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The speculation over the Arizona Coyotes’ future is a non-stop rumor mill, yet there is no concrete information on what exactly is going to happen with the hockey franchise after the 2023-24 season.
At the forefront of the recent news released on this situation this morning, Daily Faceoff NHL insider Frank Servalli believes the NHL is preparing for the possibility of relocation.
“Sources: NHL is drafting two schedule versions for next season – one with ‘Yotes in Arizona, another with the relocated franchise playing in Salt Lake City,” Seravalli said. “Fluid situation. Lots of moving parts. Details on dual paths and a potential transaction.
Sources say ‘Yotes players have been informed that something of a ‘verbal’ agreement is in place to relocate to Salt Lake City, but we’ve received pushback on that characterization of talks. Nonetheless, this is well down the track. Let’s see what happens next.”
Sources say #Yotes players have been informed that something of a "verbal" agreement is in place to relocate to Salt Lake City, but we've received pushback on that characterization of talks.
Nonetheless, this is well down the track. Let's see what happens next. https://t.co/kuaIoVyb4d
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 10, 2024
Adding fuel to the fire, Arizona Sports 98.7 FM radio host John Gambadoro stated that his sources added a twist.
“On the Coyotes yes, I have confirmed 100% from all sides that relocating the team to SLC and still attempting to get an arena built for an expansion team in AZ is a REAL option.”
Off today to watch my son play HS baseball "Go Corona". Will have a Suns rant on the show. On the Coyotes yes, I have confirmed 100% from all sides that relocating the team to SLC and still attempting to get an arena built for an expansion team in AZ is a REAL option
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) April 10, 2024
There has not been word from Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo or any other team personnel to confirm or deny these reports.
Despite these claims blowing up all over social media, the ‘Yotes official X (formerly Twitter) account posted about reaffirming their intent to stay.
“Committed to keeping Coyotes hockey in the desert and building an arena in Phoenix.”
Committed to keeping Coyotes Hockey in the desert & building an arena in Phoenix. pic.twitter.com/gJz4b4A8xO
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) April 10, 2024
Before these rumblings, Meruelo intended to bid on a 95-acre parcel of land up for auction in north Phoenix on June 27. In March, the Arizona State Land Department Board of Appeals agreed that the particular site would have a $68.5 million appraisal.
Say these reported talks progress between Meruelo and the NHL, however, Meruelo could end up either selling the team to presumed Utah steward Ryan Smith (Utah Jazz owner), selling and having an expansion team in the future, or relocating.
Whether the ‘Yotes will 100% stay in the desert or if they will be Utah-bound, this situation will continue to roll on until a decision is final.
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