Gretzky contacted by potential Leafs buyers An American private equity firm interested in purchasing a majority stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has reached out to Wayne Gretzky to be part of their group, Sportsnet has learned. It was earlier reported this week that the Ontario Teacher's Pension Plan could potentially sell it's 79 per cent share of MLSE to a U.S. based financial firm, Providence Equity Partners. Two independent sources told Sportsnet that Gretzky has been approached by multiple groups interested in purchasing the majority stakeholder of MLSE, owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the latest being the Providence group. When asked about the interest from the Providence group, Gretzky told Sportsnet: "Yes, I've been approached by multiple firms considering the purchase of MLSE." Gretzky would not give any more details on potential roles or which specific groups have targeted him. He has also been on the record as saying he was still unsure if and when he would return to the NHL. He is still owed more than $8-million in deferred money for his involvement in the Phoenix Coyotes. That money is still tied up in the ongoing legal and bankruptcy battles between the NHL and former Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes.