NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 6, 2009

Research-in-Motion CEO Jim Balsillie has made a formal offer of $212.5 million dollars to buy out the suddenly bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes, and move them into the southern Ontario market. It's believed that Balsillie would put the team in Hamilton for the time being. But late Tuesday night the NHL signalled its intention to fight Balsillie every step of the way and insisted it — not the Coyotes' current owner — will determine the fortunes of the team. The NHL has removed Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes from all positions of authority with the club. Brochu's take: If you've been reading my blog over the years, you know I'm a supporter of Balsillie. I think commissioner Gary Bettman should step aside and stop blocking Balsillie. It's unfortunate for Coyotes fans, but I think a profitable team in the greater Toronto area would increase even more interest in the NHL. More on this over the next few days as the story develops. Source

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Casey Pierro-Zabotel to a three-year, entry-level contract. Pierro-Zabotel was the Pen's third round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The New York Rangers have signed free agent forward Jordan Owens to a contract.

The Dallas Stars have signed forward Michael Neal to a three-year, entry-level contract. Neal was Dallas’ fifth-round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The Canadian Press is reporting that Alexander Medvedev, the billionaire owner of Russia's KHL is interested in buying an NHL franchise. "We have considered 10 opportunities, we have short-listed three and we continue to look at these three teams," Medvedev said Tuesday at the IIHF World Hockey Championship. "We will just make our due diligence. It's a very strange situation when real hockey [cities] like Quebec don't have an NHL team." Medvedev is expected to meet with NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly next week. Source

Nordiques to return to Quebec City?

According to RDS, the possibility of an NHL team returning to Quebec City has taken one step closer to reality. The "NHL Committee of Quebec" has revealed the plans for a multi-sport complex that would cost around $660 million dollars. The complex would include a 20,000 capacity arena, a 25,000 capacity football/soccer stadium, and a hotel/casino. The site is currently planned to be built in the Quebec City suburb of St-Augustine-de-Desmaures. Mark Charest, president of the committee, had this to add:

"I promise today, to have an NHL team in Quebec City one day. It is thus necessary to find a tactic to find the financing. That will not be done with the government, but with the private company. The majority of these projects in the world are mainly financed by the private one." Source

William Houston of the Globe and Mail speculates that Hockey Canada wants to have another Super Series next year, but with Canada playing the US. Ratings for the series have been positive, and they are hoping they will have a 6 game series between the Canadians and Americans. Possible cities that could host the games would be Detroit, Grand Forks, St. Paul, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Saskatoon. Source

Houston also mentions that Tie Domi will not be returning to TSN on a full-time basis.

More camp invitees: Kris Vernarsky, Mark Hartigan - Red Wings, Mark Smith - Rangers, Bryan Muir - Maple Leafs.