumours & Gossip:
- What to do with Avery?
Rumours are ripe that Avery has played his last game in a Stars jersey. If that’s the case, there are a few options the team has, which include: Demoting him to the minors, buying out his contract, looking for a trade, or going through legal channals to void his contract. Either way, if it’s true that Avery is on the out, this could mean a very positive thing for the team.
- Havlat on the block?
After recent changes which ended up with Martin Havlat being demoted to the teams 3rd line, speculation suggests the Hawks could be looking to move him at some stage.
Scores:
- Pittsburgh Penguins 2 – 3 NY Rangers (Shootout)
- Atlanta Thrashers 1 – 5 Ottawa Senators
- St Louis Blues 0 – 4 Minnesota Wild
- Anaheim Ducks 2 – 4 Chicago Blackhawks
- Dallas Stars 2 – Edmonton Oilers 5
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
Posted by admin on 14th, 2008
Breaking News:
Rangers prospect dies during game in Russia
A Russian lawmaker said Tuesday that rising hockey star Alexei Cherepanov, a first-round draft pick of the New York Rangers, may have died due to negligence on the part of paramedics who responded to an emergency call.
Cherepanov, 19, died Monday during a Continental Hockey League game outside of Moscow.
Russian investigators said Cherepanov suffered from chronic ischemia, a medical condition in which not enough blood gets to the heart or other organs.
Read the full news article here
Injury Updates:
- Predators C Arnott leaves game
Nashville Predators center Jason Arnott left in the third period of Monday’s 3-2 shootout victory over the Chicago Blackhawks with a hand injury. Arnott, who recorded a shot on goal and logged 11:31 of ice time before exiting the contest, did not return. “He jammed his hand on one of our power plays and didn’t feel he could hold the stick,” said Nashville coach Barry Trotz, who did not specify which hand was injured. “So we took him out and he will be evaluated (on Tuesday). He is day-to-day, looks like just a jam, we don’t think there is any break.” The 34-year-old has two goals and two assists in three games this season. (Yahoo! Sports)
- Jack Johnson out two to three months
Los Angeles Kings defenceman Jack Johnson will miss up to three months because of a shoulder injury from Sunday’s 1-0 loss to San Jose. Johnson was hit hard late in the first period and took a single shift in the second period before leaving the game. (Yahoo! Sports)
- Chuck Kobasew: Out Three Weeks
Coach Claude Julien said Kobasew (fractured right ankle) will be sidelined for three weeks, the Boston Globe reports. (Yahoo! Sports)
- Ryan Whitney: Targets December Return
Whitney (foot), who expects to return to action sometime in December, hopes to begin skating in early November, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. (Yahoo! Sports)
League Updates:
- Bettman on NHL: ‘We’re still in growth mode’
The NHL is “still in growth mode” despite the economic downturn, commissioner Gary Bettman said Monday, noting that ticket sales have increased this season. “We’re acutely aware of what’s going on out there, but it hasn’t yet impacted us,” Bettman said before attending Monday night’s game between the Washington Capitals and Vancouver Canucks. “I have no doubt that, over time, if it’s long enough and bad enough, it will have some impact, but based on what we’re seeing right now, our business seems to be strong.” (Yahoo! Sports)
- Flyers name Barber scouting consultant
The Philadelphia Flyers on Monday welcomed a familiar face back to the franchise. The Flyers named Hall of Fame player and former coach Bill Barber as a scouting consultant. “It’s great to come back home where I belong,” said Barber, who won two Stanley Cups with the team in 1974 and 1975.. “I spent 30 memorable years with the Flyers organization and personally, everything was great. I had great experiences and a great association with the Flyers. (Yahoo! Sports)
Signings, Transactions & Acquisitions:
- Flyers get D Alberts from Bruins
The Philadelphia Flyers on Monday acquired defenseman Andrew Alberts from the Boston Bruins for left wing Ned Lukacevic and a conditional pick in 2009. Alberts, 27, appeared in 35 regular season games for the Bruins last season, recording two assists and 39 penalty minutes. He was also scoreless in two playoff games for Boston. “Andrew is a big, competitive defenseman and he skates well,” general manager Paul Holmgren said. “He will bring experience and depth to our team.” (Yahoo! Sports)
- Kings claim Clancy
DETROIT NEWS/MLIVE.COM: report the Los Angeles Kings have claimed defenseman Kyle Quincey off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings. (Spectors Hockey)
- Flyers Acquire Alberts
Various sources report the Philadelphia Flyers have acquired defenseman Andrew Alberts from the Boston Bruins in exchange for forward Ned Lukacevic and a fourth round pick in 2009. (Spectors Hockey)
- McLaren on Waivers
SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS: David Pollak reports the Sharks placed on McLaren back on waivers, not re-entry waivers. “Even if no team claims McLaren in this 24-hour window, (Sharks GM Doug) Wilson said, the waiver process could start conversations going that reach fruition in the next two or three days” reports Pollak. (Spectors Hockey)
- View more NHL and Minor League transactions at NHL.com
Trades & Rumours:
From spectorshockey.net (click to view the full report):
- NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports a source claims Marian Gaborik is seeking a ten-year, $100 million contract from the Minnesota Wild. “Good luck to you, young man. Enjoy your time in Russia”, write Brooks.
- MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE: Michael Russo reports Gaborik could become “this season’s Marian Hossa”, suggesting the Wild could indeed trade the talented but injury-prone winger if they’re unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. One thing for sure: These Internet rumors that Gaborik wants to play in Edmonton are as laughable as Sean Avery jumping up and down in front of Martin Brodeur”, reports Russo.
Game Results:
| St. Louis vs Toronto |
|
| St. Louis |
5 |
Final SO |
| Toronto |
4 |
|
|
|
|
| Buffalo vs NY Islanders |
|
| Buffalo |
7 |
Final |
| NY Islanders |
1 |
|
|
|
|
| Detroit vs Carolina |
|
| Detroit |
3 |
Final |
| Carolina |
1 |
|
|
|
|
| Montreal vs Philadelphia |
|
| Montreal |
5 |
Final |
| Philadelphia |
3 |
|
|
|
|
| New Jersey vs NY Rangers |
| New Jersey |
1 |
Final |
| NY Rangers |
4 |
|
|
|
|
| Vancouver vs Washington |
| Vancouver |
1 |
Final |
| Washington |
5 |
|
|
|
|
| Nashville vs Chicago |
|
| Nashville |
3 |
Final SO |
| Chicago |
2 |
|
Source: Yahoo! Sports | TSN.ca | ESPN | NHL.com
Technorati Tags: nhl, ice hockey, game results, trade rumours, trade rumors, nhl contracts
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Posted by admin on 28th, 2008
The answer to whether Joe Sakic would return for another season has finally been answered. The 39-year old captain of the Colorado Avalanche will be returning for another season, his 20th in a long and successful NHL career.
Sakic signed a 1-year $6 Million dollar contract with the Avalanche on Wednesday, ensuring hockey fans will get to see the captain put on the blue and maroon sweater in the 2008-2009 NHL season.
“Ultimately it came down to the fact that I still enjoy playing and competing,” the 39-year-old captain said in a statement released by the team. “I’m comfortable with my conditioning and my overall health. I’m ready for the start of camp and am looking forward to the upcoming season.”
- Yahoo! Sports
Sakic has had a successful NHL career, putting together 623 Goals, 1006 Assists for 1629 Points in 1363 games, almost 1.2 points per game.
Coming off a low season where he only dressed for 44 games (13G 27A) due to a sports hernia, Sakic will be hoping to again set himself on pace for a point a game and attempt to lead his team deep into the playoffs.
Technorati Tags: nhl, ice hockey, colorado avalanche, joe sakic
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Posted by admin on 11th, 2008
The New York Islanders coaching saga might be finally coming to an end. Isles GM Garth Snow has narrowed the field down to just 3 candidates.
After a painstaking interview process in which he spoke with eight known candidates and contacted a few others, an NHL source indicated Snow has narrowed his list to three finalists. Former Atlanta coach Bob Hartley, former Toronto coach Paul Maurice and current AHL Providence coach Scott Gordon still are in the running, and Snow is expected to name one as the Isles’ next coach early this week.
- Newsday.com
Recently ruled out of the running were former Tampa Bay coach John Tortorella and former Colorado Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville, both of whom were originally favored to be very good chances at the job.
After last seasons conflicts between Garth Snow and coach Ted Nolan, Snow is taking his time to ensure the new head coach of the Islanders works well within the teams front office system.
Technorati Tags: new york islanders, garth snow, nhl, ice hockey
Posted by admin on 30th, 2008
It comes as no surprise to hockey fans the world over, but Steve Stamkos has a date with the NHL, and today he got it confirmed by way of a three-year entry level contract worth $2.625 million, and up to $11.1 million in incentives.
“I think sticking in the NHL is obviously the biggest goal of mine right now. It’s one thing to go to training camp and get a sniff at the NHL, but it’s one thing to stay for the full season,” Stamkos said during a conference call from Victoria, British Columbia, where the Lightning are holding a prospect camp.
- Yahoo! Sports
Stamkos is rumored to be starting as the Lightning’s 2nd line center, where he could be the setup guy for a number of wingers, including Jussi Jokinen, Ryan Malone, Mark Recchi or Gary Roberts.
Source: Yahoo! Sports
Technorati Tags: steven stamkos, tampa bay lightning, nhl, ice hockey
