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Why would Gretzky comment at all? This process is just getting rolling, and who knows how long it will drag on. By staying silent, Gretzky doesn't insult Coyotes fans or fans in Hamilton. It is the smart thing to do.

Now, the Leafs are another story. As a Leaf fan, I would love a team in the Hammer. It would create the craziest rivalry in hockey, three teams on the 401 wanting to bash each other's jocks in. Add Ottawa to the mix and the rivalry gets even hotter. Of course though, this won't happen any time soon because Uncle Gary will never be shown-up by Blackberry Jim. The fans lose out again, becaue of egos and spitting contests.

The Leafs should never be allowed to outlaw this move. The area houses 7 million people. Toronto has enjoyed this monopoly for a century and has become the richest hockey franchise by eons because of this set-up. Competition is fair and warranted, and in the current economic climate, should be welcome as it means hundreds of jobs in a region currently hovering with a 10% unemployment rate. Hamilton deserves this economic boost, as does the Greater Niagara Region. The Sabres and Leafs would both benefit in the long run as rivalries would boost the game to new heights in the region, more fans would gain exposure to the game, free from the idiotic prices at ACC, Buffalo would have another huge revenue-stream every time Hamilton came to town and vice-versa.

The deal makes sense in hockey terms and economic terms. Ubfortunately it won't happen until the NHL ends the terms - of Gary's stewardship.

The Leafs don't have to comment. They will let the courts decide what's going to happen, and then, perhaps say something. As Joec states, this isn't exactly going to hurt the Leafs. They have builit their empire, and a rival down the road will just enhance their income, both through the territorial compensation (if Balsillie agrees to it) and the fact that a team from Hamilton visiting the ACC will guarentee better attendance than the same team coming in from Phoenix.

whatever happens...i hope they stay the coyotes..where ever they go! love the jersys and mascot!!

The silence of both Wayne Gretzky and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd., is indeed strange in this very entangled business of the bankruptcy of the Phoenix Coyotes.

You think Bettman and the board have not told everyone to shut up?

who ever buys the team should fire him and hire a real coach

Gretzky is silent about that! No wonder. He's a professional and knows when not to entertain speculation and fantasies where a lot of patience and careful work is needed.

The leafs have no right to comment unless it's in the form of resounding support for a new team in their back-yard. I was born and raised a leaf fan but since the mid-90s turned my back on the team for the very reasons the article points out; "It wants available tickets. It wants more affordable tickets. It wants a playoff team. It wants an organization it can trust and believe in". i will throw all my support to a new team that actually cares about its fan base.

Not a very impressive suit and tie combo either.

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 09:49 AM ET  05.10 by joec

Why would Gretzky comment at all?

More importantly, why should we care if he does? What does it have to do with the price of eggs?

Hopefully they'll be known as the Hamilton Tigers.

QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 10:21 PM ET  05.10 by Hank Kingsley

More importantly, why should we care if he does? What does it have to do with the price of eggs?

Janet is selling her eggs? She lose another bet?

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 03:41 PM ET  05.10 by aocguy

The leafs have no right to comment unless it's in the form of resounding support for a new team in their back-yard. I was born and raised a leaf fan but since the mid-90s turned my back on the team for the very reasons the article points out; "It wants available tickets. It wants more affordable tickets. It wants a playoff team. It wants an organization it can trust and believe in". i will throw all my support to a new team that actually cares about its fan base.

Never thought I'd read a comment like that from a (former) Laffs fan...

I have been a leafs fan since I was a kid. there main problem (other than poor hockey team for 30 yrs) is the fact that people like myself and tons or my friends who watch them night in and night out can not afford to go to the games. Tickets are sold out from day one to season ticket holders then they sell them for twice as much. Why should I support a team that does not support there fans. they should set a side a set amount of tickets each year for the public to buy but MLSE. The never will so bring on another team so i can finally go to a game and make the maple leafs start respecting there fans and not there wallets. Jim you are a hero to me for trying to fight the NHL on this. Everyone in Canada cares about a hockey and everyone in Canada should be trying to get more teams here. gary bettman is american so he thinks about them first. Plan and simple.

Canada's national treasure(No, not the Mounties or canadian bacon) needs to go back to Canada and please STAY THERE!

The best thing Gretzky ever did was make a cartoon with Jordan and Bo Jackson!