The Canadian ownership group also alleges Bettman directed Predators owner Craig Leipold to focus on closing a deal with William "Boots" Del Biaggio III, who is the front man for a group trying to bring an NHL team to Kansas City.

"We were advised by Mr. Leipold that the commissioner had found out about the existence of the negotiations and ordered him to immediately cease any further communications with us," Balsillie's legal representative, Richard Rodier, told ESPN.com this week.

In a series of e-mails obtained by ESPN.com, Leipold and Rodier discuss Bettman's alleged involvement in the breaking off of negotiations between the two sides and the commissioner's uneasiness with the prospect of a deal being signed between the two parties.

Here we go. The Preds aren't leaving Nashville. And since the Canadian Conspiracy thought they had this wrapped up with a bow on it, now they're reacting with much anger and vigilance.