NHL BOARD SET TO MEET IN NEW YORK: EXPANSION TOPS MENU

     NHL governors meet in New York today and the "topic of
expanding to possibly 28 teams from 26 will be high on the
checklist," according to Wharnsby & Hornby of the TORONTO SUN.
Maple Leafs President Cliff Fletcher: "I think there will be
quite a debate, not if we will expand, but when.  The health of
some franchises are in question right now.  Some teams want to
wait (on expansion). Some teams want to go after it right now."
Also facing the board are ownership issues with the Panthers, who
wish to go public, and the proposed sale of half of the Lightning
(TORONTO SUN, 9/25).