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Stumbling block for Coyotes sale … Leclaire injured … Fraser out 4-6 weeks … Lydman game time decision
Mark Easson
David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer has an agreement in principle with the City of Glendale which could give him $100 million from parking, taxes and property levies to help cover losses, on a multi-year lease. Despite this positive news for Coyotes fans in Phoenix, the bad news follows in that he wants a big discount on the $165 million purchase price. The NHL bought the team for $140 million. They have until Dec. 31st to find local buyer or the team could be up for relocation. The NHL already has bid from Winnipeg based True North Sports and Entertainment Ltd. for at least $165 million. An NHL governor has said that Hulsizer was told by Gary Bettman that the team would not be sold for less than what the team has cost the league. They may have put up $175 million, with the City of Glendale kicking in $25 million. According to a report in the Arizona Republic, the City of Glendale owes a total of $500 million for sports facilities it’s built, $180 for the Jobing.com arena.
Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators lone bright spot this season is out with a lower-body injury. Pascal Leclaire last just over 2 minutes into the game last night, suffering the injury during a scrum. The severity of the injury is unknown at the moment. Brian Elliot would be starter if Leclaire is out, Robin Lehner may get the call to back him up as Mike Brodeur is out with an injury.
Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record: The New Jersey Devils have lost defenseman Mark Fraser for 4-6 weeks after a pin was inserted into his fractured right hand. No decision has been made yet if he’ll be placed on IR. Anton Volchenkov will miss tonight’s game against the Avalanche, but they will not say if he’s out tomorrow night or not. Brian Rolston’s hernia surgery was successful, he’ll be out 4-6 weeks.
Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: It won’t be known probably until after the pre-game warmup if Anaheim Ducks Dman, Toni Lydman, will make his season debut. Lydman hasn’t played a game since last April, and missed all of training camp. Andreas Lilja is still waiting to get his work visa.
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Colorado Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson will be a UFA at seasons end, and Dater wonders if he’d take a ‘hometown’ discount on an extension. The Avs were a team that offered Anderson a chance to be a #1 goalie. He could get $4.5 million a year offer if he put played like he did last year. If Anderson and Avs can’t get a deal done, they can not left him go for nothing.
Brett Cyrgalis of the NY Post: NY Islanders rookie Nino Niederreiter is making his case to stay with the club beyond 9 games. He’ll play is 4th game tonight, the 9th game would be Oct. 27th. Niederreiter scored his 1st NHL goal on Tuesday. “He’s got a good head on his shoulders,” Gordon said. “I think he’s a focused individual. He doesn’t just take anything for granted. He works at things. He’s a good listener. Those are the things that, as a coach, you can’t take for granted because not every 18-year-old is like that.”
Jeff Klein of the NY Times: NY Rangers captain Chris Drury will return to the lineup tonight against the Maple Leafs, and will likely replace Erik Christensen (groin) centering Marian Gaborik and Alex Frolov. Matt Gilroy will make his season debut replacing Mike Sauer.