The Arizona Coyotes have reportedly informed their players that the franchise will be moving to Salt Lake City, Utah, next season. General manager Bill Armstrong confirmed rumors that had been circulating all week and informed the players that the NHL is facilitating the sale of the franchise to Ryan and Ashley Smith, owners of the NBA’s Utah Jazz. An announcement is expected next week, potentially after the Coyotes’ final game in Tempe, Arizona on April 17.
Despite the news of the impending move, Coyotes forward Clayton Keller stated that the team has been trying to focus on hockey and ignore the rumors. The players and staff are expected to visit Utah after the season finale to check out the city and facilities. The plan is for the team to play at the newly renovated Delta Center, owned by the Smiths and home to the Jazz. However, NHL-specific upgrades are reportedly needed for the arena to become a permanent home for the franchise.
While the move to Salt Lake City is in motion, the NHL is not completely closing the door on the Phoenix market. Owner Alex Meruelo has been eyeing a plot of land in the Phoenix area and intends to enter a state-run land auction for it. Previous reports indicated that a new arena in Phoenix wouldn’t be ready until 2027, leading the NHL to seek a better solution for the upcoming season, which resulted in the decision to relocate the franchise to Utah. Meruelo purchased the team in 2019 and its value has been recently estimated at $675 million, the lowest among NHL teams.
The announcement of the Coyotes’ move to Salt Lake City comes after weeks of speculation and rumors about the franchise’s future. The players have continued to focus on their games amidst the uncertainty and are expected to visit Utah to assess the new location. The potential move has left the door open for future NHL involvement in the Phoenix market, as owner Alex Meruelo continues to search for a permanent home for the team.
The sale of the Arizona Coyotes to the Smiths, owners of the Utah Jazz, is seen as a significant development in the franchise’s history. The move to Salt Lake City represents a new chapter for the team, as they prepare to play in a new arena and city next season. The NHL’s decision to relocate the franchise is part of a larger strategy to ensure the long-term success and stability of the league as a whole. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of relocation, the Coyotes are moving forward with plans to establish themselves in their new home in Utah.
