It was believed that Bettman and the NHL were giving the Coyotes until the all star break to find a way to stay in Arizona, but their plans have evidently failed. According to multiple insiders, the Coyotes' bid to buy land in Arizona has recently failed, and Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia is reportedly backing out of conversations to buy the team or house them in Phoenix.
This has led Elliotte Friedman to report today on the Jeff Marek Show that there could be an announcement as soon as this weekend that the NHL will take the Coyotes away from current owner Alex Merulo to sell to another owner, or operate the team themselves temporarily.
With a management group out of Salt Lake City aggressively pursuing an NHL team with a building ready, the NHL may be forced to consider that as the best option available, instead of continuing to allow the Coyotes to play in the Arizona State University arena. Really, the charade of this tiny arena has gone on far too long, and a relocation this offseason is absolutely the right move.
POLL | ||
FEVRIER 7 | 3458 ANSWERS BREAKING: NHL finally moving forward with relocation to a new city Is it the right move to relocate the Coyotes? | ||
Yes, they're ridiculous | 2798 | 80.9 % |
No, they just need more time | 348 | 10.1 % |
See Results | 312 | 9 % |
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