The New Jersey Devils are for sale and a deal is expected before the start of the NHL season.
A person familiar with the negotiations says several groups are vying to buy the financially strapped franchise and there is a chance a deal might be done quickly.
The source spoke to The Associated Press Thursday and requested anonymity because the negotiations between Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek and the groups are still active.
Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris heads one group and Calgary billionaire Bill Gallacher is another, as the deal includes operating rights to the Prudential Center.
The team will not relocate, the source said, adding that Vanberbeek will retain a minority ownership with the Devils.
