Wayne Gretzy A No-Show At Coyotes Training Camp

Amid the uncertainty surrounding the Phoenix Coyotes' ownership and financial situation, head coach Wayne Gretzky opted to stay away from Jobing.com Arena today as players reported for the first day of training. Gretzky, who's current annual salary is $8 million and twice that of any other NHL coach, is unsure of his status as head coach after learning that if the NHL purchases the team his contract won't be included in the sale.

"He is the head coach of this team right now," said Coyotes GM Don Maloney. "Given the timing of the court date, the lack of decisions on an ownership position and his contractual rights, Wayne just thought it was better to sit back for a few days and just evaluate the situation and talk to people. ...

"You can understand his position. (If) he comes back in and three days later there's a change in ownership and his contract isn't valid, do they lead him out in handcuffs? How does that work?"

I can't even imagine what the players must be going through during all this. No coach, no owner and nothing but questions surrounding your organization. But it's the fans (yes, there are Coyotes fans) that are paying for this the most.

Associate coach Ulf Samuelsson will be running things while The Great One is absent.