Josh Harris and David Blitzer's group purchased the team in '13 for more than $320MGETTY IMAGES
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said the league is "very, very impressed" with Devils ownership group Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment because they are "very forward thinking with respect to their views on the business," according to Corey Masisak of THE ATHLETIC. Daly said, "They’ve hired good people and put good hockey people around them." Daly noted the NHL has a "lot of smart people" on its BOG, but he would put Devils co-Managing Partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer "in the top group." Daly noted they are "big thinkers and certainly support" the NHL and can "help us move forward." Asked how the team's relationship with the city of Newark has changed, Daly said, "It’s a lot less confrontational. [Devils CEO] Scott O’Neil and [Devils President] Hugh Weber deserve a lot of credit for reaching out and really integrating themselves and being part of the community, and also looking to help move the community forward. ... I’ve seen since this ownership has taken over, it’s been a priority to really support and represent the community well and be a good citizen in the community. It may take a while, but you can see the community is embracing them back." On the potential for the Devils hosting an outdoor game, Daly said, "I'm sure there will be, but I can’t say there is anything imminent coming on that. ... We’re continually trying to invent that game and find unique interesting factors, find the right venue which is always very important. There are a lot of factors in play" (THEATHLETIC.com, 10/7).
