Edmonton mayor wraps up 'productive' meetings in NY about new downtown arena

EDMONTON - Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel says he has wrapped up meetings in New York with National Hockey League officials regarding a deal for a new downtown arena.

Mandel calls the meetings productive, but he is keeping mum on the details until he can brief city councillors Friday.

Mandel says NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acted as a helpful mediator in discussions with members of the Katz (KAYTZ) Group, which owns the Edmonton Oilers.

The city and the team have been trying to hammer out a deal for a new arena to replace the aging Rexall Place.

Katz has told the city it has until the end of this month to finalize a deal.

The $450-million facility is still $100 million short of its budget.