Thrashers-to-Winnipeg deal draws closer

By Tim Tucker

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The proposed sale of the Thrashers to a group that would relocate the team to Winnipeg continued to inch toward completion through the holiday weekend.

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Hyosub Shin, hshin@ajc.com A source told the AJC Monday that no late offers have been received from any potential bidders to keep the Thrashers in Atlanta.

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A person close to the process, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the delicate negotiations, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the Thrashers' ownership group had not signed the deal as of Monday afternoon. He added that lawyers continued to work on details and indicated an announcement is likely this week, possibly -– but not necessarily -– as early as Tuesday.

The person said no late offers have been received from any potential bidders to keep the Thrashers in Atlanta.

Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Free Press reported that officials at "The Forks," a meeting place in downtown Winnipeg, have been told to prepare for a party "Tuesday at the earliest" to celebrate a Thrashers announcement. Also, Canadian sports network TSN reported that True North Sports and Entertainment --  the group attempting to buy the team -- had "signed off" on the deal and was waiting for the seller to do the same.

A signed agreement would be conditional on approval by the NHL Board of Governors. The board, which consists of one representative from each team, is scheduled to meet next on June 21 in New York.