The Edmonton Oilers and City Council could have a deal in place for a new arena as early as Wednesday, according to Sportsnet’s John Shannon.
Oilers struggle on ice tonight,but hearing positive vibes for new arena deal.Could happen with Katz and City Council as early as tomorrow. — John Shannon (@JSportsnet) January 23, 2013
Oilers struggle on ice tonight,but hearing positive vibes for new arena deal.Could happen with Katz and City Council as early as tomorrow.
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) January 23, 2013
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was in Edmonton on Friday for a meeting with the City and was a positive influence between Oilers owner Daryl Katz and Mayor Stephen Mandel.
Hearing Bettman’s stealth visit to Edmonton on Friday helped mend some fences.2nd time he has helped Katz and Mayor Mandel see eye to eye. — John Shannon (@JSportsnet) January 23, 2013
Hearing Bettman’s stealth visit to Edmonton on Friday helped mend some fences.2nd time he has helped Katz and Mayor Mandel see eye to eye.
In December, City Council voted to resume talks with Katz over a $478-million proposal for a downtown hockey arena to replace the 38-year-old Rexall Place.
The City and the Alberta government have been adamantly opposed to using tax dollars to fill the gap.
