The group headlined by Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle apparently is not the only one interested in attempting to pry the Penguins away from Fenway Sports Group.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported on Monday that the Hoffmann family, which owns the Florida Everblades of the ECHL, has "emerged as a serious contender" to purchase the Penguins from Fenway Sports Group.

He also reported that the potential sale price of the team is around $1.75 billion.

Friedman cautioned that "there is still work to do" and no deal has been finalized. Still, the emergence of a second group that wants controlling interest of the Penguins suggests FSG is at least open to the idea of getting out after just four years.

Hoffmann a Washington, Missouri, native, owns several wineries and other tourist destinati

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