“While a new development, (a relocation fee) does move us one step closeer to bringing the Coyotes to Hamilton,” he stated in an email.

Arizona bankruptcy judge Redfield Baum informed a packed courtroom earlier this week that a decision on whether Mr. Balsillie can purchase the Phoenix Coyotes for $212.5 million, then relocate the franchise to Hamilton, would be made June 11.

Court also inadvertently heard that the NHL, after meeting June 8 to ponder Mr. Balsillie’s application to purchase the Coyotes, would charge the billionaire $100 million in a relocation fee.

Judge Baum indicated he would consider mediation so both sides could agree on an “indemnity fee” for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the NHL.

Richard Rodier, Mr. Balsillie’s representative in Phoenix, stated that if a fee is imposed, it could force the billionaire to walk away from his offer to purchase the team.

Mr. Balsillie, in a statement on his website, said “we’re still moving toward our goal. We’re looking forward to instructions from Judge Baum.

“I am committed to continuing and winning this fight to bring a seventh NHL team to Canada,” he stated. “I am fighting for Canadian hockey fans.”

The mediation deadline would be prior to the June 22 auction, set by Judge Baum in an earlier court ruling.

Judge Baum, during the first part of the hearing which lasted for nearly four hours, grilled the Coyotes majority owner Jerry Moyes’ lawyer, the NHL’s representative and Mr. Basillie’s representative over antitrust legislation, and whether or not the money-losing Coyotes can be moved. He indicated the NHL’s constitution may not violate the U. S.’s anti-trust legislation.