Quote of the Day
"In an era when the game on the ice has never been stronger, it is just the sort of dispute that could trigger another labour war between the two sides."
-- GLOBE & MAIL columnist Eric Duhatschek, on the grievance filed by the NHLPA on behalf of Ilya Kovalchuk's 17-year contract with the Devils (GLOBE & MAIL, 7/27).
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Flash Forward
Tod Leiweke Taking Role
As Lightning CEOJeff Vinik's transformation of the Lightning takes another big step forward with Tod Leiweke agreeing to become CEO & Minority Owner of the NHL franchise. On the heels of Steve Yzerman taking control of hockey operations in Tampa Bay, Leiweke's addition to the business side brings expertise as the Lightning aim "to rebuild a brand battered by three years without a postseason appearance and two years of mismanagement by the previous owners." Leiweke's shoes will be hard to fill in Seattle, where he steered Paul Allen's Vulcan Sports & Entertainment to tremendous success. All three VSE franchises -- the Seahawks, Trail Blazers and MLS Sounders -- have excelled under his watch, and finding a suitable replacement will be no small task. While Leiweke agrees to stay on through the transition, his departure marks the latest in a growing list of troubles for Allen's sports properties.
