Quote:
Originally Posted by getbak
Bettman is never going to say something that undermines what an owner is trying to negotiate. If he does the tough guy act against a city, it's because that's what that owner wants him to say. If he softballs it and talks about how great a market is, that's what that owner wants him to say.
I don't think he ever hinted that the Thrashers could move until the day the move was announced.
I'm sure different things are being said behind the scenes to the Coyotes ownership. A couple of months ago, there were rumours of a possible sale and relocation to Houston that was quickly dismissed. I have no doubt those reports were absolutely true.
There is almost-certainly a drop-dead date for Tempe to make progress on the new building or they'll have to do something else. The question is when that date is. If it's going to cost $20-30 million just to build facilities at the university for the Coyotes' temporary use, they're not going to want to spend that money unless there's some level of certainty that a deal can get done and the new building built quickly.
|
100% this. Although I really don't believe the Houston rumors.
Difference with Atlanta was that True North was a loud player the whole time. QC only one making any noise at the moment and that seems to be coming from the provincial government. Fertitta and Houston have been invisible in last two expansions.
Fertitta only interested if gets them at a discount.