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Wednesday, December 8, 1999
Rumoured move is just 'nuts'
BOCA RATON, Fla. -- The Senators might not be the only team on the move next season.
If you believe the whispers in the hallways here, Tampa Bay Lightning owner Bill Davidson might try to move his struggling franchise. The rumours say Davidson would like to make the Lightning a tenant at the 20,500-seat Palace at Auburn Hills, which he owns and is home to the NBA Detroit Pistons.
But it's doubtful the Detroit Red Wings would approve without asking for more than $50 million US in compensation. Even then, few believe the market could support two teams.
"If Davidson thinks he's dying in Tampa, it'd be even worse for him in Detroit," said an NHL executive. "There is no way the Wings would let it happen. He wouldn't draw. That move would be nuts."
On the bright side, the Lightning's attendance is up 39% this season. Last year, the club averaged 10,379 at the IcePalace, but through 13 games this year, the average is 14,474.
NO CHANGE: The NHL won't be changing its schedule for inter-conference play. The board of governors had no interest in a proposal by Calgary GM Al Coates to have teams play more games against conference rivals. "We've been reading a lot about the unhappiness with the schedule, but that didn't exist in the room today," said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman ... Phoenix W Keith Tkachuk could be dealt before the NHL trade deadline in March. Tkachuk is making $4 million US this season, but will see his salary double next year and there is speculation the Coyotes don't want to pay it. Should Coyotes' GM Bob Smith decide to move Tkachuk, several teams would be interested -- including the New York Rangers, Los Angeles and Toronto. "I don't know if they'd make that move if they're in the hunt for the Stanley Cup," said an NHL executive. "To me, that's a trade that you make in the off-season. You can't question the guy's talent at all." ... Pittsburgh RW Jaromir Jagr is politely refusing interview requests and plans to stay silent for the next month.
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