It’s not getting any better for the New Jersey Devils, financially speaking.
According to the New York Post, owner Jeff Vanderbeek still hasn’t figured out a way to make good on an $80 million debt payment.
The league, meanwhile, is growing impatient with Vanderbeek.
“[NHL Commissioner Gary] Bettman basically told him to figure out a resolution by mid-February or he’ll do what needs to be done,” a source told the Post.
Which sort of makes the commissioner sound like Tony Soprano, but according to the Post, “what needs to be done” could involve a league takeover of the team (as opposed to taking Vanderbeek for a ride in a 1978 Cadillac Coupe de Ville).
The NHL denies it’s given Vanderbeek an ultimatum, but any way you slice it, it’s not good news for Devils fans who are praying the team can find a way to sign pending UFA Zach Parise.