Champion Devils Don’t Give New Jersey New Lease On Nhl Life

The Stanley Cup champion New Jersey Devils sent the strongest message yet they intend to move to Nashville, Tenn., telling their landlord Tuesday they will end their lease July 6.

One day before the Devils were to celebrate their NHL title with a rally outside their arena, the team claimed the state’s sports authority had defaulted on their agreement.

The New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority said the letter comes as a “total shock” and the Devils had “no basis” for their claims.

In an effort to keep the Devils in New Jersey, the sports authority sought a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in Superior Court in Bergen County.

Wayne Gretzky, coming off his poorest year in 16 professional seasons, wants to return to the Los Angeles Kings, said the team’s general manager, Sam McMaster.

Gretzky, who turns 35 in January, has been mentioned frequently as trade bait because unloading his $8.5 million contract would significantly ease the financial burden on the cash-strapped Kings.

Meanwhile, the Kings, seeking to fill their coaching vacancy, have been granted permission by the Stanley Cup champion Devils to speak with assistant coach Larry Robinson.

Donn Clark, head coach at Prince Albert the last two seasons, has been selected as the new coach for the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League. Donn, a former player for the Blades, had a 75-63-6 regular-season record with Prince Albert.