- Josh Kosman and Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Billionaire William Foley is in advanced talks with the NHL about bringing a team to Las Vegas for the 2017-18 season.
“He’s the real deal,” a source said. “He has deep pockets.”
One scenario has him buying the Coyotes and moving them to Vegas according to a source.
Coyotes co-owner and CEO Anthony LeBlanc told The Post: “The Arizona Coyotes are absolutely not relocating. IceArizona is committed to our market and our fans.”
Gary Bettman last month.
“We’re going to continue to listen to expressions of interest, and that’s gratifying that we’re getting them, but we’re not ready to go through a formal expansion project,” he said.
MGM Resorts has started building a 20,000 seat arena that is scheduled to be ready by spring 2016.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: There has been no change in the Maple Leafs level of interest in Eric Staal recently. It is possible that Staal may one day want to move on from the Hurricanes, but it’s also possible that, that never happens. He could return to their lineup on Tuesday along with Nathan Gerbe. If the Hurricanes play doesn’t improve, owner Peter Karmanos may start putting heat on GM Ron Francis to trim their payroll from $66.2 million.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Marc Staal’s agent said “there is nothing new” with regards to a contract extension with the Rangers.
“Talks are open-ended,” Krepelka said of the negotiations with the Rangers that have gone nowhere. “No deadline has been given as yet, though that’s obviously subject to change as we move further into the season.”
The Rangers are thought to be offering the same deal they gave Dan Girardi last year, six-years and $32.5 million, a $5.5 million salary cap hit. If a deal is not reached, Staal could set a deadline and/or the Rangers could start trade talks by the trade deadline day of March 2nd.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers GM Ron Hextall was on the phone most of yesterday trying to trade for a veteran defenseman to help fill the void left by injuries to Andrew MacDonald and Braydon Coburn.
“I can tell you I’m hoping to get a defenseman for a hell of a lot less than $2 million,” Hextall said, revealing the Flyers’ salary cap opening.
The Flyers have reached out to free agent Ryan Whitney to gauge his interest according to a source. Whitney had just arrived in Sochi, Russia after signing a one-year deal with the KHL team. He has an out clause.
“Ryan is signed with a KHL team as of now,” Krepelka said. “I don’t want to comment any further than that – I’ll leave that up to Ronnie .”
- Jimmy Murphy: “Anyone who thinks Habs should target Chris Kreider is simply ignorant and doesn’t understand hockey. Take off your Bleu Blanc Rouge glasses!”