The sale of the Stars to Vancouver businessman Tom Gaglardi "could be completed soon," according to a source cited by Ken Campbell of THE HOCKEY NEWS. With the Phoenix and Atlanta "situations resolved -- at least temporarily in the case of Phoenix -- the NHL is thought to be turning its attention to Dallas." It is "believed the banks that are running the Stars and Gaglardi are deeply into negotiations that will see Gaglardi buy the team and half the lease to the American Airlines Arena in Dallas for about" $160M. Campbell noted after Dallas "gets taken care of, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will then focus on the situations" with the Devils and Kings. The equity fund that owns 49% of the Devils "reportedly wants out and a buyer is being sought," and rumors that Kings Owner and AEG Chair Phil Anschutz "also wants to sell simply won't go away" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 6/2).
OBSTACLES IN THE WAY: The GLOBE & MAIL's Rheal Seguin reports the Quebec provincial government is "being told that it will have to do whatever it takes if it [is] serious about getting a National Hockey League franchise in Quebec City -- even if it means sidestepping some of its own laws." Two citizens are "taking on Quebec City for a deal approved by the city in March [that] would allow media giant Quebecor Media Inc. to manage" a new arena when it opens in '15. Critics "argue the deal appears to violate the provincial Charter of Cities and Towns, which lays out strict rules regarding the awarding of municipal contracts." Quebecor President & CEO Pierre Karl Peladeau told a National Assembly committee that if "nothing was done to protect the deal from being overturned by the courts, it would create a degree of uncertainty with the NHL and derail any chances of attracting a franchise to the city." Peladeau: "The competitive bidding process and the spirit of the law was respected. Are we going to deprive ourselves of an arena and a hockey team because of a formality?" (GLOBE & MAIL, 6/3).
READY FOR ANOTHER: In Toronto, Don Peat reports the Toronto Economic Development Committee "voted to send a message to the NHL Thursday that the city would welcome a second hockey franchise should the league want to relocate another team north of the border." The committee voted 3 to 1 to have Toronto Mayor Rob Ford "write a letter to the league expressing Toronto City Hall's support for another team." Toronto City Council member Josh Colle "wants the city to make a power play for a second NHL team in the wake of the Atlanta Thrashers being relocated to Winnipeg" (TORONTO SUN, 6/3). However, the GLOBE & MAIL's Church & Grange write the fact that someone voted against the motion is a "sign that it will require some deft stick handling to get it past the mayor and city council." Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment "refused to wade into the debate when contacted" (GLOBE & MAIL, 6/3).
