Franchise Notes

In St. Louis, Jeremy Rutherford writes the question going around the Blues organization is whether team President of Hockey Operations John Davidson “will continue to grow” with the club. New Blues Owner Tom Stillman “is [in] the middle of determining the structure of the Blues' front office, and despite the fact that Davidson just finished the first year of a four-year contract, there are no assurances he will remain with the team.” Rutherford notes Davidson has a "window" in his deal, which “triggered when the ownership change took place and opened for an unspecified limited time, allowing him to seek employment outside of the organization.” There are reports that Davidson “has spoken with Calgary,” but he “flatly rejected the speculation as untrue” (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 5/25).

SEEKING STABILITY: In Phoenix, Sarah McLellan writes the “sideshow that’s evolved without an owner" is a factor and could impact players’ decisions to stay with the Coyotes. And with the “scrutiny surrounding prospective owner Greg Jamison and the likelihood that he acquires the team at its peak, the buffer is fading.” Coyotes LW Ray Whitney, who is eligible for free agency after this season, said, "I don't want to go through another year and be a doormat in the league where you don't have ownership and people to stand up for you" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 5/25).

SHAKE IT UP: Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said that he “still relishes his job with the Lakers and intends to be back calling the shots next season rather than inquire about one of the general manager vacancies around the league.” Kupchak: “If I weren't here, (Lakers owner) Dr. (Jerry) Buss would probably get 50 phone calls from present and former GMs that would love to have this job. That's because it's the best job in the league." Kupchak said that a “shakeup is in store for the franchise.” ESPN L.A.'s Dave McMenamin noted, “Nearly half the Lakers roster is set to become free agents this offseason, accounting for the entire bench, except” G Steve Blake (ESPNLA.com, 5/23).

TELL IT TO THE JUDGE: In Toronto, Rick Westhead writes the Blue Jays are “accusing a former top executive of breaking a confidentiality agreement by discussing the team’s financial and attendance records with the media after he was fired.” The Blue Jays “made the claim against” former VP/Ticket Sales & Service Patrick Elster in court documents in a lawsuit filed in Ontario Superior Court. Elster is “suing the club for $135,000 for breaching the terms of his severance agreement.” He worked for the team from December ‘03 until June '08. The Blue Jays also "want Elster to pay $300,000 for breaking his confidentiality agreement" (TORONTO STAR, 5/25).