Jeff Vanderbeek, Devils Owner, Denies Report Team Is for Sale

The NHL has seen quite a bit of volatility in terms of ownership since the lockout ended in 2005. Since then, franchises in Atlanta, Montreal, Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Nashville, and Phoenix, among others, have either been sold or put up for sale.

The New Jersey Devils are reportedly next up on the list.

Michele Steele of Bloomberg News is reporting that Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek has hired a firm to oversee the sale of his team.

Steele notes that she interviewed Vanderbeek in January, and he noted he had no regrets over the decision to sign forward Ilya Kovalchuk to a controversial mega-contract during the summer.

Vanderbeek has owned the team since 2004.

Since the Kovalchuk signing, New Jersey's fortunes have disappeared. After a hideous start to the season, rookie coach John MacLean was fired, replaced by former coach Jacques Lemaire. Legendary goaltender Martin Brodeur struggled, and he was left to share time in net with journeyman Johan Hedberg.

Star forward Zach Parise has been hurt all season. Captain Jamie Langenbrunner was traded to Dallas. The defense has been generally awful, though they've played better under Lemaire.

Vanderbeek has issued a statement regarding this story, denying that he is trying to sell a controlling interest in the franchise.

"As Managing Member of the New Jersey Devils, it is not my desire to sell the team. My partner, Brick City, and I have different visions for the franchise. While Brick City has a right, under our partnership agreement, to explore a sale and Moag and Co. has been retained to assist in these effort, I anticipate maintaining a controlling interest."

This is good news for the NHL. From a PR standpoint, they could ill afford to have another franchise up for sale. Owners typically don't sell teams at this high of a rate in a healthy environment. If they did, you'd see 15 NFL franchises for sale at any given time.