Lemieux Shopping the Team to Other Cities??

It seems that Mario Lemieux's level of frustration has reached a boiling point and he would now consider selling the team to other cities. Lemieux does state that he is still willing to negotiate an arena agreement here in Pittsburgh, but is bound to IOC for several more weeks. Here is a statement released on the Penguins official website.

Recent developments, including Wednesday’s decision by the PGCB, and the recent termination of the purchase agreement by Jim Balsillie have convinced us that it is time to take control of our own destiny. Accordingly, starting Thursday, the team is off the market, and we will begin to explore relocation options in cities outside Pennsylvania. After seven years of trying to work out a new arena deal exclusively in Pittsburgh, we need to take into consideration the long-term viability of the team and begin discussions with other cities that may be interested in NHL teams.

As soon as we are no longer restricted by our agreement with Isle of Capri from negotiating an arena deal here, in the next few weeks, we will also begin discussions with local leaders about a viable Pittsburgh arena plan.

We will have no further comment at this time.