Franchise Notes

Luongo, Who Will Be 43 In '22, Signs 12-Year Contract Extension

ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun reported the NHL is "not impressed" by Canucks G Roberto Luongo's new 12-year, $64M contract extension and might "take a long, hard look at the deal before giving it its full blessing." Luongo would turn 43 during the '21-22 season, which is why the NHL, "at least at first blush, isn't terribly thrilled with the contract." The NHL has been "warning GMs that the league will be watching these kinds of front-loaded, long-term contracts -- a warning that was expressly made again at the GMs' meetings in March in Florida -- to try to curb what some see as a loophole in the current collective bargaining agreement" (ESPN.com, 9/2).

LOW CASH FLOW: In Manchester, Matt Scott reports EPL club West Ham United lost more than $61M (all figures US) for FY '08, which was "covered by an injection" of $49.9M of cash from former team Owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's holding company, and $27.8M of "new loans negotiated with the banks in January 2008." The team also has "net debt and contingent liabilities approaching" $163M (Manchester GUARDIAN, 9/3).

RE-IGNITING THE FIRE: In Calgary, Randy Sportak notes the Flames have "gone retro for their 30th season in Calgary, unveiling a third jersey." The uniform is a "replica to the one used when the team arrived from Atlanta in 1980 and used until the mid-1990s." The Flames will wear the uniforms, featuring red helmets, gloves and pants, "during five games this year." The team also will "wear a patch denoting their 30th year in the city" (CALGARY SUN, 9/3).

HITTING THE MARK: The Brewers yesterday announced that they have sold three million tickets for the second consecutive year. The Brewers have sold out 27 games this season at Miller Park, and through 65 games have a total season attendance of 2,480,233. Their average home attendance of 38,157 "currently ranks eighth" among the 30 MLB teams (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 9/3).