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Balsillie wants to probe NHL’s rejection of him as team owner – Metro US

Balsillie wants to probe NHL’s rejection of him as team owner

PHOENIX – Jim Balsillie wants the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to allow him to probe the rationale behind the NHL owners’ overwhelming rejection of him as a potential owner of the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Canadian billionaire, in a court filing on Monday, also contends that Judge Redfield T. Baum has the authority under bankruptcy law to award the bid to Balsillie despite the actions by NHL owners.

The filing by PSE Sports & Entertainment, the company Balsillie formed to pursue the Coyotes, comes after the NHL said he was rejected as an owner by a 26-0 vote with three abstentions and one absentee, because he was perceived to be untrustworthy.

Balsillie has offered US$212.5 million to buy the Coyotes, contingent on moving them to Hamilton. The NHL is fighting that attempt and wants to keep the team in Glendale.