Both sides look terrible, somehow making Edmonton look good.
Ken King's smile is irritating, no doubt.
I am curious though, what have the been talking about? They've taking years, from what I understand, to essentially get to the logical starting point. It takes two to get there.
Calgary look incompetent as a city organizationally. The major released a campaign platform that included an new arena, Victoria Park. This essentially instigated the flames poor response. Not quite sure why the Edmonton deal is not starting point (or end point).
Flames are guilty of using timing as a negotiating tool and a veiled threat with the Seattle coincidence. They could have said no comment or "we are not involving ourselves in the political campaign, but are not currently negotiating until after the election" and waited for the major to win or lose the election. If he loses, you bring Calgarynext to the next administration. If he wins, then you work towards the Victoria Park plan. I don't see the advantage in the "press conference" announcements by Bettman and King.
OR
This is planned as meetings are non-disclosure, the major wants the "against the flames, for all Calgarians" mantra to win the election, and Edwards wants to sell the team at an opportune moment.
Regardless, it comes across as childish and perfect timing to derail the team with distraction.
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