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Alberta investment banker the latest to explore Coyotes purchase

Shane Doan, Michal Rozsival

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 20: Shane Doan #19, Derek Morris #53 and Michal Rozsival #32 of the Phoenix Coyotes celebrate Doan’s second period goal while taking on the Los Angeles Kings in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center on May 20, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Yesterday, as the hockey world was watching the Jarome Iginla saga unfold, it was reported that the NHL was set to make a decision on the Phoenix Coyotes situation. If no owner was found to buy the club from the league, a relocation could be announced very soon.

But as always, not all hope is lost in the desert. According to FOX Sports Arizona, there’s a “new suitor” -- this one an investment banker from Alberta -- that’s exploring a purchase of the team with the intention of keeping it in Glendale.

A source familiar with the situation confirmed to FOX Sports Arizona late Wednesday that AltaCorp Capital chairman and CEO George Gosbee is working with long-involved suitor Anthony LeBlanc on a proposal that will be presented to the NHL shortly. The two are part of what the source believes is the lead group in the attempt to purchase the long-rudderless franchise.

Back in February, it was reported that LeBlanc (Ice Edge Holdings) and Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer had teamed up and were “exploring options” with regards to a purchase.

It’s not clear if Hulsizer is still in the picture.

Ditto for Greg Jamison.

Meanwhile, Sportsnet’s John Shannon is also reporting Gosbee’s interest.

Writes Shannon: “Once a deal in principle is complete with the NHL, it would be at that point that a new lease could be negotiated with the City of Glendale.”

That, of course, could present its share of challenges, as Glendale’s new mayor has indicated his city isn’t the Coyotes’ “cash register.”