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NHL ready?

Representatives of Jim Balsillie and Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger met Thursday to discuss a Copps Coliseum deal. Balsillie is hoping to buy the bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes and move the NHL team to Hamilton.
Jim Balsillie
Jim Balsillie

Representatives of Jim Balsillie and Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger met Thursday to discuss a Copps Coliseum deal. Balsillie is hoping to buy the bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes and move the NHL team to Hamilton. Eisenberger says the city is only interested in a long-term agreement in exchange for exclusive hockey use of the arena. The arena needs upgrades, including private boxes, that would cost about $100 million — and it would be up to Balsillie to come up with the money. Balsillie had said he would be prepared to spend up to $160 million. Eisenberger says he expects to come up with a framework agreement within the next week or two to present to council.