No end in sight in Coyotes fight

On Thursday a United States Federal Bankruptcy Judge began hearing arguments from Jim Balsillie and his attorney that the Judge should disregard the NHL’s objections to Balsillie as an owner and his plan to buy the Phoenix Coyotes and relocate them to Hamilton, Ontario in time for the coming NHL season. While no firm decision was made the Judge did acknowledge that he may not be able to resolve the many outstanding issues of the sale before the September 14th deadline for bids.

Blasillie argue that this could seriously effective his bid for the team and has changed his plan to include the possibility of playing games in Phoenix even if he does buy the team. Of course the NHL vehemently disagrees with Balsillie and his plan and NHL owners recently voted 26-0 to not allow his purchase of a NHL franchise.

Now Gary Bettman and the NHL are saying that Balsillie’s plan to move the team mid season is disrespectful of the game. They argue that Balsillie doesn’t understand the trouble moving a team mid season would cause not only for employees of the Coyotes but for all other 29 NHL teams.

The NHL wants the Judge torule that the Coyotes must play the upcoming season in Phoenix with its ultimate fate to be decided later. Balsillie’s attorneys say this would effectively kill off their bid. The only thing that is for certain is each day of uncertainty hurts the Coyotes more and more.