Mayor Sam Katz expects a deal moving the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg to be finished “before this week is over,” according to an interview with the Canadian publication National Post. When later asked, “Do you really anticipate [the move] is going to happen soon?” Katz replied, “Yeah, I do. I do.”
A previous report from the Globe and Mail indicated Monday or Tuesday are realistic dates for the deal moving the Thrashers to Winnipeg to be completed. But Katz believes the two sides of the negotiations are ahead of that timetable by several days.
Notably, the Post describes Katz, who attended the Winnipeg Jets’ last game 16 years ago, as “emotional” as he discusses what the Jets mean to him, and the significance of bringing the NHL back to Winnipeg. He wishes the new team could have the old name, but is obviously thrilled at the potential of having the NHL in his city once more.
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