Coyotes Mess: Nobody's Talking

Could the NHL and RIM CEO Jim Balsillie resolve their differences, and come to an amicable solution? It seems highly doubtful considering Balsillie's underhandedness in trying to gain a franchise with the singular goal of relocating it to Southern Ontario, but there has to be some compromising ground.

The problem is that neither side has ever negotiated in good faith with the other. Balsillie's bent on moving a franchise, while the NHL is steadfast in keeping all existing teams where they currently are. It's been to his own detriment for Balsillie not to at least be open to the NHL Board of Governors stipulation of trying to make a team work in its existing location as a condition of ownership transfer.

The fact that Balsillie has gone out of his way to slap the NHL in the face by currying the favor of the Canadian fan base also hurts himself and the league. It's a direct shot at the Board of Governors, basically stating that he feels he doesn't need to follow their rules...that corporate law supercedes any actions the NHL can take internally. This action alone has grave consequences for all of pro sports, and it's the main reason the NBA, NFL and MLB have all written statements imploring Judge Baum to strongly consider the NHL's right to determine both team ownership and relocation issues.

In following live reports from the hearing today, the judge has stated previous cases do support the NHL's stand on relocation, but it won't be determined today who is rightfully in control of the team. The judge has stated that Balsillie's groups should have worked with the NHL instead of jumping the gun, and has wondered about current owner Jerry Moyes also working out a better deal with the league.

One thing is for certain. None of the parties involved seem to want to talk to each other, and that has caused a lot of the dysfunction in this case. Given the history, it's understandable that Balsillie would have doubts to the NHL negotiating with him in good faith. What's surprising is that the NHL seems more interested in taking over the franchise altogether, rather than sitting down with Moyes to discuss the future, possibly including the supposed deal from White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf.