Forget the latest rounds of rumours for a moment. Step back some and look at this chess match of NHL proportions.As we the fans understand it, TNSE has been "involved" in chasing Atlanta Thrashers for relocation to Winnipeg. All the while, the NHL is probably thinking about Winnipeg as plan B for the Coyotes if IEH fails.So there are potentially two teams linked to Winnipeg. This unfolds later in this blog.Having leverage when negotiating is extremely important. All sides know this as a basic principle of business deal making.Therefore, the NHL will, in its best interest, hammer out a plan B deal with TNSE (or another group for this or another city) long before IEH fails publicly. Should IEH fail and TNSE learns of this before cutting a deal with the NHL, then the NHL loses some clout when cutting the deal. Therefore, there is motive for the NHL to keep trotting out IEH even after learning that they have failed just to maintain that bargaining position with TNSE and/or other groups. (I suggest that IEH is at death's door already for this reason alone.)This is why it is conceivable that the NHL would sign a deal or LOI with TNSE for the Coyotes to relocate to Winnipeg this summer all under the condition that IEH has "first right of refusal" until a certain date. Of course, this is assuming that the NHL first offers the team to Winnipeg and believes that our owners, fanbase, corporate base and rink are at least satisfactory for a team at a given minimum standard. (Consider the past few expansion phases and failures, any doubt about our market is less than current state NHL teams, especially these two teams.)Also, in any regard, TNSE can't bargain too hard with the NHL for fear that the NHL will just sell the team to another city that caves in to the NHL's demands. more »