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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomos administration retained a key sports business legal expert to assist in the states bid to prevent the Buffalo Bills from relocating. Irwin Raij, who played a key role in negotiating the Bills 10-year lease, is staying on to represent the states interests in securing the franchises long-term future following the death of owner Ralph Wilson. Three weeks after Wilsons death in March, the Empire State Development board extended a contract with Foley & Lardner, and specifically with Raij, one of the firms partners. The approval of the extension was disclosed in minutes from ESDs meeting on April 16. Howard Glaser, the states director of operations, confirmed the decision on Wednesday. Raij specializes in stadium development projects and lease agreements. In 2012, he was part of a team that negotiated a lease with the Bills that included a strict non-relocation clause that makes it difficult for the team to move before the 2020 season. The Bills future beyond that is uncertain. They are expected to be put up for sale, opening the possibility of the franchise being moved. "It is imperative that the state and ESD study and develop a plan to insure the long-term viability of the franchise in western New York," the approved resolution to extend the law firms contract read. "Because of the complexity of the transaction and specialized nature of professional stadium construction and lease arrangements, the advice and assistance of outside counsel is required." Aside from advising the state on the sale process, Raij will also work with a committee of public and private leaders that has been established to make recommendations on whether a new stadium or renovations to the Bills current home best fit the franchises needs once the lease expires in July 2023. Previously, Raij led a legal team that represented Guggenheim Baseball Management in the acquisition of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also represented Major League Baseball in securing new stadium deals for the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals. Teppo Numminen Jersey . Mired in an offensive slump, Lowry - the NBAs leader in taking charges this season - did what he has learned to do best, standing his ground and drawing a crucial offensive foul on the Cavaliers all-star point guard. Fast forward 30 seconds to the Cavs next possession, with the home team still trailing by three, Spencer Hawes - one of the leagues best passing big men - threw an interception, intended for Tyler Zeller and picked off by DeMar DeRozan. Wayne Gretzky Jersey . The Mavericks avoided a season sweep by the Nuggets, who ran away with a win in Denver two weeks ago to hand Dallas its longest losing streak at three games. Dallas (42-28) got a boost in the playoff race when Miami rallied from seven down in the last 3 1/2 minutes to beat Memphis 91-86 Friday night. http://www.officialcoyotesfanstore.com/a...yotes-jersey/.9 million deal Thursday. The 25-year McGinn had 19 goals and 19 assists in 79 games last season in helping the Avalanche tie a franchise record with 52 wins. Jason Demers Jersey . - The New York Rangers have momentum, a unified locker room and Henrik Lundqvist. Nick Cousins Jersey . A judge had summoned Clemens and Brian McNamee to federal court in Brooklyn for settlement talks aimed at heading off a trial in the defamation case. McNamees lawyer emerged saying an agreement wasnt likely. "I think this is a case where the lines are deeply drawn in the sand," said attorney Richard Emery.With the NHL Draft coming up on June 27 and free agency opening on July 1, discussions between NHL general managers are already heating up towards a busy off-season. Each day, TSN.ca provides the latest rumours, reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. Kane A Fit For Oilers? TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie tweeted on Monday that the Winnipeg Jets WPG could be much more open to considering a trade for any player, including forward Evander Kane. That said, David Staples of The Edmonton Journal suggests that the Oilers could look into acquiring Kane for another winger who may benefit from a change in scenery. "Would a Nail Yakupov for Kane deal make sense?," he wrote. "A risk for a risk? Of course, having just lost Alexander Burmistrov to the KHL, the Jets might not be so keen on picking up another young Russian attacker. Of course, most Oilers fans would much rather see Sam Gagner and spare parts moved for Kane, but Winnipeg is OK at centre with Bryan Little and Mark Scheifele. A Winnipeg/Edmonton deal certainly doesnt seem out of the question here. A bit of logic to it." Alfies Answer? Helene St. James of The Detroit Free Press writes that the Red Wings are waiting to hear whether Daniel Alfredsson wants to play another season and want him back if he does. St. James also writes that the team are trying to trade forward Jordin Tootoo, who has one year left on a three-year, $5.7-million contract. Tootooo spent most of this season with Grand Rapids of the AHL.dddddddddddd Washingtons Playbook As Chuck Gormley of csnwashington.com writes, new Washington Capitals GM Brian MacLellan would like to go with Braden Holtby as his No. 1 goalie next season and add a veteran backup either through trade or free agency so that Philipp Grubauer can develop further in the AHL. MacLellan adds that the Capitals are still in talks with pending UFA Mikhail Grabovski and would also like to explore Evgeny Kuznetsov as the the teams No. 2 center. "Were going to have to develop one of our young guys to play second-line centre," he said. "I think its hard to add in free agency." Also of note, MacLellan says its a priority to get defenceman Mike Green "on track" and that there were circumstances that hindered his performance last season. "I guess Im open to trading anybody," he told Gormley, "but as of right now I think wed like to bring Mike Green back." MacLellan also said he would try to land a top defenceman through a trade or free agency. Centre Of Attention Adrian Dater of The Denver Post tweeted that the Colorado Avalanche say they will continue to try and re-sign pending restricted free agent Ryan OReilly. OReillys agent added there is "nothing to report." Dater also wrote that the Avs may be thinking that OReilly is a $5 million player. He made $6.5 million this past season. ' ' '