WINNIPEG — There will be no news conference Tuesday regarding the potential return of the NHL to Winnipeg, True North Sports and Entertainment said Monday afternoon.

True North is in negotiations to purchase the Atlanta Thrashers and relocate them to Winnipeg. Talks are reportedly progressing, but no deal has been finalized.

“It’s safe to say there will be no announcement on Tuesday,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said.

Rumours have swirled since last Thursday, when the Globe and Mail reported that a deal was done between True North and Atlanta Spirit Group, which owns the Thrashers. The article also stated a news conference was expected on Tuesday.

True North, Atlanta Spirit and the NHL all denied an agreement was finished.

Sources have told the Winnipeg Free Press negotiations continued all weekend with Sunday seeing major progress.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Monday that the final interested party looking at buying the Thrashers with the intention of keeping them in Atlanta has stepped out of the picture.

Reports have said True North will pay $110 million to Atlanta Spirit for the franchise and $60 million to the NHL as a relocation fee.