Daly Has Strong Words for Balsillie

It has become quite clear that the NHL intends to keep the struggling Phoenix Coyotes where they are. Unless the bankruptcy court decides in favor of a bid from Blackberry founder Jim Balsillie, there is little chance the franchise will relocate.

This sentiment was made even stronger Friday, when league deputy commissioner Bill Daly spoke to The Canadian Press.

Daly was emphatic that the league intends to solve the issues in Glendale, and he had some interesting thoughts that were obviously directed toward Balsillie.

"Mr. Balsillie is acting, again, in total disregard of any rules, or any structure. . . . I would be very surprised if the board would look favourably on the way that Mr. Balsillie has conducted himself in this instance.

... "He makes his own decisions and he's making a decision that this is the way he wants to get into the National Hockey League. We don't usually like to pick fights, but we end them."

This should make the league's thoughts crystal-clear. The 29 franchise owners (outside of deposed Coyote chief Jerry Moyes) will not get a chance to vote on Balsillie's bid.

Evidently, the NHL isn't planning to react favorably (or, if you prefer, "favourably") to Moyes going behind their backs to get a bid from Balsillie, who will only buy the team if he can move it to Hamilton.

Daly went on to confirm reports that Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf is involved in a potential bid for the team that would keep them in Glendale.