NHL confirms another expansion team coming in the next five years

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Tom Banks
April 14, 2024 (7:03 PM)

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The Arizona Coyotes are on their way to Salt Lake City, but if things go well for owner Alex Meruelo, hockey could be returning to the desert in the coming years.

The past week has been a whirlwind for the Arizona Coyotes, and with the incompetence shown at the top of the organization, it wouldn't shock most if the NHL never wanted to go back to the desert. Now however, it has been revealed that the front office of the Coyotes could trigger an expansion draft and return to the league, on the condition that they have built an arena in the next five years.

The Arizona Coyotes will be able to trigger an expansion draft and return to the NHL as an expansion team if they build an arena within the next 5 years.

That comes from Coyotes reporter John Gambadoro, who has been a fantastic source for all the breaking news regarding this relocation in the past week, and given Alex Meruelo's determination to have a team in Arizona, the chances of this happening are high. However, it all hinges on the upcoming land auction, and if he loses, hockey may never return to Arizona, but if he wins the auction and brings the state of the art arena and entertainment district that he has promised, the fans in the desert may not have to wait long for hockey again.

As I reported on ABC intermission expectation is deal to send Coyotes to Utah will be completed next week.

Meanwhile, Alex Meruelo, business staff & AHL team will remain in Arizona�maintain youth hockey presence & try to win land auction for new arena.to bring the NHL back.

Source: Blade of Steel

NHL agrees to another expansion team