NHL boss says he asked to meet Katz, Mandel in New York because ‘time is now of the essence’
| From left, Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Katz Group and Oilers owner Daryl Katz EDMONTON - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says he invited Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel and Oilers owner Daryl Katz to meet with him in New York City next week because he wants to help the parties get back to constructive dialogue on the downtown arena project. “I invited them in because I’m concerned that the framework for a deal hasn’t been agreed upon and isn’t there yet,” Bettman said in a telephone interview on Friday. “Since time is now of the essence, I want to see if I can be helpful in getting the parties to speak the same language.” The City of Edmonton released a statement Thursday stating that Mandel and city manager Simon Farbrother will travel to New York for discussions with Bettman on Tuesday, with Katz joining the talks on Wednesday. Bettman said Friday he didn’t see his role as that of an arbitrator “trying to tell the sides what to do. I’m trying to help them translate. “I’m trying to help them be able to talk to each other and understand where they are, to see whether or not they’re capable of making a deal. “I’m trying to be a facilitator.” After nearly three years of negotiations the arena plan is facing a Katz-imposed Oct. 31 deadline that corresponds with the expiry date on options to buy the downtown land where the proposed $450-million arena is to be built. The Katz Group has indicated it is not prepared to commit tens of millions in land purchases unless the project is a done deal by the end of the month. There is also the issue of a non-compete agreement with Northlands to ensure the long-standing operator of Rexall Place will not continue to stage concerts and other non-hockey events at the Oilers current arena once the new one is completed. Northlands representatives were not invited to join the discussions next week in New York. |
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