It looks like the Florida Panthers will soon have a little much-needed clarity in terms of their hockey future.
(Hint: It’s not in Quebec City.)
According to Miami Herald reporter George Richards, a vote is to be held on Tuesday to pass an $86 million financial package with Broward County, which “all but guarantees” the team will stay put in Florida.
Richards tweeted that the deal will more than likely be passed — but perhaps not by much — and that the deal with the county includes an agreement to host an All-Star Weekend, and a league promise to invest in youth hockey in the area.
The Panthers made a similar financial request in 2013, but the county turned it down. The difference this time, according to a Sun-Sentinel story in October, is this deal guarantees the county will get its money back through a letter of credit, if the Panthers fold or relocate.
There would need to be a vote of 5-3 in favour of the new deal for it to pass.
Here is Richards’ full series of tweets on the topic: