Jets’ Future In Doubt

The future of the Winnipeg Jets is again in doubt after a group of local business people and community boosters abandoned their effort to purchase the team before a midnight deadline.

Only Jets president Barry Shenkarow and his partners are in a position to decide whether the NHL team, which could lose over $20 million if it plays just one more season in Winnipeg, will seek a new home.

Alan Sweatman, a spokesman for the Spirit of Manitoba, said his group couldn’t meet its own target of $58.8 million by the midnight deadline.

The Washington Capitals signed four players, including left wing Craig Berube, who agreed to a four-year deal.

The team also signed right wing Keith Jones, center Kevin Kaminski and defenseman Ken Klee, all to one-year contracts.

The Hartford Whalers and center Darren Turcotte have agreed on a three-year contract worth $2.7 million.