In fact, you would think that picking up a U.S.-based franchise would be pretty easy right now since it is reported that at least 8 franchise are for sale if there were only a buyer. The National Post suggested the other day that many are pursuing Jim Balsillie who has money to burn when it comes to buying a hockey team. But the weakening American economy and devalued franchises is not going to change Gary Bettman's opnion of Balsillie.
So when Bill "Boots" Del Biaggio, the second largest investor in the Nashvillie Predators ran into legal and financial trouble, he looked to Balsillie to bail him out. It was reported that Balsillie was willing to pay Del Biaggio well above the $30 millin he invested in Predators and Del Biaggio was eager to to do the deal. So when he contacted the NHL office, it was reported that he received a strong message to look elsewhere.
By the way, what is with all these NHL owners with fraud charges. What kind of person does the NHL attract? In addition to Del Biaggio, there is Henry Samueli (Anaheim), John Spano (Islanders), Bruce McNall (Los Angeles), and John Rigas (Buffalo). So how bad could Balsillie be for the NHL?
Well he has the nerve to covet a team so he can move it to Southern Ontario. And perhaps Bettman doesn't appreciate having an owner around that might be more arrogant than he is. So how long can Bettman undermine Balsillie's NHL dream? Well he has been doing a pretty good job so far. Although its a buyers market for NHL franchises, the message seems to be that if you bother to sell to the pushy Canadian, you might have a hard time getting the sale approve so why bother.
Here's what Richard Rodier (Balsillie's legal rep) told Bob McCown on the FAN590 on Wednesday:
"I think it will become apparent in the next week or so that the commissioner's view is that there are no circumstances under which he wants Jim Balsillie in the league if there is a scintilla of chance that he might be able to apply for a relocation of the team to Southern Ontario within seven years."Yet Jim Balsillie's NHL lives on. Good luck with that Jim.
