PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins have decided to consider a handful of inquiries to buy the team. And while they won't guarantee the team wouldn't leave the city as part of the process, staying in the city will remain a priority.

Mario Lemieux is revered as Pittsburgh sports super hero and the man who saved the Penguins.

He said any buyer of the team will be bound by a commitment to keep the team in the city if the Isle of Capri gaming company gets the slots casino license for Pittsburgh.

"This is plan B for us. There's no other plan. At least we haven't seen on in the last five years. So we have to come forward and put our own plan B together. And that, as far as I'm concerned, that's the last shot," said Lemieux.

Isle of Capri is committed to building a new arena for the Penguins entirely with private funds. Penguins President Ken Sawyer said Lemieux never intended to own the team forever.

"We'll make sure that whoever steps up will keep the team here if Isle of Capri wins the casino bid," said Ken Sawyer, Penguin's President.

That pivotal "if" is in the control of only the State Gaming Board. Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato said local leaders will come up with a plan B.

"The mayor and I have to make sure that if for some reason that doesn't come through, we have a backup plan to still build a multi-purpose facility. Because we still want to have that done here," said Onorato.

"If we can't come up with the gaming license and the new arena, then it's our fault that they leave, not the owner's fault," said Pittsburgh Councilman Jim Motznik.

Penguins players and coaching staff are trying to keep their focus on what happens to the Penguins on the ice.

"I think all of us here would probably love to see the team stay here. That's obvious. But like I said, we're players, we have to play. We can't control whether it stays here," said Sidney Crosby, a Penguin's rookie.

"For us, it's out of my control. As far as I'm concerned, you know, it's like I got to prepare my team," said Michel Therrien, Penguins head coach.