TORONTO - The NHL has confirmed that deputy commissioner Bill Daly met with a group of business people interested in bringing a second team to the Toronto area.
But the league says that was the extent of it.
"There is no consideration of bringing a second franchise to Toronto," the league said in a statement. "We have no intention to expand in the foreseeable future, and there is no desire to relocate any of our existing franchises."
Paul Kelly, executive director of the NHL Players' Association, was more receptive.
"Without discussing specifics, I have previously met informally with groups that have expressed an interest in putting a second team in Toronto or Southern Ontario," he said in a statement. "The viability of a second team in Toronto or Southern Ontario should be explored, so, in the event that relocation needs to be considered for franchises that are struggling where they are currently located, a well-informed decision can be made."
Last week's meeting was first reported by The Globe and Mail, which said the group proposed building an arena in Vaughan, on land north of Pearson International Airport that's owned by businessman Victor De Zen.
