After the tears last night at Mullet Arena in Tempe, Arizona, it will ultimately mark an end of an era. The Arizona Coyotes will undergo their franchise’s second relocation as they made the move from Winnipeg, Manitoba some 27 years ago back in 1996. Nine times the club made the post-season over that span. But now, with Elliotte Friedman’s report Wednesday evening, and just the feeling around the collective room, it seems the Coyotes will now make their den in Salt Lake City, Utah. At least for a couple years (given the multitude of reports, rumours, and information swirling on the situation). One of the last pieces of the puzzle has fallen, as of Thursday afternoon the NHL’s Board of Governors have voted to approve the sale of the Coyotes to Utah.
The sale of the Coyotes to Utah has been approved
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 18, 2024
The Arizona Coyotes Franchise is Having their Second Relocation
Friedman’s report from Wednesday is that the Board of Governors is indeed having a meeting on Thursday afternoon. That is the meeting that just concluded resulting in the passed vote to approve the sale. Given the reports that have been making waves following the initial news, it is tough to narrow in on the conditions.
Assuming the NHL Board of Governors approves the relocation of the Coyotes to Utah via vote this afternoon, Utah Jazz owner and soon to be Yotes owner Ryan Smith is expected to meet with Coyotes players and staff today in Arizona.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 18, 2024
If only they could have found a home arena in the metropolis that is Phoenix, Arizona. There is a handful of NHLers who were born in the state of Arizona, including perhaps its poster-boy, Toronto Maple Leaf sniper, the 69-goal man himself, Auston Matthews.
What to Look Forward to in Salt Lake
There does seem to be the sentiment that if the Greater Phoenix area can find a stable, NHL-sized home for NHL hockey it may return. However, if they haven’t done it after all this time, it’s not looking good. It feels like moving on from Arizona is the right decision. Moreover, you have a willing and eager owner in place in Ryan Smith. One who already owns a major sports team, the Utah Jazz. The Delta Center in Salt Lake City will be able to accommodate NHL hockey.
Main photo: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
