Farewell to the Coyotes? Gary Bettman is about to make a statement

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David St-Jean
February 7, 2024 (1:16 PM)

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The Arizona Coyotes situation has been dragging on for a very long time. It's essentially a burden for the NHL, both financially and in terms of credibility.

Gary Bettman seems so determined to keep a team there even though it has never worked since their inception. It's as if someone has compromising information on him and is blackmailing him to keep the team in the desert, it just doesn't make sense.

In short, three options are on the table, and one of them will have to be chosen very soon.

"Either the NHL will demand that the Coyotes immediately identify a site for the construction of a new arena, which is unlikely.

Or the NHL will announce that the Coyotes will move (to Salt Lake City?).

Or the NHL will force owner Alex Meruelo to sell the team to investors who will keep it in Arizona."

The third option already seems to be off the table, as the main investor in this matter has reportedly withdrawn.

"UPDATE: Told Suns owner Mat Ishbia is not pursuing the Yotes. Unless there is another mystery local businessperson interested in buying the team and privately funding it all, that crosses off one of the three options."

This information comes from the excellent Frank Seravalli, who has been very up-to-date on this matter from the beginning. If relocation is necessary, keep Quebec City in mind.

Salt Lake City seems to be Bettman's preferred location, but their new arena is not yet built. Quebec, on the other hand, is 100% ready, both in terms of infrastructure and financially.