The NHL, however, likes to talk about “the Original Six” as though they come from some magical era of franchise stability. This gives fans the wrong impression. The Blackhawks, Bruins, Canadiens, Maples Leafs, Rangers, and Red Wings were not the first six franchises in the NHL. The league began in 1917 and had four teams. Only two of those—the Canadiens and Maple Leafs—are still around. The other four “Original Six” didn’t come around until 1927.

The point is, teams always have come and gone in the NHL, and they always will. So today, in honor of the dearly departed Atlanta Thrashers and whoever the next bygone team will be, we present to you a list of 13 NHL Teams That No Longer Exist.

That is the gist of it.  For those looking for more information on the sale and relocation of the Thrashers organization, you can find it here and here.  And for everyone else, we have this clip from The Simpsons, which pretty much summarizes the return of the National Hockey League to Winnipeg after a 15 year hiatus.

For now, lets just assume that the dad is Gary Bettman, and the kids are playing the roles of Andrew Ladd, Evander Kane and Dustin Byfuglien.  As for Nelson, he can be viewed as playing either the Atlanta Spirit ownership group, or True North Sports and Entertainment Group.

Judge Redfield T. Baum announced in a 21 page decision that he has rejected the offer put forth by Balsillie because the time constraints do not allow for enough time to deal with the unresolved issues stemming from this unprecedented case.  Balsillie set a deadline to which a decision had to be made, else his offer would be removed.  The purpose of such a deadline was so that their future with the organization would be known in time for free agency.

When the offer was rejected, Balsillie made an attempted proposal to the NHL to work together in finding an appropriate relocation fee so that he may move the team out of the Glendale area.  The league rejected as it will look to make the team viable in Phoenix and has stated that there are four interested buyers who have no plans of moving the team.

So is Jim Balsillie finished in his attempt to move the Phoenix Coyotes to Hamilton for teh 2009-2010 season?  His spokesman, Bill Walker had the following to say on his behalf:

“Jim Balsillie’s bid to bring a seventh NHL team to Canada continues.  We still think there is enough time for the NHL to approve Mr. Balsillie’s application and move the team to Hamilton by September. The court invited mediation on these issues and Mr. Balsillie is willing to participate in such mediation if the NHL is also willing to do so.”  [TSN.ca]

With the way this all played out and the consistent bitterness that has been brewing between Balsillie and the NHL, it doesn’t appear as if that is going to happen.  Expect the Coyotes to be in Phoenix for next year and possibly many more.