In Phoenix, Lisa Halverstadt reports NBC analyst and former NHLer Jeremy Roenick is "now part of a group interested in buying" the Coyotes. Roenick said that he was "approached weeks ago by ex-San Jose Sharks Chief Executive Officer Greg Jamison, who has expressed interest in the team." Roenick added that he "could not place a time frame on a potential deal" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 2/10). Meanwhile, Halverstadt notes Glendale and hockey officials "won't offer anything definitive" on the Coyotes ownership saga, but they "will say what won't work: a proposal floated by a potential City Council candidate for fans to buy the team." NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said that NHL bylaws "prohibit such an arrangement" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 2/10).
ON THIN ICE: The Blue Jackets have a 15-33-6 record through Thursday, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said that he is "aware of how frustrated" the team's fans are about another losing season. The AP's Rusty Miller noted Bettman is "also certain that the franchise has the right people in charge to turn the sorry club around." Bettman: "I'm aware of the fact that there's a little bit of frustration by some fans in the on-ice performance. I can assure you, because I know it firsthand, there is nobody more frustrated than ownership and management. And nobody more committed to getting it right on the ice than ownership and management. I have no doubt about the future of this franchise because it's in extremely strong, committed hands." A few hundred Blue Jackets fans "held a rally recently to protest the club's front office" (AP, 2/9).
SURVEY SAYS: A report from the Conference Board of Canada Thursday indicated that Canada "would be able to support up to two more NHL teams." The report stated Hamilton and Quebec City "appear to be viable locations for NHL franchises." The GLOBE & MAIL's James Mirtle noted the Conference Board is "not as bullish on putting a second team in Toronto, however, given the acquisition cost and/or territorial rights fees involved" (THEGLOBEANDMAIL.com, 2/9). Meanwhile, the GLOBE & MAIL's Paul Waldie notes the Conference Board's study "paints an uncertain future and says Winnipeg isn’t large enough to support the Jets," the CFL's Blue Bombers and the city's "other entertainment options." The study stated that Quebec City "will face similar issues if it lands an NHL franchise" (GLOBE & MAIL, 2/10).
