As the Devils prepared to play the Bruins in Game 2 of the
playoffs, rumors of the team's move to Nashville "fueled
speculation and discussion" around the team, according to today's
N.Y. TIMES. And, top Devils officials "keep refusing to deny the
rumor." Yesterday, Nashville Mayor Phil Bredesen and City
Council officials held a news conference announcing the formation
of a sports authority to look into the possibility of attracting
an NHL franchise to the city. According to Bredesen, Devils
Chair John McMullen visited Nashville and inspected the new
20,000-seat arena. Devils President and GM Lou Lamoriello
acknowledged that McMullen was in Nashville, but said it was for
a celebrity golf tournament (Alex Yannis, N.Y. TIMES, 5/9). In
Toronto, Bob McKenzie writes, "There's a better than even chance
there'll be as many as three relocations alone in the next month
or two." On the Devils, McKenzie writes that they are "going to
move. Only question is whether it's now or in a few years" On
Quebec, he writes, "There is a much better chance of the
Nordiques leaving La Belle Province than there is of them
staying" (TORONTO STAR, 5/9).
