Josh Koshman of the NY Post: Devils owner Jeffrey Vanderbeek is close to a deal with the lenders to remain in control of the team. A source said the deal would give Vanderbeek another 2 years to refinance the debt or to sell the team.
The Fourth Period: The Fourth Period has learned that Calgary billionaire Bill Gallacher is interested in purchasing the NJ Devils. Gallacher tried to buy the Stars in the past, but lost out to current owner Tom Gagliardi.
The Fourth Period: The Stars and Jamie Benn remain in constant communication. The RFA is looking for a deal closer to Jeff Skinners 6 year, $34.35 million contract than Max Pacioretty’s 6 year, $27 million deal. A deal is not believed to be imminent.
Darren Dreger via twitter: Rick Nash and his agent say Nash has no plan to play for Davos if there is a lockout.
Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: Joe Thornton’s agent shot down rumors that he would play in Switzerland if there was a lockout.
Sportsnet.ca: A report is saying that Henrik and Daniel Sedin will remain Vancouver if there is a lockout and not play for Modo.
Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: If there is a lockout, it would give Maple Leafs Matt Frattin time to fully heal from a knee injury he suffered in last years AHL playoffs.
TSN: The CRTC approved the sale of MLSE to the Bell and Rogers. MLSE owns the Maple Leafs, Raptors, Toronto FC, Leafs TV, Gol TV, NBA TV Canada and 2 services that haven’t been launched yet. Bell and Rogers will pay about $533 million for 37.5% of MLSE.
Alan Walsh via twitter: “Want to hear what people working with teams really think, ask Bettman to remove the threat of massive fines for anyone who speaks publicly. ” … “It’s true. Any NHL owner, GM or team employee that makes an unauthorized public comment about CBA is subject to a massive fine by Bettman.”
