Arizona Coyotes could be on the move as early as April 18, after reports emerged from the National Hockey League (NHL) regarding a relocation to Salt Lake City. The Coyotes, who have struggled to find a permanent home since leaving Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, have been playing at Mullet Arena on the campus of Arizona State University after signing a three-year deal on February 10, 2022.
It has been a 20-year battle to keep an NHL team in the state of Arizona, with constant off-ice rumours swirling around the organisation, and poor attendance figures season to season, hamstringing the franchise.
Scottsdale Mayor, David Ortega, had recently come out against the Coyotes most recent arena plans in the Northeast of Phoenix. Putting another roadblock in the Coyotes plans to stay in Arizona, and ramping up the Salt Lake City talks.
Interestingly, on the same day of Mayor Ortega’s comments, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith tweeted about a name for a future NHL team in the city.
Despite the potential relocation news, the NHL has invested heavily into Arizona, with many believing a return will be part of future expansion plans. A return that could be part of a sale package if the Coyotes were to be sold, and reassurances of future expansion and return to the Grand Canyon State.
The NHL might be moving on from Arizona, it isn’t a move reflecting the local hockey community, one that is invested and committed to the sport.
Hockey in Arizona is thriving and growing, highlighted by current Toronto Maple Leaf star Auston Matthews, a product of the local hockey system. Josh Doan, part of Coyotes royalty, recently debuted for Arizona continuing the local talent production line.
When the NHL arrived on Australian shores for the Global Series, Hockey Hype Australia was treated with class from the Coyotes, and looking throughout the sold out crowds at Rod Laver Arena, there is a strong international Coyotes fanbase.
And if the journey of the Coyotes was to end at the conclusion of the 2023/24 NHL season, Australian fans have one moment to look back on, a Logan Cooley special that will live long in the memory.
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