OTTAWA (AP) — NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says price is not holding up the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes, and it’s premature to discuss a Plan B for the franchise’s future.
Speaking after the NHL’s Board of Governors meeting during the All-Star weekend in Ottawa, Bettman remains hopeful a deal can be reached with one of three prospective buyers to keep the league-controlled Coyotes in Glendale, Ariz.
On other topics, Bettman acknowledged a longstanding rift between New Jersey Devils owners Jeff Vanderbeek and Ray Chambers. Describing the franchise as stable, Bettman says the NHL is attempting to resolve the dispute by having one or the other assume control.
As for labor talks, Bettman says he intends to open informal discussions with the NHL Players’ Association soon, but adds no timetable has been set for formal talks. The current deal expires in September.
