The rally was being held Arena in conjunction with a select-a-seat event for current and prospective season-ticket holders, scheduled to go on as planned despite the franchise’s cloudy future.
There has been talk that the team may be sold to Winnipeg, Canada-based True North Sports and Entertainment.
Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz said Friday a deal to move the Thrashers to Winnipeg was inevitable. The Canadian city lost its NHL team in 1996 when the Jets moved to Phoenix and were renamed the Coyotes.
Thrashers President Don Waddell sent Channel 2 Sports Director Zach Klein a text saying I cant comment, but it is not done.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly also denied the deal had been reached.
True North reportedly is willing to pay $110 million for the team and another $60 million to the league as a relocation fee.
The Thrashers owners, known as Atlanta Spirit, claim $130 million in losses since 2005 and have made it clear they no longer want the NHL team, which has made the playoffs only once in 11 seasons and ranked 28th out of 30 teams in attendance this year.
- May 21, 2011: Thrashers Fans Planning Last-Ditch-Rally
- May 20, 2011: Thrashers President To WSB: ‘Deal Is Not Done’
