Top Line: Coyotes sale finally closed; Red Wings fan fave Burr dies
The Coyotes' sale will keep the team in Phoenix...for now. (Christian Peterson/Getty Images)
By Sarah Kwak
An annotated guide to this morning’s short list of must-read hockey stories:
• The Phoenix Coyotes finally have real owners not named the NHL! After more than four years under league ownership, the Coyotes are now the property/problem of IceArizona Acquisitions Co., a group of 11 businessmen who are now charged with making things work in Glendale. Otherwise, say hello to the five-year out-clause and goodbye to the 'Yotes.... again.
• Former Red Wings first-rounder Shawn Burr, who had been battling cancer for three years, died at the age of 47 after a fall down the stairs caused brain trauma. Mitch Albom pays tribute to the Detroit fan favorite.
• Panthers forward and Rookie of the Year Jonathan Huberdeau is back on the ice after off-season hip surgery. He hopes to be ready by training camp.
• Team Canada's junior national team evaluation camp update. Flames prospect Sean Monahan impressed during the controlled scrimmage.
• Meanwhile, Team USA's junior team made cuts. Here is who remains. Exhibition games between the U.S., Canada, Finland and Sweden begin Wednesday in Lake Placid, N.Y.
• He hasn't even really BEEN a Bruin yet, but Jarome Iginla's already talking extension? Of course, to the team's website.
• NHL's 30-in-30 focuses on the San Jose Sharks, and the prospect of Brent Burns as a full-time forward.
• Ron Hainsey, NHLPA "bad cop" during negotiations, is still a free agent. Did he burn too many bridges last fall?
• As Dallas bids farewell to the Pacific Division this year (Ah, yes, that refreshing Texas ocean breeze.), the guys over at Defending Big D have asked fans from the other Pacific teams to send the Stars off.
• The Edmonton Journal will be reliving "THE TRADE" all week. Here, a look at Gretzky's time in Edmonton through the pages of the Journal.