- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning Star: The Dallas Stars are looking for future revenue sharing money. The Hockey News reported earlier this week that they’ve already received $8 million, but other reports are that they are in process of finding out how they can get some extra money. The lenders who are in control of the team after the Hicks Sports Group defaulted on $525 million in loans, doesn’t want to put the team into “bankruptcy because of complications and the possible loss of control over the sale.” The Stars have asked the league for an advance on revenue sharing, which would come in a line of credit.
- Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun: Friesen looks at if Winnipeg has enough corporate support necessary for the survival of an NHL team.
The Sun contacted about one-third of the luxury suite holders at MTS Centre, and 17 of the 25 executives we reached said they would renew their suites at our predicted NHL price, which is triple the current rate.
Three more said they’d reduce their portion of their suites but stay involved, while three said they weren’t sure.
Just two of the 25 said the high price tag would force them out of the game.
They would expect the corporate suites to be about $180,000 a year. In comparison, the Oilers start around $150,000. Some people don’t think a Winnipeg NHL could survive long term, and the city may be better off without it, as people would spread their money around. Now, saying you would pay $180,000 is a lot different than when you have to actually pay $180,000. I’m still not sure the city can support a team to where it’s close to or is profitable.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will be out at least a week. The hit between Doughty and Erik Cole was deemed incidental by the league, and no punishment will be handed to Cole. “What they said is that wasn’t necessarily trying to hit Doughty but they both turned,” Lombardi said. “Whether you agree with that or not, the logic, I get. It’s not inconsistent with the way the rule is designed.”
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Ethan Moreau will be out 4-6 weeks following surgery to repair at least 2 broken bone in his right hand.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: San Jose Sharks goaltender Thomas Greiss was assigned to Brynas of the Swedish Elite League as Alex Stalock took control of the #1 spot in Worcester (AHL). Greiss has really fallen this year. Before they signed Antti Niemi he was to battle Antero Niittymaki for the #1 spot with the Sharks, he cleared waivers, and then can’t get win starting spot with their farm club.
- Wayne Scanlan in the Ottawa Citizen: The Senators expect their veterans to come around, but they are playing close attention to their young guys, especially on the backend. Erik Karlsson is taking the brunt of criticism. Some are saying he’s not in as good of shape as he was last year. The loss of Filip Kuba (broken leg) has thrown the defensive pairings out of whack, he is skating but not with teammates yet.