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May 11--It was only a telephone call, one rich guy calling another to see how things were going and wondering if he wanted to do business. Jim Balsillie was just poking around, kicking the tires and seeing if a deal fell on his lap during a December conversation with Buffalo Sabres owner Tom Golisano.
Rumors have percolated for several months that Golisano would be open to selling the franchise under the right conditions. Managing partner Larry Quinn issued a statement that basically said inquiries were common. He made it clear they're not interested in selling to anybody who might relocate the franchise.
And while Quinn's announcement was certainly honorable and worthy of praise for having his heart in the right place, it also meant little in the big picture.
The NHL ultimately determines the location of franchises, not Balsillie or another prospective owner who might have plans to move them. The league's policy calls for a majority vote of owners to approve relocation. The policy was upheld in a March review by the Competition Bureau, an arm of the Canadian government.
"The Canadian Competition Bureau's opinion relates to Canadian law," NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said by telephone last week. "The law, I would tell you, would be exactly the same in the United States."
Translation: If the league decides the Sabres belong in Buffalo, that's where they stay.
"That's correct," Daly said.
Buffalo isn't the best NHL city, and it's definitely not the biggest. But you better believe that it's an important market. TV ratings are often higher here than anywhere else in the United States. Former players and executives are scattered across the region. The Sabres have a strong fan base so long as they're competitive.
The NHL has enough problems generating interest in markets that haven't been established. The last thing it intends to do is yank a team from a passionate hockey town.
Simply, the Sabres aren't going anywhere regardless of whether Golisano decides to cash in on his investment. And that remains a possibility.
Who could blame the guy?
Even conservative estimates show potential profits surpassing $50 million if the team is sold. Golisano expressed concerns about the NHL's future if the salary cap continues rising. He would get the biggest bang from a sale after pulling the team from bankruptcy and assuming the risk. Quinn would stand to make a good buck. Presumably, Chief Operating Officer Dan DiPofi would get a slice, too.
jeremyslost 
