Ice Edge Weighs In As Reinsdorf Checks Out

((HT: TSN))

The NHL announced its bid filing a few hours before word came that the investors' group, known as Ice Edge Holdings, had met Tuesday's court-imposed deadline ((the Coyotes are pictured, thanks Rick Scuteri/Reuters)).

Ice Edge chairman Keith McCullough said in a news release that the plan was to "revitalize NHL hockey in Arizona and the southwestern United States."

"In the last eight weeks we have worked with the NHL, the city of Glendale and members of the Coyotes organization to develop a solid plan for the successful operation of the Coyotes in Phoenix," Ice Edge chief operating officer Daryl Jones said.

Ice Edge officials repeatedly mentioned working with Wayne Gretzky, the former hockey great who is the Coyotes coach and owns a small share of the team.

"The Phoenix Coyotes organization presents a number of great hockey and business opportunities," Ice Edge CEO Anthony LeBlanc said. "We will build on the team's brand, the Wayne Gretzky brand and a partnership with the city of Glendale to ensure that Arizona continues to enjoy the NHL for many years to come."

Ice Edge was a late arrival in the Coyotes case, but it said it filed a detailed bid that included "renegotiation of key debts and contracts, a revamped sales and marketing strategy and a more effective utilization and partnership with Wayne Gretzky."

Ice Edge, which earlier had indicated it would have the team play a few games in smaller Canadian cities, also said it had reached an agreement in principal on a repayment plan with the Coyotes' largest secured creditor, SOF Investments.

That last part is key... Ice Edge is now in line with SOF as well.

Even if Ice Edge, Reinsdorf, and the NHL weren't neccessarily going to pay Moyes a nickel, they're all on the same page. And that's key for the league to continue in the bid-blocking scheme they've hatched against Jim Balsillie.

Even if Ice Edge doesn't get the bid through bankruptcy proceedings, they could still be a player later for the Coyotes and/or other franchises...

Wayne Gretzky is still very quiet on all this- which means he'll get his from someone- the new owner, the league, or both.