The Associated Press
PHOENIX Ÿ The deal to move the Winnipeg Jets to Phoenix is expected to be closed by the end of the week.
Phoenix Suns president Jerry Colangelo, who will be a minority owner of the NHL team, said only details remain to be worked out. But Jets majority owner Steve Gluckstern and partner Richard Burke have yet to complete the deal on their purchase of the team.
NHL owners are unlikely to approve the franchise shift at the Dec. 14-16 Board of Governors meeting in West Palm Beach, Fla., because they won't have had time to evaluate the market, ownership group and other considerations.
NHL spokemsan Arthur Pincus said none of the delays would jeopardize the move.
''We think it's going to be a great thing for the community,'' Colangelo said, noting it would bring another 45 home dates and thousands of people a year to the downtown area.