Quote:
Originally Posted by Resolute 14
Because there were always groups interested in operating a team in Phoenix.
There was no serious interest in Atlanta.
The same situation played out in Winnipeg in the 90s. 1994-95 was supposed to be the last year before the Jets moved to Minnesota. But when a credible opportunity for ownership opened up, the league held off. When that opportunity failed and no serious interest had replaced it, off to Phoenix the Jets went.
The other large difference is merely optics. the NHL was working behind the scenes for a long time to find an owner for the Thrashers. Atlanta Spirit never wanted the hockey team in the first place, and it was seven years from that purchase until the team relocated. Phoenix would have played out the same way except for Jim Balsillie's bankruptcy stunt. Much of the NHL's public fight for the Coyotes had to do with quashing the threat Balsillie's plan represented to every league's ability to control where their teams operate.
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The only groups interested in buying the Coyotes were hoping to get something for nothing because they knew staying in Phoenix had gotten personal for Bettman. Eventually yeah, someone stepped up with some strange financing but it hasn't taken long for them to try and get out.
As for Balsillie, all Bettman had to do was okay the move, other leagues didn't take it to court, but he chose to fight even though it made no business sense. Like most sports ownership it comes down to stroking egos and the Coyotes are all about Bettman's ego.