Major Owner may Re-locate the Coyotes to a City no one Expected

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TJ Tucker
May 17, 2023 (4:34 PM)

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With the Arizona Coyotes losing their vote to build a new arena and entertainment district in Tempe, talk has turned to where the team will move. Is a move guaranteed? It certainly seems that way, as even the Coyotes' most diehard supporters appear to be resigned to that outcome.

The Usual Suspects

Cities like Houston, Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Quebec City, Quebec have all been making the rounds as possible relocation sites for the Coyotes. However, the owner of a major pro sports team has indicated he's interested and has even started the process potentially buying the team.

Could it Work?

It's safe to say Utah isn't the place most people think of when it comes to a new NHL team, but neither was Arizona. The state already hosts the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL. That team was a member of the American Hockey League from 2001 to 2005. So, there is some history there.

What is the NHL's Next Move?

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has so far said little about the Coyotes losing the arena vote other than that he and the league are very disappointed. I'm sure an organization the size of the NHL has a contingency plan in place. However, so far, no on is willing to talk about it. TSN's Darren Dreger believes the best solution would be for the owner of the Phoenix Suns to get involved to bring the team back to that city's downtown. As it stands right now, there's no indication that might happen.