NHL Releases Statement About Potential Coyotes Sale To True North

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly has released a statement regarding Monday's reports about a possible sale of the Phoenix Coyotes franchise to a Winnipeg-based group, True North Sports and Entertainment. 

"In response to the many inquiries we have received in light of the story in the Phoenix Business Journal this morning, we would like to make clear that at this point in time the National Hockey League has no "deal" in place to move the Coyotes' franchise to Winnipeg -- or to any other city for that matter -- in the event a transaction cannot be timely consummated in Glendale.  Our focus continues to be on completing a transaction with local ownership that is committed to operating the team in Glendale.  Based on the communications and information we are receiving on a regular basis, the stakeholders involved continue to express a high level of confidence that that can be successfully achieved.  We will not focus on completing arrangements for one or more alternative option(s) until such time as it may become necessary.

"With respect to Winnipeg and Messrs. Chipman and Thomson, we have had ongoing discussions over time regarding their potential interest in owning an NHL franchise (as we have had with a number of other individuals and cities around North America) and potentially bringing an NHL franchise back to Winnipeg.  It remains an intriguing possibility and one we would consider given appropriate circumstances, but there is nothing new to report on that front at this time."

The league sounds committed in keeping the team in Phoenix, which has been the status quo throughout this whole process.