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 met with players to confirm the rumors and informed them 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, with the final game at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, on April 17. Coyotes players and staff are expected to visit Utah to check out the city and facilities, with plans to play at the newly renovated Delta Center.
Despite the potential move to Salt Lake City, the NHL is not completely ruling out the Phoenix market. Owner Alex Meruelo is still seeking a permanent home for his team in the Phoenix area, eyeing a plot he intends to win at a state-run land auction. Reports had previously indicated that a new arena in Phoenix would not be ready until 2027, leading the NHL to seek a better solution for the franchise next season. Meruelo purchased the team in 2019 for $425 million, and its current value is estimated at $675 million, the lowest of the NHL’s 32 teams.
Clayton Keller of the Coyotes mentioned that the team has been trying to focus on hockey amid the rumors of relocation. The players are preparing for their potential move to Utah and are expected to visit the city to get acquainted with their new surroundings. The plan is for the team to play at the Delta Center, pending NHL-specific upgrades to the arena. The Coyotes have been informed that the relocation to Salt Lake City is real, and an announcement could be made on April 17, the date of their final home game against Edmonton.
The potential move of the Coyotes to Salt Lake City has generated mixed reactions, with some players and staff focusing on their current hockey commitments and others dealing with the uncertainties of relocating to a new city. The NHL’s decision to explore other options for the franchise’s future next season has led to the impending move to Utah. While the Coyotes’ players and staff are preparing for the transition, owner Alex Meruelo is still seeking a permanent home in the Phoenix area, indicating a possible future return of the Coyotes brand to Arizona.
Overall, the Arizona Coyotes’ reported relocation to Salt Lake City, Utah, next season marks a significant change for the franchise. General manager Bill Armstrong has informed players of the move, and plans are underway for the team to transition to a new city and arena. Despite the potential move, the door remains open for a future return to the Phoenix market, as owner Alex Meruelo continues to pursue options for a permanent home in Arizona. The NHL’s decision to facilitate the sale of the franchise to the owners of the Utah Jazz signals a new chapter for the Coyotes, with potential announcements expected in the near future.
