With the NHL Panthers securing an $86M bailout package this week, attention has shifted back toward the Hurricanes as a "possible relocation target," but team Owner Peter Karmanos Jr. "did his best to quell those rumblings" at the conclusion of the league BOG meetings in Pebble Beach, according to Frank Seravalli of TSN.ca. Karmanos said, "There’s never been a discussion of any kind with anybody with the Hurricanes on that. We have one of the best arena deals in the league, if not the very best. We’ve been there almost 20 years. That’s our home. That’s where we’re going to stay.” Seravalli noted the Hurricanes are "last in the NHL in average attendance with just 10,759 fans through 16 home dates this season," which is less than 58% capacity of PNC Arena. Interest has "waned with the Hurricanes qualifying for the playoffs just once since winning the Stanley Cup" in '06. Karmanos, who is shopping his share in the club, said, “Even when I’m gone, the team isn’t going anywhere. Because of the deal we have with the arena in Raleigh is so lucrative. You would have to be an idiot to move it.” Seravalli noted local investors are "believed to be interested in purchasing the Hurricanes, but Karmanos does not want to relinquish complete control of the team" (TSN.ca, 12/9).
