Donald Fehr, the former longtime MLB union boss, has been elected to the same position by the NHL's players. Fehr's candidacy as executive director was put to a full vote of the NHLPA membership in September, when a union search committee recommended to the executive board he be hired.

The Glendale City Council has approved a new lease for the Coyotes, clearing the way for sale of the team by the NHL to Chicago businessman Matt Hulsizer. The council voted 5-2 late Tuesday night in favor of the lease, which will cost the city $197 million over a six-year period. Hulsizer is expected to pay about $170 million for the team.

The Glendale City Council has scheduled a vote for Tuesday on a new 30-year lease for the Phoenix Coyotes, a long-awaited move that could clear the way for sale of the team by the NHL to Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer. The city would take on up to $197 million in obligations over the next six years under terms of the proposed lease made public as part of the council meeting agenda posted on Friday. The NHL purchased the Coyotes in U.S. Bankruptcy Court a year ago.

The search continues for new investors or a buyer for the Atlanta Thrashers, but team president Don Waddell believes the NHL will not allow the team to be moved to Canada. At least not in the short-term, according to an ESPN.com report on Monday.

Matthew Hulsizer, the man poised to take ownership of the Phoenix Coyotes, said Monday he expects a new lease agreement for the team's arena within the next week and to finalize the purchase of the team by the end of the year, according to an ESPN.com report.

The number of concussions reported by NHL players remains unchanged from last season despite the league's attempt to reduce the injury by creating a rule outlawing blindside hits to the head, as reported by ESPN.com. NHL's neuropsychologist Dr. Ruben Echemendia told The Canadian Press on Friday that 33 concussions had been reported as of December 1, the same number as last year. He noted that it doesn't necessarily mean the rule change has been ineffective.

The Ontario Teachers? Pension Plan says they are not in negotiations to sell their stake in the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors. according to an Associated Press report. Jim Leech, President and CEO of the Ontario Teachers? Pension Plan, says Friday that the pension fund has never had a firm offer to sell the investment.

Sabres owner Tom Golisano is seriously considering but has not determined whether to sell the franchise to Pennsylvania billionaire Terry Pegula, according to a person close to the talks. "[Pegula's] a candidate, but I don't know how serious Tom is," the person said. "He's giving it serious consideration but hasn't made up his mind."

The average value of NHL teams has increased, although the overall numbers mask struggles for many teams. Forbes magazine?s annual report released Wednesday found that the average franchise was worth $228 million, up 2 percent from last year. But nearly half of the league?s teams?14 of 30?saw their values decline. The Maple Leafs remain No. 1 at $505M, according to an Associated Press report.