A "long-running rift" between the Canucks and local sports talk radio host Dan Russell played "a large part in a decision" by Canucks radio rightsholder CKNW to replace him with Global TV's Don Taylor, according to Ullrich & Leary of the Vancouver PROVINCE. Sources said that Russell "has repeatedly been under pressure" by CKNW to have Canucks GM Brian Burke and Assistant GM Dave Nonis as "regular guests" on his nightly sports show. Orca Bay VP/Broadcasting Chris Hebb "has complained to the station about Russell, a harsh critic of the Canucks over the years." Hebb "had suggested" that Russell's "status would be tied to any future negotiations" with CKNW to retain the team's radio rights, and CKNW's deal expired after this season. A source said that Russell's nightly show "consistently cleared" a profit of C$1M annually and "carried the highest market share of any show on the station" (Vancouver PROVINCE, 6/9). ARE GRIZZLIES LOOKING SOUTH? In NJ, Dave D'Alessandro wrote that "there's talk around" the NBA that Grizzlies Owner Michael Heisley "will eventually move his team" to Nashville or New Orleans, as the team "lost a reported" $25M last year. Additionally, the team's radio partner lost $1M last year, so the team is "having trouble getting their games on the air" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 6/11).
