New York, NY (My Sportsbook) - The Ottawa Senators could have a new financing plan in place by the middle of next week, National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman said on Friday. Bettman met with Senators owner Rod Bryden and the team's major creditors, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Fleet National Bank and Covanta Energy Corp. After a $234 million financing plan fell through on New Year's Eve, the Senators missed a player payroll payment on January 1. The Senators reportedly lost $15 million last season and still owe $160 million to creditors. The team has an annual payroll of $47.8 million, which ranks 25th among the 30 NHL clubs. The players will reportedly be paid within the next two weeks. Despite the financial problems, the Senators lead the NHL with 53 points, and took out their frustrations on Thursday with an 8-1 romp over the Atlanta Thrashers. |
