NHL to steal away Eddie Gossage

UPDATE This rumor is downgraded to 'false.' Statement from Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage regarding published reports about being approached for an executive position with the National Hockey League: “It’s flattering to have my name linked to a possible opportunity, but I have not spoken to anyone from the NHL. The speculation surrounding me says a lot about the growth and popularity of NASCAR and its place among today’s mainstream sports. But I have the dream job right now and the perfect relationship with SMI [Speedway Motorsports, Inc.] Chairman Bruton Smith. I have no intention of leaving Texas Motor Speedway and my personal goal is to be here as long as Tom Landry was with the Dallas Cowboys. He is, in my mind, the icon of sporting success in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and that remains a lofty goal for me to reach someday."

01/31/07 People who know Eddie Gossage say he could sell ice to an Eskimo. What the NHL is interested in investigating is if the TMS president can sell ice hockey to apathetic fans.

Sources confirmed that a headhunter has contacted Gossage on behalf of the NHL to gauge his interest in joining the league in a yet-to-be-determined executive position.

Gossage certainly brings what hockey lacks. He has a reputation for being a marketing master, and he was a key player in helping raise NASCAR's profile nationally. The NHL sees itself in a similar position to that of auto racing 10 years ago and apparently has identified Gossage as a person capable of solving its attendance and TV-ratings issues.

Would Gossage be interested in saving hockey?

He declined to comment Tuesday except to say, "I haven't spoken to anybody from the NHL." A league spokesman also declined comment. Star Telegram