The NHL, better known by employees of the Phoenix Coyotes as “boss,” have fired team president Doug Moss and promoted Mike Nealy to the position, according to a TSN report. Moss had been president since December, 2002. The new president Nealy had been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Coyotes.

The firing comes at an odd time. The Coyotes made the playoffs last season and boosted their attendance significantly in the second half after making several key trade-deadline deals. They took their only playoff series to seven games. The timing is bizarre because the team is currently working out the details its sale to Ice Edge Holdings. One would think the NHL would allow Ice Edge the opportunity to hire its own president. The move may imply that the sale is far from being finalized.

Matthew Coller is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network, and is a freelance writer. He can be followed on Twitter

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