UPDATE 2/26 No more extensions in LeBreton mediation, Heritage minister says

[MNNumbers]

You would have asked the same about Vegas or Seattle just a few years ago. I just think it would be a positive move for the NHL to relocate a couple of small Canadian markets that just don't bring much to the NHL overall to bigger US markets. 2 small Canadian markets that don't seem very conducive to the idea of building their existing NHL teams new arenas so the outcome most likely will be relocation.

The difference here is that both Portland and Houston have arenas already. It is very unlikely that the taxpayers build a new arena in either market just for a hockey team. Therefore, the most likely buyers would be
...the owner of the arena in Portland, which in undetermined due to Paul Allen's death
and
....Fertitta, the owner of the Rockets, who control the arena in Houston, and is on record as saying "it would be an ok idea, but it has to fit with the business plan, because hockey struggles south of the Mason-Dixon line"

And, for this cause, it's a valid question. Now to compare with Vegas/Seattle.....

In both case you have a privately financed arena, and the hockey ownership was involved in the building. That would work in either city, if someone wants to make the investment. However, both places are different from Vegas and Seattle, in that Seattle had NO arena, really. And Vegas is Vegas....

 

[Multigrain]

Ottawa will never see a new stadium in the next five years. Lets be honest the team has a better chance of getting moved than getting the funding and political support from the current owner.

 

[ottawah]

The league isn't forcing any teams to leave their market for a larger one. In fact, the league has worked very hard to keep all teams in their current locations. Sometimes that may require lining up new ownership when the current owner wants to sell. However, if an owner wants to maintain ownership of their team but move it to another market, then that's a different issue altogether and something the league has not needed to address since Gary Bettman became Commissioner.

The league actually has addressed it a few times, specifically when Balsille tried to buy Pittburgh, Nashville and Arizona and move them to Hamilton (arguably the NYI, but that move was still within the same "Zone" for lack of better wording). Each time he was firmly rebuffed by the league who were quite adamant only they could decide when a franchise moved. Now certainly some of that was the league getting annoyed at Basillies underhanded techniques, but I would think as long as the market is proven and a building is workable, the league would have zero interest in moving that team if at all possible. They would force a sale to someone to keep it local rather than allow a move. If no one stepped up (See quebec/Winnipeg in the 90's, Atlanta lately), then it would move. And we already know there has been definite interest (devcore) in buying the team, building a new arena, and keeping it in Ottawa.

 

[MNNumbers]

Actually, unless Canadian law is different, it's not the moving that the league can stop. Melnyk could move anywhere.

It's the sale they can disapprove.

 

[DowntownBooster]

The league actually has addressed it a few times, specifically when Balsille tried to buy Pittburgh, Nashville and Arizona and move them to Hamilton (arguably the NYI, but that move was still within the same "Zone" for lack of better wording). Each time he was firmly rebuffed by the league who were quite adamant only they could decide when a franchise moved. Now certainly some of that was the league getting annoyed at Basillies underhanded techniques, but I would think as long as the market is proven and a building is workable, the league would have zero interest in moving that team if at all possible. They would force a sale to someone to keep it local rather than allow a move. If no one stepped up (See quebec/Winnipeg in the 90's, Atlanta lately), then it would move. And we already know there has been definite interest (devcore) in buying the team, building a new arena, and keeping it in Ottawa.

In that situation it was someone looking to purchase a team for the sole purpose of relocating it to another market. The example I was giving was if an existing owner wanted to move the team (i.e Norm Green moving the North Stars from Minnesota to Dallas). Another example would be when Al Davis moved the Raiders of the NFL from Oakland to Los Angeles.

 

[ottawah]

Actually, unless Canadian law is different, it's not the moving that the league can stop. Melnyk could move anywhere.

It's the sale they can disapprove.

I think the league can stop a move, although the laws are a bit fuzzy. Certainly though, just like fast food restaurants, franchises likely can revoked (that would be a drastic step for the league of course), although that could be tied up in litigation forever. In any case though, franchising companies do have a say over where franchises are allowed to operate, you just cannot simply relocate a McDonalds from one spot to another without permission.

 

[MNNumbers]

I think the league can stop a move, although the laws are a bit fuzzy. Certainly though, just like fast food restaurants, franchises likely can revoked (that would be a drastic step for the league of course), although that could be tied up in litigation forever. In any case though, franchising companies do have a say over where franchises are allowed to operate, you just cannot simply relocate a McDonalds from one spot to another without permission.

US law means that owners can move teams themselves. The league has the right to impose a relocation fee which approximates the difference in value of the two markets.

 

[Ser Grogu]

OTTAWA, Dec. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The founding partner of the DCDLS Group (“DCDLS”) announced today that they are ready to assume the responsibility of the re- development of LeBreton Flats effective January 24, 2019 upon the official dissolution of the RendezVous LeBreton/NCC negotiations, if not sooner.

“Our team has the expertise, experience and the financial resources that are necessary to deliver a World Class Project on behalf of the citizens of Ottawa and all Canadians, working together with the National Capital Commission (“NCC”), and the City of Ottawa,” said Jean- Pierre Poulin, President of DEVCORE Group.

“We seek to celebrate the National Capital Region and Canada, and our objective remains to deliver a public development on LeBreton Flats that every Canadian can truly be proud of. Ottawan’s deserve better and so do Canadians”

“We are confident that our vision, tempered by the recent work of the NCC and the City will be embraced by all. With respect to hockey, the National Winter Sport of Canada, we will still include a portion of land adjacent to the LRT station reserved for the exclusive construction of an NHL arena. We do not believe Ottawa or Canada should be held hostage one day longer,” said Mr. Poulin.

DCDLS reached out to the NCC last week to acknowledge and confirm our status and involvement and we await their timely response.

Jean-Pierre (JP) Poulin
President DEVCORE Group

DCDLS Group Announces Its Commitment to Move Forward on LeBreton Flats Effective Immediately

Hello there!

 

[Mightygoose]

Wow. This is potentially huge with Devcore making thier intent.

Not surprisingly, this is being done right before the BoG meetings. Laliberte and Desmarias have publicly shown interest in the Sens and we're rumoured to have made the offer in June but nothing confirmed for sure.

This keeps the prospects of the arena alive. The big question here: Can the NCC legally go to Devcore or do they have to start the RFP over again.

Either way, this could be good news for Sens fans. Something that hasn't happened off-ice in a long long time.

 

[TheNewEra]

Wow. This is potentially huge with Devcore making thier intent.

Not surprisingly, this is being done right before the BoG meetings. Laliberte and Desmarias have publicly shown interest in the Sens and we're rumoured to have made the offer in June but nothing confirmed for sure.

This keeps the prospects of the arena alive. The big question here: Can the NCC legally go to Devcore or do they have to start the RFP over again.

Either way, this could be good news for Sens fans. Something that hasn't happened off-ice in a long long time.

the way i understood it is that NCC can go to Devcore if/when ruddy and melnyk miss that january deadline

 

[supsens]

Wow. This is potentially huge with Devcore making thier intent.

Not surprisingly, this is being done right before the BoG meetings. Laliberte and Desmarias have publicly shown interest in the Sens and we're rumoured to have made the offer in June but nothing confirmed for sure.

This keeps the prospects of the arena alive. The big question here: Can the NCC legally go to Devcore or do they have to start the RFP over again.

Either way, this could be good news for Sens fans. Something that hasn't happened off-ice in a long long time.

Devcore talking NHL areana in a huge land development deal will not be good for them. Thats almost con man material and the NHL will have to tell the NCC and the public they are no part of this development.

 

[SunDancer]

Wow. This is potentially huge with Devcore making thier intent.

Not surprisingly, this is being done right before the BoG meetings. Laliberte and Desmarias have publicly shown interest in the Sens and we're rumoured to have made the offer in June but nothing confirmed for sure.

This keeps the prospects of the arena alive. The big question here: Can the NCC legally go to Devcore or do they have to start the RFP over again.

Either way, this could be good news for Sens fans. Something that hasn't happened off-ice in a long long time.

The NCC hasn't commented on Devcore's intent and it's not really clear how they plan on progressing. Although last week it was reported the NCC felt they couldn't fall back on the runner up and had to start the process from scratch. We'll probably find out about their next move in late January when the NCC board of directors is expected to meet. In any case all the comments coming from city hall and the feds seem pretty ticked off at Melnyk and it sounds like they're motivated to move the project forward one way or another.

 

[MNNumbers]

Could someone clarify this for me:

The press release says that they will "include a portion.....reserved for the exclusive construction of an NHL arena..."

I have 2 questions:
1- Does it mean the promise to build it themselves?
2- Does it mean they can purchase the team as well?

It seems a bit vague in those details.

 

[Gil Gunderson]

Could someone clarify this for me:

The press release says that they will "include a portion.....reserved for the exclusive construction of an NHL arena..."

I have 2 questions:
1- Does it mean the promise to build it themselves?
2- Does it mean they can purchase the team as well?

It seems a bit vague in those details.

They’ve apparently been trying to buy the team for a while now.

 

[Mightygoose]

Could someone clarify this for me:

The press release says that they will "include a portion.....reserved for the exclusive construction of an NHL arena..."

I have 2 questions:
1- Does it mean the promise to build it themselves?
2- Does it mean they can purchase the team as well?

It seems a bit vague in those details.

To me it sounds open ended to for both scenarios, either having space set aside so Melnyk can build provided he can get the financing, though I don't see how this can happen without taking on equity in the team.

That brings it to #2,the group has shown interest so I think it's more likely they'll keep that piece of land empty until they can acquire the team or work something out with Melnyk.

If they have to start the RFP process over again, Devcore can still play in Kanata while the new arena gets built, as they'll have to buy that too

 

[MNNumbers]

They’ve apparently been trying to buy the team for a while now.

You are saying that the rumors of 'offers' that one reads of on the Ottawa page have been firmly linked to this group?

 

[Grudy0]

The league isn't forcing any teams to leave their market for a larger one. In fact, the league has worked very hard to keep all teams in their current locations. Sometimes that may require lining up new ownership when the current owner wants to sell. However, if an owner wants to maintain ownership of their team but move it to another market, then that's a different issue altogether and something the league has not needed to address since Gary Bettman became Commissioner. The last time a relocation of that sort occurred was when Norm Green moved the North Stars from Minnesota to Dallas following the 1992-93 season.

The NHL made no suggestion to Peter Karmanos to sell the Hurricanes to someone in Houston instead of selling it to someone that would keep the team in Raleigh. They also won't do anything that will result in the Coyotes moving from Arizona to Houston. That's not to say that a team won't someday relocate to Houston but it doesn't appear that it will occur because the NHL is trying to make it happen.

No, it did happen once in the Bettman era, and it's specifically Karmanos - moving from Hartford to Greensboro to Raleigh.

 

[GrantLemons]

Devcore talking NHL areana in a huge land development deal will not be good for them. Thats almost con man material and the NHL will have to tell the NCC and the public they are no part of this development.

Lol what? How is this bad for anyone?

Second place bid answers question most of city has been asking: are they still willing to move forward with their bid in the event RLG drops the ball (which is looking inevitable)?

They are not intruding on anything by issuing this statement. They are simply answering what many have been wondering, and simultaneously turning up the heat on Melnyk/Ruddy, which is 100% deserved considering they've botched the deal so badly at this point.

 

[DowntownBooster]

No, it did happen once in the Bettman era, and it's specifically Karmanos - moving from Hartford to Greensboro to Raleigh.

When Karmanos purchased the Whalers he stated his intent to keep the team in Hartford but changed his mind afterwards. Balsillie on the other hand was selling season tickets in Hamilton before a purchase agreement was even completed when he was trying to buy a franchise.

 

[MNNumbers]

I found what I was looking for......Now, of course, DevCore may well be playing coy with the idea of the team, but...



Suggests keeping space open in the development for 5 years. NOT buying team. More interesting. Here's why....

Melnyk is losing money at Kanata.
Bettman acknowledges that team needs to be downtown.
Team would have to get there on its own without the ROI from the development to finance the arena, which Melnyk lacks funds to do.

What next? Is this a long play by DevCore to purchase the team later at a lower price?
If not, would DevCore developing LeBreton in this way end up excluding the Sens (they would have 5 years to make a deal for an arena if they sold to someone else)?

So, the future is still full of ?????

 

[NorthCoast]

Lol what? How is this bad for anyone?

Second place bid answers question most of city has been asking: are they still willing to move forward with their bid in the event RLG drops the ball (which is looking inevitable)?

They are not intruding on anything by issuing this statement. They are simply answering what many have been wondering, and simultaneously turning up the heat on Melnyk/Ruddy, which is 100% deserved considering they've botched the deal so badly at this point.

Yeah, it comes down to this:

NHL wants Ottawa at Lebreton because it would turn Ottawa from breakeven to a long-term profitable franchise.

City/NCC wants the team downtown because they can just give Lebreton to developers. It has to be something more exciting or city council will be voted out next election.

Devcore is rumored to have offered Melnyk 400-500 for the team already.
Melnyk wants 650 because of Lebreton opportunity and expansion values.
Devcore said fine, you go build the new area.
Melnyk failed because he doesn't have the cash to float the team if the revenues from the developments condo sales (which are paying for the arena) are slower than expected.
Melnyk still wants 650 or still thinks he can salvage Lebreton
Devcore says fine, we'll build it ourselves and then wait you out.

The NHL is truly stuck. Privately they would LOVE to replace Melnyk with Devcore. Devocre brings much more to the table as business entities and non of the sideshow Melnyk brings. But they have to support an existing owner.

A good sign in the short-term would be full radio silence from NHL. This would clearly indicate that they are at the point where they do not want to take sides and are waiting for the end-game to play out just like everyone else.

 

[Mightygoose]

I found what I was looking for......Now, of course, DevCore may well be playing coy with the idea of the team, but...



Suggests keeping space open in the development for 5 years. NOT buying team. More interesting. Here's why....

Melnyk is losing money at Kanata.
Bettman acknowledges that team needs to be downtown.
Team would have to get there on its own without the ROI from the development to finance the arena, which Melnyk lacks funds to do.

What next? Is this a long play by DevCore to purchase the team later at a lower price?
If not, would DevCore developing LeBreton in this way end up excluding the Sens (they would have 5 years to make a deal for an arena if they sold to someone else)?

So, the future is still full of ?????

Yes Devcore is being Coy about the Sens. They don't have an agreement to buy the Sens so they can't say they're buying them. That wouldn't fly with the NHL board so it would be best to comment on the Lebreton development at this time.

The timeframe of setting the land aside says 5 year minimum. so yes, this appears to be a long term play and keeps the prospects of the arena alive.

Also, I wonder if this lights a fire under Melnyk (via the board) and Trinity to settle their differences quickly to close the deal so they don't lose out.

Also

 

[MNNumbers]

The big question is still:

Does the NCC have authority to immediately turn to DevCore, or do they need to do an entirely new RFP.

If the former, then Melnyk is on the spot because he either needs to get his act together with Ruddy and proceed (which he may not be ABLE to do), or he's going to be without leverage.

If the latter, then there is lots of waiting left in this saga.

 

[Korpse]

Yes Devcore is being Coy about the Sens. They don't have an agreement to buy the Sens so they can't say they're buying them. That wouldn't fly with the NHL board so it would be best to comment on the Lebreton development at this time.

The timeframe of setting the land aside says 5 year minimum. so yes, this appears to be a long term play and keeps the prospects of the arena alive.

Also, I wonder if this lights a fire under Melnyk (via the board) and Trinity to settle their differences quickly to close the deal so they don't lose out.

Also

In regards to the tweet. There’s a couple of Billionaires that are apart of the DCDLS group (which involves Devcore) that made the bid for LeBreton Flats. One which hasn’t been all that shy of about wanting an NHL franchise.

 

[Korpse]

You are saying that the rumors of 'offers' that one reads of on the Ottawa page have been firmly linked to this group?

It’s more than rumours from HF sens.

Devcore partners want to buy Senators from Melnyk, source says

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s more recent rumblings from notable journalists and insiders.