- Rick Westhead of the Toronto Star: The Star is reporting that a U.S. investment company, Providence Equity Partners, has inquired about buying the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plans 80% stake in the Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment. ““Now it’s all about the financial play and the investment, not the emotion or getting into the locker room,” said Brian Cooper, a former Maple Leaf Sports executive, who is now president of S&E Sponsorship Group, a sports consulting company.” Rogers has shown interest in purchasing MLSE as well. The Teachers’ are believed to be looking for $1.5 billion. The Star has learned that “MLSE estimated it would make a profit of $105 million this year on revenue of $477 million. “
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Blues forward Chris Stewart will have a phone hearing with Brendan Shanahan today at 11 am for his hit on Niklas Kronwall. (video at bottom of post)
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson and Flames GM Jay Feaster were trying to get deal done yesterday at the GMs meetings. Garrioch’s sources said they were both working the room big time.
- David Alter via twitter: Marty Turco’s camp is looking at options beyond Toronto at this point.
- DB Galiof via twitter: I asked Galiof if the Islanders were just looking for a draft pick for Evgeni Nabokov or possibly in a bigger package. Galiof thinks they’ll eventually want to get something of value. GM Garth Snow really hasn’t been a guy to put together trade packages. They’d likely be fine with a draft pick.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Ryan Suter’s agent is in Nashville, which was planned several weeks ago. It doesn’t sound like anything is imminent but it is a positive sign that discussion are ongoing. Suter’s agent also represents 2 other Predators – Colin Wilson and Jack Hillen.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Senators forward Nikita Filatov’s Russian agent has said that Filatov is considering returning to Russia after another demotion to the AHL. Filatov’s agents says that the Senators will have to make a decision whether to allow him to join CSKA of the KHL.
- Do you think Stewart should be suspended? How many games?