It appears we can finally put the Atlanta to Winnipeg speculation to rest as an official announcement is expected  later this morning.

This from TSN.ca

(True North Sports and Entertainment has called a news conference for Noon et/11am ct today where they are expected to announce the acquisition of the Atlanta Thrashers and their relocation to Winnipeg.

The sale will still be pending NHL Board of Governors approval, which should occur on June 21st when the board meets in New York. The transfer of ownership requires 75% approval from the Board while relocation only needs a majority result. )

I’m told approval from the BOG could also take place over conference call.  

This is music to the ears of a number of NHL fans that reside in Winnipeg.

Speaking to a member of the Atlanta Thrashers today, I am quite surprised to learn the player’s still haven’t been contacted and given any details on what they can expect to learn in today’s news conference. In my opinion they should be the first to know.

There are a number of unconfirmed rumors being tossed around. I’m also told there’s a very strong possibility we see an entirely new coaching staff and management team take over the new Winnipeg club.

What does that mean for GM Rick Dudley? We do know Thrashers President Don Waddell willnot beincluded in the sale. 

There is some talk of assistant coach John Torchetti joining the staff in Florida where his close friend Dale Tallon is the GM.

What will the new Winnipeg team be called? According to a player it won’t be the Jets. Word is the Bears or the Polar Bears continue to surface as the new name.

Hopefully today is the day we get some answers 

The press conference could be delayed a bit as the plane carrying NHL commissioner apparently got a late start.

More to come,

Andy Strickland

strickland.andy@gmail.com