PHOENIX — The Coyotes are staying in Phoenix.
A bankruptcy judge has rejected the proposed sale of the franchise to Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie, who would have moved the team to Hamilton, Ontario.
Judge Redfield T. Baum issued a 21-page ruling Monday, concluding the June 29 deadline imposed by Balsillie did not allow enough time to resolve the complex case.
“Simply put, the court does not think there is sufficient time (14 days) for all of these issues to be fairly presented to the court given that deadline,” the judge wrote. “. . . It is not an antitrust violation for professional sports leagues to have terms and conditions on relocations of its members.”
Footnotes.
The Wild hired Sharks assistant Todd Richards to succeed Jacques Lemaire as the team’s second coach in its nine-year history.
• Flyers defenseman Derian Hatcher retired two weeks after knee replacement surgery in effect ended his 16-year career. He finished his career with 80 goals and 331 points in 1,045 games.
• The Bruins signed general manager Peter Chiarelli to a contract extension. Terms were not disclosed.
• The Hurricanes agreed to terms with coach Paul Maurice on a multiyear contract and announced Ron Francis will return as associate head coach and take on the title of director of player personnel.
