After confirming last week that he had been "formally
approached" by AZ developer Steve Ellman to join the Coyotes
ownership group, Wayne Gretzky said that he "would make his
decision within two to three weeks after meeting with a team
of his closest friends and advisers," according to Bob
McManaman of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. Gretzky, on Ellman: "He
made me a great offer. I think it would be a great deal to
be a partner with him. ... If I decide to come aboard ...
it'd probably be by the [NHL] draft [in mid-June]."
McManaman noted that for Gretzky, "the financial parameters
of the deal or his role in the hockey department aren't at
issue as much as whether [he] is willing to give up the
freedom he found after retiring a year ago." If he did
accept the offer, Gretzky, who lives in CA, said that he
would "establish a second residence" in AZ and "spend at
least three or four days a week [there] during the hockey
season." More Gretzky, on Ellman: "If Steve wasn't such a
good person, it would be easy to say, `Sorry, it's just not
the right time.' But he's such a nice man, such a quality
person" (AZ REPUBLIC, 5/13). Gretzky, on the offer: "It's a
great opportunity but, at the moment, the timing doesn't
seem appropriate. At the same time, it's got me thinking"
(NATIONAL POST, 5/13). Meanwhile, in N.Y., Larry Brooks
wrote that as of Friday, Ellman "was still having trouble
putting together the money to close the deal on the Coyotes,
and ... he was still looking for significant investors to
join his group. Perhaps Gretzky's presence in the
management group will serve as a beacon" (N.Y. POST, 5/14).
COYOTES SAVIOR? In Phoenix, Dan Bickley wrote: "If
Gretzky comes over the mountain to save the Coyotes, the
momentum would be unstoppable. The hockey team would have
instant credibility" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 5/14).
