Gary Bettman and the NHL discuss potential relocation of Coyotes

PUBLICATION

Tom Banks
March 20, 2024 (3:53 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Expansion has been a hot topic in the NHL as of late, and now Gary Bettman has addressed the Arizona Coyotes situation.

The Arizona Coyotes have been struggling for a new arena deal, and with their finances up in the air as well, it appears things may be moving towards relocation for the struggling franchise. At the recent NHL General Managers Meetings in Florida, many topics were brought up, but when the media asked Bill Daly about the future of the Arizona Coyotes, he revealed that it likely won't happen for the 2024-25 season, but all things are still on the table for an expansion.

"Regarding the Coyotes, Bill Daly alluded that the team will play in Arizona next season, even if they lose the land auction in June. So if the team needs to relocate, it will have to be for the 25-26 season." Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports said.

Chris Johnston of TSN added, "Bill Daly, asked if the NHL would have time to pivot and have the #coyotes play somewhere other than Arizona next season if Alex Meruelo doesn't win June's land auction: "Probably not."

Seems to be an indication they're likely to remain where they are for 2024-25."

"Both Bill Daly and Gary Bettman declined to define any kind of deadline on a possible #coyotes relocation decision. But Daly did mention "it's getting late.""

The team are taking part in a land auction for a new arena site in June, and if they fail it, Bill Daly, deputy Commissioner reveals it's likely too late for relocation for next season.

The Coyotes have seemingly put a fairly solid product on the ice this season, with talents like Clayton Keller and Logan Cooley drawing plenty of attention, but unfortunately, the fanbase and the infrastructure just isn't there.

Recently, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reiterated these feelings, revealing that the future of the Coyotes likely isn't in Arizona, with their ownership group just not cutting it.

The ownership group led by Alex Meruelo have led the Coyotes down a path that's simply not fitting for an NHL team, and unless they can find a new home soon, it's highly likely that the league won't want to keep playing in a 5,000 seat arena.

With the league looking at Salt Lake City and Atlanta, more and more it appears as though at least one of those cities may be getting a relocated team, rather than a completely new expansion team.

There remains plenty of love for the Coyotes, but they just aren't cutting it, and the more reports that come out about it, the more likely they are to relocate, so their June auction for new land may be their last ditch effort to keep the team in Phoenix.

As Read on Blade of Steel - NHL comments on potentially relocating the Arizona Coyotes