- Barbara Ross and Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News: Andrew Barroway has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Islanders owner Charles Wang for backing away from handshake deal to sell the team for $420 million. The suit alleges that once Wang found out the LA Clippers sold for $2 billion dollars, Wang wanted to increase the sale price to $548 million. The lawsuit claims they “shook their hands on an agreement” for $420 million.
“The failure to follow through with the sale has caused NY ICE irreparable harm” and if the deal can’t go forward, the firm says in court papers, “NY ICE is entitled to the $10 million ‘break up’ fee to which the parties agreed” or to be reimbursed for its costs and losses. The deal negotiated in March called for NY ICE to acquire 100% of the equity in the Islanders and Wang’s corporations, CBW Inc. CBW LP and CBW LLC, would get a 25% interest in NY ICE.
- Joe Smith: Former Lightning forward Ryan Malone’s disposition hearing continued yesterday for his DUI and cocaine possession charges. They are likely working on a deal.
- Dan Rosen: The Kings will retire Rob Blake’s No.4 jersey on January 17th when they play the Ducks. He’ll be entering the Hall of Fame this year.
- Renaud Lavoie: The league officials (refs) are looking for a new CBA, with a meeting taking place today in Toronto.