NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said yesterday the league is working on a date to begin formal talks with the NHLPA on a new CBA and it would be "probably in the not too distant future," according to Chris Johnston of the CP. The current CBA is set to expire on Sept. 15. Bettman said, "When we have something to discuss about what's going on with collective bargaining, I'd be happy to tell you" (CP, 6/19).
SEAL OF APPROVAL: In Toronto, Kevin McGran reports the NHL BOG yesterday "approved the proposed sale of the Toronto Maple Leafs to telecom giants Rogers Communications and BCE Inc." The league also "approved an increased stake in the team" for MLSE Chair Larry Tanenbaum. The Ontario Teachers Pension Plan will receive about $1.32B "for selling its majority share of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment to Rogers and Bell," which will each control 37.5% of the company. Tanenbaum will control 25%, "up from about 20, for helping broker the sale, which is expected to be completed this summer" (TORONTO STAR, 6/20).
TRUTH TO THE RUMORS? ESPN.com's Scott Burnside noted although there have "been rumors" the Devils were "headed for bankruptcy, that hasn't happened, and owner Jeff Vanderbeek continues to try to sort through" the team's financial issues. Bettman said, "They're in the process of finishing their refinancing with the banks, and Mr. Vanderbeek continues to do the things he needs to do to try and perpetuate that" (ESPN.com, 6/19).
FULLY FUNCTIONAL: In Chicago, Adam Jahns writes after pictures of Blackhawks C Patrick Kane partying went "viral on the Internet" and the team parted ways with well-liked assistant coach Mike Haviland, reports surfaced "about a once-glowing franchise seemingly in disarray." Blackhawks Chair Rocky Wirtz and team President & CEO John McDonough said that reports of "dysfunction in the organization were overblown." Wirtz said, “I don’t think there is any dysfunction. I don’t see any. I just don’t. People can say what they want. But I think people communicate well. Our record is not that bad. Obviously, we want to go farther in the playoffs, but to have 100-and-some points with a nine-game losing streak, I think is pretty good" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 6/20).
