In Columbus, Aaron Portzline reports the Blue Jackets' trade for Flyers C Jeff Carter on Thursday "sent a wave of relief, excitement and giddiness throughout the organization." It might be the "biggest trade in franchise history." Blue Jackets Owner John McConnell was "excited enough to fire emails to his minority owners to express his happiness" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 6/24). Also in Columbus, Tom Reed writes, "An astonishing day for many in the talent-depleted organization. How long they have waited to call a top-line center in his prime one of their own" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 6/24).
IN THE FINAL MINUTES: Prospective Coyotes Owner Matthew Hulsizer this week said that he is "eager for a deal." Hulsizer: "I'm still interested in buying the Coyotes but the clock is striking midnight right now. The council is considering something and we're really interested in keeping the team (in Glendale) forever." NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said a "number of potential buyers" have worked with Glendale in recent weeks. In Phoenix, Lisa Halverstadt notes "little is known about the would-be buyers or who they might be," and Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs said that she "doesn't know their identities" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 6/24).
SPORTING A NEW LOOK: The Predators "unveiled their new logo and wordmarks Wednesday." The logo "does not represent a sea change for the team's familiar sabre-toothed tiger, but it is simplified, limiting the colors to white, blue and yellow." The Predators also debuted a secondary logo "in the shape of a guitar pick featuring the state flag's three stars" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 6/23).
