• Victor Coleman, the real estate magnate hoping to bring an NHL team to Seattle, says he is one step closer to his goal. Coleman has signed a “non-binding” agreement with Chris Hansen, the man behind an arena proposal for the northwestern US city, the NBC affiliate in Seattle reports.
• The Arizona Coyotes this week announced a sponsorship deal that will see their home rink renamed Gila River Arena. The Canadian Press reports that this will make the arena the first North American professional sports stadium named by a federally recognized Native American tribe, and the first christened after a casino.
• A man who claims he had a “handshake agreement” to buy the New York Islanders is suing the team’s owner for failing to proceed, reports The New York Daily News. Andrew Barroway says he expected his NY ICE corporation to purchase the Isles from Charles Wang for $420 million, according to the report.
• The LA Kings will retire blueliner Rob Blake’s No. 4 jersey in early 2015, the team announced. Blake, who retired in 2010, spent 14 seasons with the Kings and was instrumental in their 1993 run to the Stanley Cup final.
• The Winnipeg Jets have signed blueliner Julien Brouillette to a two-way contract for the 2014-15 season, The Canadian Press reports. Brouillette, 27, had a goal and an assist in 10 games with the Washington Capitals last season, his first in the NHL.
• The LA Kings and San Jose Sharks will play an outdoor game next February at Levi’s Stadium, the new home of the San Francisco 49ers football team, in Santa Clara, California, The Canadian Press reports.
