In N.Y., Larry Brooks wrote the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme that "ensnared the Wilpons and has the future of the Mets' ownership in severe doubt, is all but certain to claim another victim: The Islanders." There will be "no arena in Queens" for Owner Charles Wang "or, more importantly, a potential buyer, to move the club to when the Islanders' lease" at Nassau Coliseum expires after the '14-15 season. Queens "represented the best chance to keep the Islanders here, and the Wilpons, who had expressed preliminary interest, represented the best, if not only, chance to get such an arena built." The fate of the franchise now "seems to be entirely in the hands of Wang, who has given no indication whatsoever that he plans to do anything other than run out the clock until the lease expires and then flee" (N.Y. POST, 2/13).
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Covenant between NHL and Thrashers
owners regarding relocating expires this fall |
SEVEN-YEAR ITCH? The GLOBE & MAIL's David Shoalts cited a source as saying that the "covenant all NHL owners must sign with the league, the one where they promise not to move the team for seven years without permission or even contemplate moving, expires this fall" for the Thrashers. The owners normally "would simply sign a new one and continue their business." But co-Owners Michael Gearon and Bruce Levenson "have been trying to unload the team for ages," and there is "no buyer in sight, at least a buyer who is willing to keep the team in Atlanta." Shoalts wrote if he were Levenson and Gearon, he "would be inclined to tell NHL commissioner Gary Bettman I'm not going to renew the covenant." The NHL BOG's permission is "required in order to move a team," but it "would be tough for them to say no because Bettman himself, plus deputy commissioner Bill Daly, has wondered out loud in recent months if the time is coming for the Thrashers to try their luck elsewhere" (GLOBESPORTS.com, 2/11).
DECISIONS DECISIONS: In Buffalo, Bucky Gleason noted Terry Pegula "sometime next week is expected to officially become the Sabres' owner after gaining full approval" from the NHL BOG, "which will begin a new era for a franchise looking for its first Stanley Cup and a city that has been desperate for a championship in a major sport." The "early returns on him have been nothing but positive," and it "looks like an ideal fit." But the "thanks he'll get for taking over the franchise before the NHL trade deadline is making a tough call that will help determine its direction in the short- and long-term futures" (BUFFALO NEWS, 2/13).
WAITING GAME: In Dallas, Mike Heika wrote Stars interim President Tony Tavares "has clearly created buzz" in the sale of the team, as "previously frustrated suitors are talking again and new names are being brought up." However, the "problem" is that "a lot of the due diligence done has led potential buyers to believe this team is not worth what the lenders are seeking." Heika wrote of the sale, "I don't think it gets done until after the season" (DALLASNEWS.com, 2/10).
