Posts Tagged Ice Edge Group
Glendale pledges $25 million to keep Coyotes for 1 more year … Attention now on Atlanta … Blue Jackets lost $25 million last year
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 11th, 2011
- Rebekah L. Sanders of the Arizona Republic: Glendale City Council voted 5-2 to pay the NHL $25 million to keep the Coyotes in Glendale for 1 more season as they continue to get a deal with a new owner. Despite an increase in ticket sales and season ticket renewals, the team lost $37 million last year and had the lowest attendance in the NHL. The $25 million pledge will allow them to continue to work with Matthew Hulsizer to get a deal finalized. The Ice Edge group have pulled out as a minority owner.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Winnipeg will not turn their attention to the Atlanta Thrashers, the NHL will also focus more on Atlanta.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: So with the Coyotes remaining Glendale for another season, the True North Sports and Entertainment group will turn their attention to Atlanta in their quest to bringing the NHL back to Winnipeg. The Atlanta Spirit have been trying to sell the Thrashers for several years, and there is a “sense of urgency” to find a buyer/investor to keep the team in Atlanta. Relocation is possible if they can’t find an owner to keep the team there. True North could be ready with $170 million, $60 million would go to the NHL for relocation fees. The deal could move quickly. A deal may not get done in time for next year, if at all to move the club. There are 2 local groups showing interest to keep the team, but talks haven’t gotten past the preliminary stages.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Columbus Blue Jackets have lost about $25 million this past season, despite getting $12-13 million in revenue sharing. In the previous 2 years the Blue Jackets lost about $14 million each year. They averaged only 13,350 fans each game, down 2,067 from 2009-10. They received less revenue sharing as they didn’t have the 14,000 mark, losing about 25%. They have been trying to re-do their arena lease as they don’t get any parking money, naming rights revenue and some luxury box revenue. The team has reportedly lost about $80 million since the lockout. Aaron Portzline via twitter: Despite the losses, they do not expect to reduce their payroll.
Phoenix Coyotes one step closer to being sold to Matthew Hulsizer
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on October 16th, 2010
- Arizona Republic: Chicago businessman, Matthew Hulsizer has reached an agreement in principle with the City of Glendale on a lease for the Jobing.com arena. The next step will be for Hulsizer to purchase the club from the NHL. Hulsizer is the CEO of PEAK6 Investments. The Ice Edge Group is partnered with Hulsizer.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Matthew Hulsizer hopes to close the deal on purchasing the Phoenix Coyotes at the leagues asking price. He’ll be in Phoenix today for the Coyotes home opener. “Glendale, the NHL and Hulsizer — had agreed in principle to a new lease and a purchase agreement but that final documentation was not yet complete.” The purchase price isn’t known yet, but it’s believed to be around $170 million. Expect Glendale to help fund part of the transaction. (In a post from yesterday, we outlined some numbers presented by David Shoalts).
Coyotes Sale in Trouble? Wheeler, Niemi Heading to Arbitration … Frolov to Rangers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 27th, 2010
- SpectorsHockey via twitter: 17 teams have less then $10 million in cap space. 13 have less than $5 million. 13 teams with more than $10 million in cap space, most have ‘self-imposed’ cap ceilings.
- Rebekah L. Sanders and Cecilia Chan of the Arizona Republic: The city of Glendale is saying the Ice Edge Group have not complied with the terms to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes. Ice Edge and the NHL say the deal is going forward. The group were to submit financial documents to gain exclusivity on negotiations with the city, but haven’t sent all documents, 5 weeks past the imposed deadline. Glendale and Ice Edge had hoped to have negotiations closed by the August 6th. Ice Edge believe they have submitted the documents that meet the requirements. The city claims the exclusivity rights are done, so in theory, they and the NHL, could entertain other offers. Bill Daly shot down rumors on Friday that the deal was in trouble.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Antti Niemi’s arbitration date is set for Thursday. If he is awarded more than $3 million, Mirtle thinks they should walk away and sign either Turco or Theodore.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Kovalchuk decision could be made as early as next week. Arbitrator should be chosen by today.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: After Kovalchuk and another move fell through for the LA Kings, the Kings went back to Alexander Frolov, he said no.
- Michael Obernauer of the NY Daily News: Alexander Frolov’s agent has said that they have a 1-year deal in place with the New York Rangers. Another source said they weren’t quite there yet. Frolov was close to heading to the KHL, but he wanted to stay in the NHL. He’ll take a short deal this summer, in hopes of getting a long term next year.
- Douglas Flynn of NESN: Blake Wheeler and the Boston Bruins are set to go to arbitration today. Wheeler had a cap hit last season of $2.825 million including bonuses. The Bruins could use David Perron’s 2 year, $4.3 million as a comparable. Wheeler’s agent could use Nikolai Kulemin’s 2 year, $4.7 as a comparable, with Wheeler having better numbers over the last 2 years. Clarke MacAthur was awarded $2.5 million with lesser numbers that Wheeler, the Thrashers walked away.
- James Mirtle via twitter: According to Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya’s agent, Don Baizley, they are still deciding on whether to play or not.
- Roman Augustoviz of the Star-Tribune: Nick Leddy, acquired by the Blackhawks from the Wild for Cam Barker last season, should decide in the next week if he’ll be turning pro and leaving the Gophers.
Coyotes Staying in Phoenix? Sergei Kostitsyn done in Montreal … Flyers free agents
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 8th, 2010
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Sources have told ESPN Friday night that the Ice Edge Holdings group and city of Glendale are going to sign a letter of exclusivity on Monday, as they’ve agreed on all points on in a new lease agreement. The memorandum won’t be officially submitted to the city for voting until the city and NHL come to agreement on several points, which will be discussed on Tuesday. The NHL wants the city to cover the operating losses for the team if an owner is not found by next year, which could be in the $20-30 million range. If all goes well, it could still take 4-8 weeks before a deal could be finalized. Check out yesterday’s post on Coyotes situation for some more background on what’s been happening.
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: Sergei Kostitsyn has worn out his welcome in Montreal. The players, coaches and managment have about had it with him. He’s a skilled player and could help them out now, but he’s got a bad work ethic and a terrible attitude. Players may be wanting to send him away right away, but coaches and managment are trying to keep this distraction to a minimum.
- Chuck Gormley of the Courier-Post: Gormley looks at the Flyers free agent situation this summer. Aaron Asham, Michael Leighton and Lukas Krajicek have all stated they’d like to return, but no word yet from management if there is an interest in bringing them back. Ray Emery isn’t expected to get a contract offer. The Flyers will most likely send qualifying offers to RFAs Daniel Carcillo, Darroll Powe, Braydon Coburn, and Ryan Parent.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres will be looking for a backup goalie this summer. Patrick Lalime is an option, but I doubt it, they didn’t seem to trust him that much down the stretch to give Miller the time off that he needed. Martin Biron is probably the leading candidate, though they can’t really admit it as he’s still under contract with the Islanders. The Sabres could also go ‘in-house’ with the 21-year old Jhonas Enroth who’s been in the AHL the past 2 seasons.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Kirk Maltby’s final practice/game could be approaching. Currently he plans on training this summer like he’ll be returning, but he’s unsure if it will be with the Red Wings. The 37-year old is a UFA at seasons end, may not get a contract offer from the Wings, and may not see himself in another uniform.
Ice Edge Group Now Buying the Phoenix Coyotes?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 7th, 2010
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Would someone PLEASE put an end to this ….. Shoalts is reporting that the Jerry Reinsdorf deal to buy the Phoenix Coyotes has hit a snag the city of Glendale, and they have gone back to the Ice Edge Group, who they earlier rejected. Weeks ago the city council accepted Reinsdorf’s bid 6-0 and rejected the Ice Edge bid 5-1. Reinsdorf’s bid called for subsidies for the team, which is almost $47 million in bonds and other revenues. The Ice Edge Group was approached again last week by the city, though the Reinsdorf deal still could go through. If a local buyer can’t be found June 30th, the league could sell the team to someone that would be able to move them to a different city. A report from ESPN is saying that if both Reinsdorf’s and the Ice Edge Groups bid falls through, the team could be sold to Canadian billionaire David Thompson, who would move the team back to Winnipeg.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Sources have told ESPN that the Reinsdorf deal is dead and the city is back talking to the Ice Edge Group to keep the team in Phoenix. The City of Glendale is filing documents this morning accepting a new lease deal with Ice Edge, and will be working with them exclusively. The league hasn’t agreed to sell the team to the Ice Edge Group just yet, and there are some conditions the city must guarantee to the NHL, with one being covering the operating losses next year. If the city doesn’t agree with the NHL’s conditions, and the deal with Ice Edge falls through, the league could turn to Canadian billionaire David Thompson. There is apparently a purchase agreement already drawn up for Thompson to buy the Coyotes. Thompson would then move the Coyotes back to Winnipeg. The Ice Edge’s proposal was originally shot down by Glendale, even though they had agreed to not move the team for the next 24 years (time remaining on lease), Reinsdorf’s deal would have allowed him to move/sell the team after 5 years. Where the Ice Edge group was getting their funds to buy the team has been called into question in the past, but there is word now that they have it secured.
Leafs Close Could be Close to Cap Next Year … Ice Edge Pulling Offer for Coyotes? Blue Jackets to Interview for Head Coaching Position … Kovalev Hurt
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 9th, 2010
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke isn’t worried about the Leafs cap situation for next season. “I’m not worried about (the cap),” general manager Brian Burke said. “We’re not shackled here. I don’t think we’re handcuffed. If I thought we were handcuffed, I’d tell you that.” If the Leafs go into next season with the same roster, and add Nazem Kadri, their cap number is about $51.55 million. About $55.55 million after resigning RFA Jonas Gustavsson and Nikolai Kulemin. Options they have to free up some money are demoting Jeff Finger to the minors, and/or listening to offers for Mike Komisarek or Francois Beauchemin. Tomas Kaberle is also a trade option.
- Toronto Sun: Ice Edge Holdings is considering pulling its offer to buy the Phoenix Coyotes, as talks with the city of Glendale aren’t going well.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Hickey thinks that Martin Biron would be a good back up candidate for either the Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price next year for the Canadiens.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: A reader asks Mike of possible defensemen targets for the Dallas Stars this off-season through free agency or trade. Heika lists some possibilities as: Sergei Gonchar, Pavel Kubina, Kim Johnsson, Paul Martin, Derek Morris, Willie Mitchell, Anton Volchenkov and Dan Hamhuis.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Could be plenty of trades at the Draft this year according to a half dozen GM’s.
- Aaron Portzline of hte Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets interim coach Claude Noel has had some success since he took over for Ken Hitchcock, leading them to a 10-9-5 record down the stretch, but that doesn’t garantee him the coaching gig for next year. GM Scott Howson will interview at least 6 to 8 other candidates, including Noel. On the list could be Kevin Dineen (Portland AHL), Paul MacLean (Det. asst.), Brent Peterson (Nash. asst.), Kevin McCarthy (Phil. asst.), Scott Steven (NJ asst.), Jim Playfair, Craig MacTavish, Guy Boucher (Hamilton AHL) and Bob Boughner (Windsor OHL).
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators may have lost Alex Kovalev for an indefinite period of time. Kovalev was helped off the ice in the second period with an injured left leg. Kovalev was unable to put any weight on his leg, more should be known today.
- Hockey Roundtable Podcast from the Globe and Mail: End of the line for Sather in NY and MVP talk. (How Sather is still there boogles my mind).
- Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers needed to kick start the rebuiding process hard this summer, and if they don`t, it would be a disappointment. Barnes lists the following players that could be on their way out: Charles Linglet, Dean Arsene, Aaron Johnson, Marc Pouliot, Patrick O’Sullivan, Fernando Pisani, Mike Comrie, Robert Nilsson, Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Potulny, Ryan Jones, Ethan Moreau and Sheldon Souray.
Who’ll Buy the Coyotes? The Flyers Goaltending Issues … Kulemin Staying in Toronto?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 21st, 2010
- The League and Players will be voting on whether to fast-track new head-shot rules, which will most likely happen. Francois Beauchemin said to ESPN, “But I wish the league would have taken care of this last summer like we [the players] had asked them to,”.
- The Ice Edge Group, which signed a letter of intent to buy the Coyotes, may not be front runners anymore to buy them. Jerry Reinsdorf could be back in the mix. Relocation may enter into the picture if a local owner isn’t found by May.
- Mike Cammalleri should return to the Canadiens lineup later this week.
- Matheson thinks the Oilers should trade prospect Linus Omark for the best draft pick they can get.
- The Red Wings might go after European FA, Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, offering a 2-way contract that has an out to return to Sweden if he doesn’t make the big club or like the AHL.
- Raffi Torres has no goals in 7 games since being traded to the Sabres. “I’ve been terrible; all I’ve done is given them a little bit of physical play,” said Torres.
- Steve Stamkos has a painful bone bruise in his back.
Problems with Phoenix’s Potential New Owners? Leighton back in Philly? Forsberg Done for Good? Kings Showcasing Bernier?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 12th, 2010
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