Skip to content

Oilers ownership confirm Seattle meeting, claim interest from many cities

Sep 24, 2012, 8:44 PM EDT

Daryl Katz Getty Images

The Oilers are continuing their bold stand to show the city of Edmonton they’re serious about moving the franchise if the city council doesn’t give them more money for a new downtown arena.

Bob Black, the Executive Vice President, Edmonton Arena Corporation, Katz Group issued a statement confirming the group’s meeting with people in Seattle tonight to “evaluate the market.” They also made it clear Seattle isn’t the only city taking an interest in the franchise.

“Nonetheless, and as the City of Edmonton is aware, the Katz Group has been listening to proposals from a number of potential NHL markets for some time. After more than four years of trying to secure an arena deal and with less than 24 months remaining on the Oilers’ lease at Rexall Place, this is only prudent and should come as no surprise.”

Let’s sum things up quick:

– Edmonton City Council pledges $200 million to help pay for a new downtown arena

– Katz tells the council he wants more money from them for the project and they refuse to give in

– Katz says the future of the franchise in Edmonton is in jeopardy without more money and refuses to meet again with the council

The actions from Katz are hostile, at best,  and seemingly foolish given that the league is currently locking out its players. Katz might be wise to reevaluate how this whole situation looks.

Latest Posts
  1. Spezza says he’s ready to play Game 3 (Update: He will)

    May 18, 2013, 2:10 PM EDT

    Jason Spezza AP

    It’s his call whether to go or not.

  2. Video: NHL’s Sounds from Round 1 is a must-see

    May 18, 2013, 1:45 PM EDT

    PK Subban - Erik Karlsson

    On-ice chatter at its best.

  3. Miller replaces Bertuzzi in Red Wings lineup for Game 2

    May 18, 2013, 12:51 PM EDT

    Drew Miller Getty Images

    He missed 12 games with a broken thumb.

  4. Canucks have quite a mess to get a handle of this summer

    May 18, 2013, 12:11 PM EDT

    Mike Gillis AP

    Cap troubles and no-trade clauses abound.

  5. No surgery needed for Eric Staal following injury at Worlds

    May 18, 2013, 11:20 AM EDT

    Eric Staal, Alex Edler Getty Images

    He’ll need three months rehab for a third-degree MCL sprain.

  6. Senators’ coach MacLean: ‘Catch-up hockey is losing hockey’

    May 18, 2013, 12:19 AM EDT

    MacLean Getty Images

    Ottawa has yet to play with the lead in this series.

  7. Video: Penguins’ Morrow scores game winner against Senators

    May 17, 2013, 11:35 PM EDT

    Carolina Hurricanes v Pittsburgh Penguins Getty Images

    Pittsburgh now two wins away from advancing to conference final.

  8. Senators’ coach MacLean: Karlsson ‘wasn’t one of the best players’

    May 17, 2013, 11:08 PM EDT

    Ottawa Senators v Pittsburgh Penguins - Game Two Getty Images

    Drastic reduction in ice time in Game 2 compared to Game 1.

FEATURED VIDEO

Top 10 NHL Player Searches
  1. A. Ovechkin (2156)
  2. S. Crosby (1855)
  3. J. Reimer (1721)
  4. J. Spezza (1673)
  5. R. Torres (1565)
  1. T. Bozak (1539)
  2. Z. Chara (1485)
  3. R. Clowe (1472)
  4. J. Tootoo (1437)
  5. B. Smith (1370)