A Decision Must be Made
Although I drew some understandably unfavorable responses from 'Yotes fans for my report on
the possibility of the Coyotes winding their way to Quebec City in the off-season, the truth of the matter is that all signs are pointing towards the NHL being forced into yet another difficult decision to abandon an expansion market this summer.
While the Coyotes themselves are doing their very best to provide a winning product for fans, something they've actually managed to accomplish for the past few seasons, it doesn't seem likely that a playoff run will save them from the harsh financial reality that the city they currently call home isn't interested in ponying up anymore money to keep the team there.
Following up on my report last week, further items continue to emerge in what is fast becoming a distraction to looming CBA talks. Further to news that the Montreal Canadiens failed to confirm their usual pre-season game in Quebec City, giving no reason why, the pressure continues to build.
Perhaps the Habs declined to confirm an appearance in Quebec City because they feel the building might be busy? Or perhaps Montreal felt confirming any calendar dates prior to the establishment of a new CBA made little sense. Whatever the reason, as of now it doesnt look there's going to be a Canadiens vs Lightning matchup at the Colisee next September.
But could it mean a possible Habs vs Nordiques matchup or two? Well, I think that's what we'd all like figure out.
In search of some of those answers, here's a bit of an update/follow up on last week's breakdown of the situation. (For those who missed it, I highly recommend you read last weeks article)
"Glendale Mayor Scruggs announced that the city will not put any more money to save the Coyotes. She is mad at the NHL because she feels they were held hostages. Not only will they not pay the 25M$, they want their 25M$ back from last year!"
- If you didn't already come to this conclusion, Glendale City Council wants absolutely nothing to do with the Coyotes next season, primarily because of the money they've put into what has obviously become a money pit. At this point, for them to accept a new owner and keeping the team for the foreseeable future would take an awfully large offer...one that just doesn't seem to be materializing.
"Quebecor Media freed up about 260M$ in cash […to be ready to make a move]. Source: http://www.zonebourse.com/actualite-bourse/Quebecor-Media-inc-annonce-l-acceptation-anticipee-de-ses-billets-de-premier-rang-7%BE-echeant-le-1--14222301/"
- Though technically not connected at all to Quebecor's hope to land an NHL franchise, this could be considered a "cash call" whereby the group could be freeing up money. It could also be Quebecor following through on an already established and unrelated business plan, and while it could be nothing, it's only fair to assume that anything the company does nowadays will pique interest...and freeing up $260 million in cash certainly does that.
"There was a rumour that (Greg) Jamison was about to try one last offer this week. The information was denied by Bill Daly himself who said the NHL had received no offer from them."
- The last of the possibly interested parties seems to be all but out of the running to make an offer and with nothing brewing in that department, coupled with Glendale's current stance on matters, the Coyotes current run to the playoffs may be the last NHL quality hockey Phoenix might see. Despite reportedly being close to a deal as recent as late February, in which Jamison was willing to pay up to $170 million (the price tag the NHL was looking for), the sticking point was what Glendale would be willing to help out or compromise on. As we've become all too familiar with, Glendale doesn't want to offer up a further dime, clearly the straw which broke the back on the final seemingly legit offer for the 'Yotes.
"Everyone at Quebecor are all hyped out at the moment, or stressed out because they can feel The Day is coming, even though it’s still not 100% yet."
- Though this is to be expected among a group that feels very confident about there chances, the stress factor is key here. While Quebecor seems to be putting everything together in the right way, the NHL is a temperamental group and getting too cocky or divulging too much just cost them much needed votes from the board of governors. This shines through in the final comment:
"Quebecor has a few enemies in the league, among them Jets Owner Thomson, The leafs and the habs.. Those three could find governor allies and vote against a transfer when/if an agreement needs to be approved. 23 votes FOR are needed to approve a transfer."
- This final comment speaks to the real hurdle Quebecor faces in bringing back the Nordiques. As mentioned, there are already a couple teams out there who aren't all that interested in handing over a franchise to Peladeau and co., yet tempered with the very real need to find a home for the Coyotes should Glendale give them the boot, these groups may very well be forced to swallow their pride in the name of increased profits and a much healthier market.
With so many of the variables of this situation floating in the air, it's tough to tell where the team currently known as the Phoenix Coyotes will land next season.
We're going to get a lot of official answers soon enough, the NHL wont have much a choice to address this at some point.
In the meantime, you can't help but admire the incredible play of the Coyotes as of late. Mike Smith is definitely making everyone who passed on him in the past regret their actions, and while I can't deny that the only realistic solution for the team is a likely off-season move, the longer the 'Yotes can extend their season, the better the chances of someone making one final last ditch attempt to keep the team there.
I know fans will hold out hope, but following the return of IceEdge Holdings to the picture, not with intentions of buying the team and keeping them there but instead to manage jobbing.com arena and bring in a minor league tenant if/when the team moves, it seems that even those who were once interested in trying to keep the team there no longer think its feasible.
Habs GMs Lurk Everywhere...
With 6,000 candidates up for the Habs open GM job, and counting (!!!), why not consider a candidate who is not a candidate?
With eyes pointed at Tampa Bay's management and coaching staff as possible candidates for the posts in Montreal, ie. Julien Brisebois as GM and Guy Boucher/Martin Raymond as head coach and assistant, why not look a hit higher up the Bolts management list at a guy like Steve Yzerman?
Sure, it's a wild-eyed cockamamie thought, but let's be honest, here is a guy who really wanted the job last time around but was passed over in consideration of internal promotion.
Truthfully, it's really hard, and I mean
really hard, to consider that Jeff Vinik would be interested in allowing his current GM to speak with other teams, let alone leave a work in progress, but if Geoff Molson and Serge Savard want a high profile guy who's shown interest in the job before, why not at least inquire if the Team Canada GM would be interested in considering an offer?
Sure, Vinik likely won't mind the Quebec-born boys wanting to head back home, but I do imagine it a hard sell to get him to let Stevie Y walk. Nevertheless, I'd give it a try. Cant hurt, right?
And if you're worried about the language issue, it would equate to the same scenario as prying Jim Nil from the Red Wings. Certainly something fans wouldn't mind seeing happen, so what if instead of stealing Nill away from the Wings the Habs shocked the hockey world by grabbing Yzerman from the Bolts?
I'm certainly not saying it would happen, only offering up a suggestion of a candidate many think is off the table. And though he might be, as I said above, I would still do my due diligence and kick the tires.
Could you imagine a Steve Yzerman built Montreal Canadiens? And for those owning for Bowman disciples, I don't think it would get any better than this guy.
Though just food for thought, it highlights the fact that, in contrast with how they handled things last time, there will be a noticeable difference in the manner with which the Habs conduct their current GM search.
Who's your dream candidate?
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