NHL Plans for Winnipeg team on Schedule

The Coyotes are practically one foot out the door now that the main two competing investors that were willing to keep the Phoenix Coyotes back in Arizona have been frustrated with every road block known to man. So, having an investor who is willing to buy the team and return them to Winnipeg as early as next season.

Schedule makers have built a model which sees Winnipeg in the Northwest Division alongside Vancouver, Calgary, Minnesota and Edmonton. The current fifth team, Colorado, would fill the Phoenix void in the Pacific Division.

I like the potential re-alignment that would correct a glaring geographical error. But I suspect that the divisions were set up so that more parity could be achieved and not all of the powerhouse teams would be in one division to themselves. This move would mean a real heartbreak to a set of fans who have loyally supported hockey in the desert. They successfully fought off "the Carpetbagger" now only to see that the Coyotes may return back to the city that they once called home. On one hand - this is only fair for them to go back to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and not elsewhere.

Of course, this news has really got a lot of Canadians psyched and the tinfoil toque wearing canuckleheads speculating in overdrive. I have tried and tried to talk sense into the thick headed and stubborn fans who think that hockey still isn't viable to the United States. The anecdotal visual evidence suggests that fans would support a winning franchise in warm climates. But that is an blog argument for another time.

I have often wondered just what would the Winnipeg Jets Rebook EDGE jerseys look like had they continue to stay there the whole time. Would it be similar to the Blue Jackets with red piping and blue arm sleeves.

This story is developing, so I am sure to follow this as the deadline approaches for the NHL to sell the team to a buyer who will either keep it in Phoenix or move it back to Winnipeg for the next 2010-2011 season.

[Via: Rogers Sportsnet]

Gretzky Resigns as Coyotes Coach

So, the experiment of having the "Great One" spend his notoriety capital on a non-traditional hockey market is over now that Wayne Gretzky has resigned as head coach of the struggling Phoenix Coyotes franchise.

This was a difficult decision that I've thought long and hard about," Gretzky said. "We all hoped there would be a resolution earlier this month to the Coyotes ownership situation, but the decision is taking longer than expected.

"Since both remaining bidders have made it clear that I don't fit into their future plans, I approached general manager Don Maloney and suggested he begin looking for someone to replace me as coach. Don has worked hard and explored many options. I think he has made an excellent choice, and so now it's time for me to step aside."

I wouldn't know what to call this since this situation has nothing at all have any resemblance to successful. Did Gretzky's tenure stave off the inevitable bankruptcy situation just a few years later? Anyone can see that the team is being held together with bailout money, but the impact value of the Gretzky name is almost now immeasurable considering Wayne is only a minuscule percentage of the franchise's problems.

In his place, Dave Tippet, a well-respected coach recently ousted from Dallas, will now take over along with recently hired Dave King as an assistant. I expect good things to come of this choice. Tippet was instrumental in navigating the Dallas Stars' success as a perennial top contender each of the 6 seasons. He also knows the Pacific Division well which will benefit the Coyotes in the short term.

[Via: 570AM News]

Phoenix Coyotes Bankrupt but Find Buyer

Despite the news of a great playoff season, Jim Balsillie has put in another bid to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes - on the condition of intending to move the team to Southern Ontario Canada.

The Coyotes filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday. The filing included the proposed sale of the franchise to PSE Sports & Entertainment, which would move the franchise to southern Ontario.

While it is true that a stable business owner with deep pockets, the ripping apart of a hockey team and the community to which supported it is one of the cruelest scenarios that could possibly be the conclusion. If the team must move, then the only city it should go is Winnipeg.

Balsillie has offered $212.5 million for the franchise, which has spent the past 12 seasons in the desert since leaving Winnipeg, Manitoba prior to the 1996-97 season.

Duplicitous in this agreement is current owner Jerry Moyes who has agreed to put the team up for chapter 11 bankrupsy, but chose not to keep things in-house. Speculating, his attempt at selling the team will be brought to light to embarrass the entrenched NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

"The current team ownership asked that I table an offer to purchase the Coyotes and significant discussions resulted in an offer that is in the best interests of the franchise, the NHL, and the great hockey fans of Canada and southern Ontario," Balsillie said Tuesday in a statement.

And this is why Balsillie has earned the permanent moniker of "Carpetbagger" because of his desire to rob American teams away and "repatriate" them using questionable means to shirk the NHL rules in the process.

Phoenix Coyote fan support is crucial during this process. They must stand up to the bigotry of some Canadians and media elites who do not want non-traditional markets having hockey franchises.

[Via: ESPN.com]