Devils Take Step To End Franchise Agreement, Make Move More Likely

Two days after winning the Stanley Cup, the New Jersey Devils took another legal step to break their lease Monday and clear the way for a possible move, perhaps to Nashville, Tenn., after the 1996-97 season.

However, even though the Devils on Monday notified the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority of their intent to end their franchise agreement in two years that doesn’t necessarily mean the team will be leaving.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Christie Whitman said talks to keep the team in New Jersey are continuing and the governor, a close ally of team owner John McMullen, remains optimistic the two sides can renegotiate a new lease. The current lease, renegotiated in 1991, expires in 2002.

The Devils’ termination notice came hours before the team announced plans to hold a rally Wednesday in honor of the Stanley Cup at the Meadowlands Arena. It also happened as the state assembly unanimously approved a resolution urging McMullen to keep the team in the state.

McMullen has been considering a lucrative offer to move the team to Nashville, while trying to renegotiate his Meadowlands Arena lease, something he did in 1986 and 1991.

McMullen refused to comment on the situation Saturday night after the Devils won their first Stanley Cup by sweeping the Detroit Red Wings. But the word came from his attorneys Monday.