SPORTSNET.CA

The mayor of Hamilton is expected to meet Monday with a Vancouver-based group interested in relocating the Atlanta Thrashers to Southern Ontario, according to a published report.

The Hamilton Spectator reported Saturday that mayor Fred Eisenberger is expected to meet with a group believed to be led by Vancouver developer Tom Gaglardi.

Gaglardi, who failed in his bid to buy the Vancouver Canucks five years ago, heads River City Hockey Inc., a five-man group including NHL stars Jarome Iginla, Mark Recchi, Shane Doan and Darryl Sydor, which purchased the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League in 2007.

Gaglardi's group is Steeltown's second NHL suitor.

Hamiltion city staff are already working on a proposed lease of Copps Coliseum to Waterloo billionaire Jim Balsillie, who hopes to buy and relocate the Phoenix Coyotes to the city for the 2009 season.

Eisenberger told the newspaper Friday he expects by Tuesday the city should have a "clear picture" of its NHL strategy. That is one day before a May 13 deadline for sealing a deal to lock up Copps Coliseum requested by Balsillie.

"By next Tuesday we will have a clearer picture of where we are. We're in the middle of discussions with Mr. Balsillie and his group and I will be meeting with the second group. We need to understand their intentions. It's fair to say I will be talking to that second group," Eisenberger said.