- The Capitals and Braden Holtby are far apart on a new deal, but continue to work on a new contract.
- Rob Mixer of BlueJackets.com: (mailbag) When asked if the Blue Jackets sign Christian Ehrhoff, who could he play with.
“Typically, I don’t deal in the hypothetical, but since there seems to be a bit of conversation about this player, we’ll
take a closer look. The first thing that comes to mind is the money: can the Blue Jackets sign Christian Ehrhoff at a salary number that fits under the cap? They have $3,728,693 in salary room (according to our friends at General Fanager), and assuming a short-term deal here, the agreed-upon amount would need to be a bit lower than that to afford the Blue Jackets some wiggle room throughout the season.”If they do sign him, Mixer would have him in the top-four and top pairing on the power play.
It’s probably not close, and may not be for some time. Multiple outlets have reported that there is mutual interest
- Craig Morgan of Fox Sports Arizona: Glendale’s City Council will hold a vote this morning at 9:00 am on an amended version of their arena-lease agreement with the Coyotes. If council passes, the Coyotes will remain in Glendale for at least the next two season.
Per terms of the deal, the Coyotes will collect all hockey-related revenue streams that previously went to the City of Glendale, including a portion of naming rights, ticket surcharges and parking revenue, while the city will pay $6.5 million a year to the Coyotes to manage the arena. The out-clause that was part of the original 15-year, $225 million agreement has been removed.
The sides wouldn’t have benefited from a long, drawn out legal battle.
“We have come up with a resolution that works for both sides and is best for the team, our fans, the city and most importantly the taxpayers,” Coyotes president, CEO and co-owner Anthony LeBlanc said in a statement. “Neither side benefits from a long, drawn out legal battle. What’s important is putting this dispute behind us and focusing on growing the Coyotes business and in turn, further growing revenues for the entire Westgate Entertainment District.
“This decision will bring much-needed certainty to our fans and sponsors about our near-term future and an end to the uncertainty brought about through this legal action. We know that hockey works in the Valley and we are committed to Arizona for the long term. We thank Coyotes fans and sponsors for their incredible support throughout this process. They have proven that they are among the most loyal and ardent in the NHL.”