Coyotes Refute Claim That NHL Is Currently In Control Of Team

Coyotes President Denies Reports Of League Taking Over Control Of Club

Glendale City Manager Ed Beasley said that the NHL, which “loaned the Coyotes money in February to keep the team in business, is now running the franchise and has promised Glendale that it would reimburse the city for parking fees and security costs owed by the team,” according to Craig Harris of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. Beasley: “The NHL is in charge of the team right now. We have assurances from the NHL the money will be paid. … We are sitting down with the NHL and working confidentially with them, and the city expects to be paid in full.” However, Coyotes President & COO Doug Moss last night asserted that the league “has not assumed control of the Coyotes.” Moss: “We are not reporting to the league. We report to (owner) Jerry Moyes. … It’s business as usual.” Beasley said that the NHL “started running the team around the time” the city was paid nearly $351,000 for past-due rent on February 25 (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 4/30). In Toronto, Kevin McGran writes even with the Coyotes’ “debt mounting, speculation growing about bankruptcy and no new owner in sight, the NHL insists the team is staying put.” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly: “I believe the Coyotes will be in Phoenix next season.” Daly also said a report yesterday that claimed the league could take over and potentially move the team “contains some inaccuracies” (TORONTO STAR, 4/30).

ROOM FOR TWO: NHLPA Exec Dir Paul Kelly yesterday on Toronto’s The Fan 590-AM said, “It’s a no-brainer to consider the placement of another team here either in Toronto or in Southern Ontario. There is unparalleled interest here. There’s no question it would draw well.” Kelly also said that though there “has been no formal request to Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment about the placement of another team in the Toronto market, he’s not certain the Maple Leafs ownership group would get in the way of another franchise.” Kelly: “If you were going to put a second team in Toronto the Leafs would rather see them in the Air Canada Centre rather than build another arena north of the city” (SPORTSNET.ca, 4/29).