The Golden Knights "officially joined the NHL" yesterday after making their third and final $500M expansion fee payment, according to Steve Carp of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. Golden Knights Owner Bill Foley said, "This is the most extensive transaction I've ever done, and I've made $5 billion deals. Even my wife had to sign 20 documents." Foley said that he "received congratulations" from six NHL owners and Commissioner Gary Bettman. Carp notes the money "cleared just in time" for GM George McPhee to "actively participate in transactions as the NHL's trade deadline had arrived." McPhee: "I probably talked to five or six teams. But we think it's in our best interests to wait so we can make better decisions as we get closer to the (June 21) expansion draft." Foley, on being one of 31 NHL owners, said, "I recognize that I'm riding the bus. I'm in the back of the bus, and Gary is driving the bus. I'll be supportive. But it will be interesting to be in those meetings and see how the league is run and be a very minor participant" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 3/2). In Las Vegas, Jesse Granger notes the Golden Knights' expansion fees, which were "originally set to be completed on April 5," were "processed by the league five weeks ahead of time." McPhee said, "I'd like to thank Bill for moving this day up. He moved heaven and earth to make it happen and it's a big help for all of us" (LAS VEGAS SUN, 3/2).
