"Blues ownership has rejected an offer of $167 million to buy the franchise and is seeking a $190 million purchase price, according to the group that says it made the unsuccessful bid.

Calgary businessman Max Chambers told the Post-Dispatch today that he was "surprised" the Blues didn't accept his all-cash offer, which was made on July 2, and he believes the current asking price is too high. In 2010, Forbes Magazine valued the franchise at $165 million.

"The offer of $167 (million) was my maximum," Chambers said. "We think that's the most they've been offered. Obviously they haven't been offered $190 because $190 was the figure to take it off the auction block. I don't think anyone has over-topped our offer of $167.

"I think $190 is a little aggressive with the value of the franchise. We felt $167 was aggressive, so their counter at $190 was real aggressive in our view.""