OILERS UPDATE: LARGUE HAS POSITIVE TALKS WITH LOCAL GROUP

          N.Y. investment banker Michael Largue says that his
     chances of buying into the NHL Oilers "are looking brighter
     after a meeting with local investors" in N.Y. yesterday,
     according to Bart Johnson of the EDMONTON SUN.  Largue: "I
     think we can save the Edmonton Oilers" (EDMONTON SUN, 2/26).
          MONEY TRAIL: Meanwhile, local investors "won't be
     proceeding" with their request for the city to provide up to
     C$14.2M in operating capital for the team.  Spokesperson Cal
     Nichols gave no reason as to why the group abandoned its bid
     for the city's assistance (MacDonald, Farrell & Geddes,
     EDMONTON JOURNAL, 2/26).  The Edmonton Sun, Edmonton Journal
     and two other local groups joined to pledge a total of
     C$2.2M over three years for the Oilers to use for operations
     (EDMONTON SUN, 2/26).  Journal publisher Linda Hughes did
     not confirm the contribution, but said the newspaper "is
     considering several options" (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 2/26).