HAF
05-10-2005, 04:55 PM
PHOENIX (AP) -- Wayne Gretzky is still in talks to become coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, but no decision is close, the team said Tuesday.
``No deal or announcement is imminent ...,'' Coyotes spokesman Rich Nairn said.
A report in the East Valley Tribune said Gretzky and owner Steve Ellman were close to agreement on a three-year contract extension that would make Gretzky the team's new head coach. The Tribune cited NHL sources and said an announcement would be made this week.
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Gretzky, the NHL's career scoring leader and the Coyotes' managing partner, is in the final year of a five-year contract with the team.
Gretzky decided in March not to direct two-time defending champion Canada at this week's world championships in Austria because of his mother's battle with lung cancer.
An immediate coaching decision is not needed because the NHL and the players' association still haven't worked out a new collective bargaining agreement to end the lockout that forced the cancellation of last season.
The newspaper also reported that Rick Bowness, who finished the 2003-04 season as interim head coach, would return to his former role as an assistant coach. Bowness was given the top job when the Coyotes fired Bob Francis.
``No deal or announcement is imminent ...,'' Coyotes spokesman Rich Nairn said.
A report in the East Valley Tribune said Gretzky and owner Steve Ellman were close to agreement on a three-year contract extension that would make Gretzky the team's new head coach. The Tribune cited NHL sources and said an announcement would be made this week.
ADVERTISEMENT
Gretzky, the NHL's career scoring leader and the Coyotes' managing partner, is in the final year of a five-year contract with the team.
Gretzky decided in March not to direct two-time defending champion Canada at this week's world championships in Austria because of his mother's battle with lung cancer.
An immediate coaching decision is not needed because the NHL and the players' association still haven't worked out a new collective bargaining agreement to end the lockout that forced the cancellation of last season.
The newspaper also reported that Rick Bowness, who finished the 2003-04 season as interim head coach, would return to his former role as an assistant coach. Bowness was given the top job when the Coyotes fired Bob Francis.