- David Pagnotta: Markham arena information: “Mayor Scarpitti says he’s set on saving taxpayers money, and half of $325M cost for arena comes from private sector. Mayor Scarpitti says city/groups in mix will borrow, pending council approval, $162.5M and another $32.5M (per lease revenues) on the arena. The $162.5 million that needs to be raised is the responsibility of Roustan to obtain… That’s part of the MOU he signed. Mayor Scarpitti says the arena can and will be successful “without an NHL team.” If Markham city council approves the 2 MOUs (one from roustan’s group and one from developers), 85% of the $325M needed for rink is achieved. Once/if city council approves the two MUOs, best case scenario, says the mayor, they could break ground on the arena some time next year. Prospective tenants for GTA Centre include “calls from OHL teams,” women’s hockey league, national basketball league, concerts, etc.”
- David Pagnotta: “In terms of NHL team: There are 0 plans from NHL perspective. If arena is built, NHL will then consider 2nd team in Toronto area (+ min $500M)”
- Rich Nairn: The Coyotes sign Gilbert Brule to a one-year, two-way deal.
- Rich Chere: It was a coach’s decision and not an injury that saw Damian Brunner get no ice-time in the third period last night.
- Tom Gulitti: Martin Brodeur will start in net on Monday.
- Igor Eronko: Ian White, who signed a deal to play in the Swiss league, turned down a $400,000 offer from the KHL.