Elliotte Friedman: The Time Has Come For The Arizona Coyotes

[@squeekywheel9591]

Sorry to hear this. I was working temporarily in Winnipeg just after the team left for Arizona. Everyone there was gutted. Not good.

[@wellyforpm]

I sent 20 bucks to the save the jets campagin, when it failed they sent my 20 back. I was like 12.

[@ThePimps12]

TNSE took the one and only chance in probably 50 years to move a team to Canada and Winnipeg specifically. Sadly it seems like bringing the Nordiques back to QC would cost up to 10 times as much as it cost Winnipeg to buy and move Atlanta.

[@QBNTO1]

Welcome to the club, as a Whalers loyal fan, I know that pain. 😢. Btw if Bettman says you’ll have a team soon. He’s lying 🤥 Hartford knows.

[@goenzoy712]

But Phoenix is growing massive Different to Hartford

[@nielsonlars]

So True! I am a Penguins Fan but I enjoyed going to Phoenix to watch the Penguins play...especially in winter during the PNW raining that I get to experience every year from living in Oregon

[@kiroolioneaver8532]

tbf Bettman has kept the team there way longer than he had any right to do (even let them play out of a 5 000 seat arena for multiple years). It's clear he still believes in PHX lol

[@joshstorch3315]

You can't compare the two at all

[@seniorreilly7635]

i was also a whalers fan, going back to them in WHA, just a short hours drive from providence.

[@AlbanianMan]

Panthers fan here. I can empathize with Coyotes fans. We would always hear the same BS about how our team needs to move. Never mind the fact that we had cashless owners, awful coaches, and shitty GM’s for like 20 years before Vinnie Viola came along and saved the franchise. As a Miami native, I got so sick of always hearing about how hockey doesn’t work in South Florida. Hockey absolutely works in South Florida, we just don’t like shitty hockey. However, as a BYU alum, I am somewhat psyched about a team in Utah.

[@bartsanders1553]

As much of a north shauvanist as I am, hockey works in FL. I don't like saying it, but it's the truth.

[@CoreyParsons-b8q]

If u put a winning team on the ice fans will come out . If not they won’t come . Look at Pittsburgh we almost left for KC

[@RedPillBased]

That's the problem with Panther fans, as one. If they aren't winning every night the fans don't care. You have to care win or lose.

[@AlbanianMan]

@@RedPillBased you could literally say that about every other fan base, save Montreal and Toronto. Look at Pittsburgh, their attendance always noticeably dips when the team isn’t doing so hot, despite being a “hockey market“

[@FischerFan]

@@AlbanianMan In the two seasons before Mario Lemieux arrived, the Penguins were drawing less than 4,000 fans for a number of their games.

[@bartsanders1553]

In the early 2000s I was in the "move" camp. But they've held on for so long, now it just makes me sad to think about. Classy for Elliot to come on and talk about it.

[@johnalwell5795]

He really does a great job in everything he does. You guys and Elliott .

[@AV57]

It’s crazy when you look back at how exciting the Coyotes franchise was in the first 3 or 4 years in Phoenix that this is where we’re at now. The Coyotes are, perhaps, the prime example of how to screw up a glorious sports franchise opportunity.

[@jaredhill6035]

As a person from winnipeg who was crushed when we lost the jets, i feel for the fans. I find the irony here is, the reason the jets moved in the first place was bad arena and bad ownership

[@ddss97]

nice of elliotte to come on, hes great.

[@RobertHarridge]

I'm a long time Tampa Bay Lightning fan, and I feel for the fans in Arizona. Hockey does work in non-traditional markets, and I feel there are fans of the desert dogs. Personally, I've wanted it to work in Arizona. Maybe not the current owners, but the previous ownerships are what laid an unstable foundation, much like the Atlanta Thrashers. This is not the fans fault. Coyotes fans deserve better. Unfortunately, good ownership came in too late. To the fans and the staff of the 'yotes, stay strong.

[@goenzoy712]

Greater Phoenix is growing all the time.They will come back when proper 15000 seat arena is ready They should copy SAP Garden build in Munich Germany. They did it in 2 1/2 years even during Covid

[@simonmeikle9037]

Dallas fan here, and I agree whole heartedly. Non traditional markets can work, but like anything in life it takes investment, both financial and emotional and the owners of this franchise have clearly skimped on both, particularly when you hear that the original arena issue started because the ownership wasn't paying bills. The fans are blameless in this, and as someone who watched NHL since early 90s they are no less loyal than any fans, the difference is the quality of the on ice product. They've had so little quality product, despite having some excellent individual talent, who can blame the attendance issues on the fans? Give them a solid product and you fix attendance immediately. I desperately hope the Coyotes return to the league at some point. It sucks that they have been screwed out of hockey for any amount of time.

[@PatrickWayneCollects]

Hockey works here, the coyotes owners group does not!

[@goenzoy712]

@@PatrickWayneCollects No he was just unlucky with timing during Covid.The big job now is to get a 15000 seat arena up and running

[@PatrickWayneCollects]

@@goenzoy712 bologna, there are many examples of this ownership failing to follow through.

[@sdog378]

Man my heart goes out to Yotes fans. I always wanted them to succeed being an "underdog" franchise. I can't imagine having a team you grew cheering for and watching your whole life just up and gone with basically no warning. Hope yall get a team back there soon

[@FalseNi9e]

It's the owners fault lets be real here. He would take on bad contracts just to meet the cap floor. He never wanted to actually win and doesn't deserve to own a team. He just wants to make money with putting as little in as possible. This is 1000% his fault

[@MyselfTheThird]

It's the owners' fault, just not THIS owner. With all the shit they pulled at Gila River and their perpetual tax delinquency from a decade plus before this, the Coyotes' die was cast *long* before any complaints about a salary floor could be made.

[@goenzoy712]

Totally disagree He purchased the team roughly 6 months before lockdown And with business in hospitality thats 3 year's of unusual scenarios nobody saw coming.He needed more time.But understand NHL and that they can't wait another 3 years with a university cheerleaders spare room situation

[@JayRoberts244]

No it’s not. If he wanted out he would have been out already.

[@kurukotaktay]

@@JayRoberts244It’s the owners fault that it’s come to this. The OP didn’t say anything about the owner wanting out.

[@JayRoberts244]

@@kurukotaktay it’s not Morelos fault thought. The team was in shambles when be bought it, he tried to save it and so did the NHL. How many more opportunities and how much more time should they given them?

[@jean-philippematte3701]

The day the Nordiques left Quebec City, the city died. Since then, a few billionaires showed their interest to the NHL to bring a team back to Quebec City, fans are hungry, they built a 18,000 seats state of the art arena following the league recommendation, nothing yet, the Coyotes should had moved to Quebec City long time ago but Bettman doesn’t like Canadian markets, no new fan base…

[@mathewl9925]

Meme les Remparts attire plus.

[@RaiderRich2001]

Nobody wants to play in Quebec City. They tolerate the Canadiens because the Canadiens have history and tradition.

[@zacharyplohr3513]

Greetings to the Arizona hockey community. When I was younger, our local CHL team in New Mexico relocated, which had a profound impact on me. They were the reason I began playing hockey and subsequently became an Avalanche fan. Since we are within the market, the Coyotes were frequently on my television at home. I encourage you to find another local team and join us in cheering for the Avalanche.

[@syndicat4847]

Bettman and the NHL worked 100 times harder to keep Coyotes in Arizona then they ever did to keep the Jets in Winnipeg.. I'm sure the Coyotes will be back again at some point, even if it's as a new expansion team in a couple years

[@marcmartin3642]

No other NHL team has been given this many mulligans. Hope they come back if they do move.

[@RedPillBased]

Pittsburgh???

[@colekirky]

The fact Arizona is getting this treatment and Atlanta didn't is BS. Arizona has been a dumpster fire since 2011 when Atlanta moved and their situation has been even worse. As a Thrashers fan, I feel for the yotes fans and I hate this for you, but I can't understand or justify the bias Betman has showed... Pisses me off, but again not a knock to Arizona or their fans, I feel for you greatly, but just the stigma around this... Crazy

[@ktowniecity7269]

Atlanta and Arizona will BOTH get expansion teams. Feel bad for Qc City that supported awful teams for years then had a good team BUT left only to win the Cup as the Avalanche in the following year. Nobody has a sadder story than Nords fans whom are rabid.

[@seniorreilly7635]

atlanta, phoenix, i suppose that atlanta failed twice , there fore these are not like each other, atlanta was a dumpster fire , twice, you have no grounds to compare.

[@jessArcade]

I can't understand why the move hasn't been made more public. When was Salt Lake City picked? Were other cities informed? There were other cities with NHL ready stadiums and SLC I believe needs renovations to be NHL ready.

[@colekirky]

@@seniorreilly7635 You're literally playing in a AHL arena, shut your mouth 🤣 Its the most embarrassing thing to ever hit the NHL. I didn't wana choose war but the amount of chances the Yotes have been given is insane and the NHL itself literally has to prop you up for like the last 10 years. Don't even start

[@seniorreilly7635]

@@colekirky actually, we are playing in a college arena, but , dont let the facts get in the way of you having a bogus argument that atlanta deserves anything nhl related havinf failed miserably TWICE, so, how about shut your piehole.... have a nice blessed day

[@gucci1131]

Elliotte is the goat reporter, sucks to hear arizona is moving tho

[@seancolorado]

NOOOOOOoooooo PHNX is top tier sports journalism and I'm not even a Yotes fan. i reaaaallly hope this crew will find a way to stay involved in hockey and i hope a team returns to Arizona next expansion

[@Lawomenshoops]

The clown owner paid $400M For the coyotes and within 5-7 years, he gets $1B on the sale!!

[@user-yg1dg6xm2g]

The team had a home at $400M, now they have no home and are worth 1.5x as much. How does that work?

[@aliyahjackson9321]

Can I get a small part of that so I can afford a home?

[@SaveznaRepublikaJugoslavija]

@@user-yg1dg6xm2g The team is worth a lot more when you can move it

[@mercywilliams2698]

Will be recouping losses he is reported to be incurring with radio stations losing revenue..news items recently numerous stations this owner has had to let go many of their daytime radio programs. Satellite radio thriving but traditional stations losing.

[@bingo5694]

Elliotte Friedman has the best job. A lot of travel. But probably still the best. Rooting for y'all in Carolina

[@dennisheadley4408]

I've never been an hockey fan, but feel sorry for those who are if the move does happen.

[@davidkruse4030]

I don’t

[@SaveznaRepublikaJugoslavija]

You should watch it more! The sport is wonderful

[@JayRoberts244]

The ownership as well as the NHL has been very patient trying to make this work there. They can’t let this drag on any longer. Why keep delaying the inevitable?

[@bartsanders1553]

It's like watching an old dog die.

[@RaiderRich2001]

@@bartsanders1553 oof that pun.

[@russell2123]

I hope all goes well for the families of staff & players, Salt lake is a very modern pleasant city

[@cmac3530]

To be fair, this seems to be the best route for everybody. Meruelo gets a big influx of liquid cash to ensure he wins the auction and can build his arena, the 5-year window gives him security and the NHL gets out of playing in a college rink ASAP.

[@magicmatt1969]

The owners deserve a committed community support. That's why the Stars wound up in Dallas and its a huge success with sellout games nightly and 15 ice ricks around DFW with kid and adult leagues not to mention having H. School hockey for s dozen years at least

[@captbloodbeard]

lol, there are 15 rinks in my small town of 40,000 people in Minnesota. The Stars should have stayed in Minnesota, but the local governments made it impossible.

[@brianjones7660]

@@captbloodbeard Dallasota South Stars!

[@Saddnnd]

I'm happy that there's at least an option for a Pheonix team to come back. At least there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

[@drexxler138]

Ya that’s just publicity. In reality it will be a very long time for a franchise to come back.

[@bartsanders1553]

That might be what Bettman wants, but his experiment failed. Owners probably won't touch that market for a long time.

[@davechan8613]

AM might just decide to take the Billion and run.

[@beatrixkills1]

Sad to see this, seems like it was a good market. I loved watching the WIngs vs Yotes series back when they were playoff contenders.

[@BrandonFesler]

One thing I’m not clear about: how much of this situation is directly due to AM and his decisions versus the baggage inherited from the previous owners? It seems like he walked into a complete dumpster fire with Glendale - and by the sound of things, probably didn’t do himself any favors - but has he done such a terrible job that he should not be given the chance to build a new Coyotes team?

[@alemar1122]

That's what the 5 year window is for... he has 5 years to build an arena, and secure some sort of foundation to rebuild a franchise upon. And if he can prove to the NHL it's not going to be a repeat of failed investment, and ruined business relationships they'll give him first crack at rebuilding... But its not fair to the players to force them to play in an inadequate arena and be the laughingstock of the league for the next 3-5 years while they try to rebuild. Or to the rest of the league who have to send equalization checks to help a team out who has been mismanaged into non-existence... Matt Dumba went on record saying the players are being psychologically injured by all the speculation of what has happened recently and worrying about what's going to come down the pipe at them next. So they get some fresh air, a fresh start, and a new up to date arena to hopefully help them rebuild their self confidence

[@bobbinette6184]

I feel for you guys, losing the Expos still hurts…

[@TylerMorganShow]

Im from Winnipeg and I hate this

[@aliyahjackson9321]

Really hope Winnipeg stays in Winnipeg

[@holoholopainen1627]

Could They return to Winnipeg ?

[@SaveznaRepublikaJugoslavija]

@@holoholopainen1627 Probably not since the Jets are having some attendance problems with one team, I hope the Jets work out though it would be crushing for them to lose the Jets a second time

[@elisabarbuto5704]

I would rather have this expansion team come to 🇨🇦

[@SteveMcbrain]

Never happening

[@kurukotaktay]

I agree. And I live in Salt Lake City and am excited to get a team. I don’t know if it will ever happen but I truly hope that Canada gets an expansion team, or two. Québec City and/or Hamilton. 🇨🇦 I lived in Québec City for a few months. It’s a beautiful place and has passionate hockey fans.

[@aliyahjackson9321]

Not knocking Canada but Bettman heavily favors the US teams. I think a team in Quebec would be a greta move though

[@appalachianenthusiast9499]

The problem is that Canada, compared to the US, is oversaturated. The US has 10x the population of Canada, while almost 1/4th of NHL teams call Canada home.

[@ryankemp1278]

​@kurukotaktay would love to see the Nordique back but here is where SLC makes sense vs Québec City. 1) growing city in SLC vs QC 2) strong private sector. QC is a government and tourism town 3) No territorial disputes in SLC. The Canadiens see themselves as having the entire province of Québec to themselves 4) Feud between Pierre Karl Péladeau (prospective QC owner) and Molson Family (Montréal owners) 5) Moving the Yotes to SLC doesn't require Division realignment and creates a Mountain rivalry between Denver and SLC. As someone who loves Québec City and will advocate for the return of the Nordiques, my brain sees this as the right move

[@LarryWeinreb]

I feel for 'Yotes fans...as a Thrashers STH, I know this sucks. I wish Bettman would have fought for us like he did for PHX. I hope the SLC fans are not treating you the way Jets fans did us before the move...they were all over our boards calling us every stereotypical southern name in the book.

[@TheRekabNivek]

Blues fan who has been living in Atlanta for the last decade - I feel for you. I've wanted the NHL in Atlanta since I moved here and being a rabid hockey fan in a market without the NHL (or AHL in our case, I do hope they move the road runners up for a bit to keep pro hockey in the area) is a depressing existence. Not to mention Ryan Smith is getting an absolute steal of a team. Not looking forward to playing against this team's core once they're willing to spend on the pieces around the edge. Here's to hopefully Phoenix and Atlanta expanding together in 5 years, we can drink from the tears of Canadians screaming "But it hasn't worked there before!" as we get to watch our favorite sport in person

[@PeteNice29]

I can't envision another Atlanta experiment. I suspect it's for similar reasons Houston hasn't been seriously mentioned.

[@ethanrakell7009]

To SLC is a smart move. Utah is terrific. I'm not Mormon....and the whole Mormon thing in Utah/SLC has been diluted quite a bit over the last 20 years. An NHL team in Utah will do a lot better than in Arizona.

[@azguy10151]

One negative impact of this relocation may be on youth hockey here in the valley. This could really stunt the growth of the game in the market. Perhaps in the 5 year second chance window the franchise or ownership could assist with building more rinks suitable for all aspects of on ice play and dry land development. Simply, put more overall funding towards youth hockey and spread it across all associations. Create a foundation for something special that could foster an array of tier 1 programs like a Chicago, Detroit, etc. as well as strong house programs.

[@bhavdeeprehal8827]

Jets fan here. Do not wish relocation on anyone. Hope something works out for Coyotes fans

[@coltondzuba87]

LETS GO YOTES!!!

[@mercywilliams2698]

I would think with the growth of NHL hockey markets out here…it’s more than likely a talented wealthy businessman is going to take on the project of launching a successful franchise in Arizona. Now is a much better time than when this whole saga was generated a generation ago. I worked in LA hockey in the 90’s..since retired to Vegas and I have seen very similar path of success here as I knew when Ducks and Sharks came along.

[@brianjones7660]

"now is a much better time..?" the economy/national debt /inflation numbers are much worse....what color is the sky where you live?

[@mercywilliams2698]

@@brianjones7660 wealth isn’t well distributed these days that’s for sure the case! That said the building of entertainment centers is trending and a place like Vegas spawns more entrepreneurs to invest in things. In short order a hockey nfl and basketball here plus baseball. It seems unlikely Arizona will stand empty of an NHL team when the market for youth hockey has grown exponentially. There will be someone interested in sports ownership who wants to emulate success in Southwest hockey. There has always been a networking of Canadian hockey that finds its way West. Vegas management is from Manitoba and LA Quebec and Ontario.

[@bigdgoriders]

Elliotte Friedman with that day 236 of Covid lockdown hair style

[@teddtarr]

At least you can now buy full-strength beer in Utah ( It took the brewers' ending their production of the 3.2 stuff to cause it).

[@timmanto1022]

Murelo just sounds like the Angels owner to me. But I think if the Coyotes come back Murelo will need to have a co-ownership model with either the Suns or Diamondbacks. Murelo does not seem like a solo owner to me. Glad to know expansion is happening by 2028

[@brianjones7660]

unless there is a recession....Naah, this time is different! Like last time....

[@SteveMcbrain]

They gonna rebrand, and when Arizona is ready for a NHL team to comeback they'll get one.

[@TheSporkov]

Have you three heard anything about players not wanting to go to SLC? Just saw a different video about that. Any truth?

[@kiprushton9916]

Salt lake is the valley surrounded by mountains

[@brianjones7660]

@@kiprushton9916 I want to be released from my 4 yr/18 mil contract !! So oppressed!! WAAAAAH!

[@TheGodfather1955]

This is a dumb question I guess. Couldn't the Coyotes just for now play in the 12,000 seat Arizona Memorial Coliseum where the Suns used to play? Its old but still has events there all the time.

[@williamford9564]

15:12: Instead of an 'expansion" team, Smith gets a fully stocked franchise that has a chance to possibly make the playoffs in the next two years. The arena is going to probably sell out in 2024-25. This is an early Christmas present.

[@qp2044]

Sucks to see the situation devolve to this. From the outside it really does seem like the state doesn't want the yotes to stay, and it isn't a fan base issue. I hope they can get it worked out, and the team can stay and thrive, but it really does seem bleak right now

[@sportsfan1717]

So sorry. It's just awful to see owner after owner fail the NHL fans in Arizona.

[@erikbender1967]

I'm surprised, but not surprised. As a Georgian who has seen the Thrashers leave Atlanta and move north of the boarder, is sad however, Georgia is not a Hockey town. Here is where the SEC rules. Atlanta soccer is thriving even more so than the Braves. However Arizona should have another NHL team even if it's not named the Coyotes.

[@BluelandErris]

Atlanta not mentioned anywhere here yet you still found a way. I always find it pathetic when either: 1) a Canada resident creates a fake profile acting as if they’re “from Georgia” to make it seem as if they’re one of the southerners that co-signs disinterest in the sport or 2) a Georgia native that would rather dump on fellow Atlanta/GA natives who love the sport as well because you can’t do basic research on how this city was screwed out of its teams. But you’re a “Georgian” 😂

[@erikbender1967]

@@BluelandErris first off I'm not a Canadian, second I have lived in Georgia since leaving the Army in 1993. When Atlanta got the thrashers in 99 I was surprised, since the last NHL team was sent to Calgary. Do yourself a favor and ask yourself this, if Bettman, and I mean if, he brings another team to the Atlanta area, and decides that it's not working out, and sends it to Canada, or another city north of the mason Dickson line, how is that going to effect the Atlanta fans? I'd would be pissed, just like I was when the thrashers were sent to Winnipeg. The same is for Phoenix, what will happen if the grant another NHL team in Arizona, and decide to send it somewhere else, how do you think they will be then? I was making a comparison on how fans are when they get shit on by pro leagues.

[@bindardondat5292]

Too many teams in the NHL. Watered down hockey doesn’t sell tickets.

[@bartsanders1553]

It's much harder to follow now. I don't think expanding beyond 32 teams will do anything but light a ticking timebomb.

[@LESTATAK]

On a side note what's going on with the drywall behind Elliott? Looks like there's some major structural damage.

[@timfronimos459]

some other commentator called this 'team laundering'

[@philtorrez4198]

I’m so upset

[@joshstorch3315]

Dont blame Bettman or the NHL. It's been crazy how long they've let this go on. THIS IS NOT THE NHLS FAULT! Sorry for your loss Coyotes fans ive always wanted it to work for yall!!

[@alemar1122]

poor Leah seemed to be on the verge of tears the entire time 😢

[@GoodMenstruationAttitude]

Still a sad day but it's pretty sweet to have Elliotte come in and pump AZ's tires :) AZ hockey will be back!

[@slapshotjack9806]

lol no it won’t 😂

[@drexxler138]

Ya no it won’t. At least not anytime in the near future.

[@MyselfTheThird]

@GoodMenstruationAttitude 100%. This past decade has shown that there is a real passion for hockey in the valley. The emergence of players like Matthews and Knies undoubtedly spurs expansion talks as well. Anyone saying hockey ain't coming back to AZ simply ain't paying attention. Sick Kids In the Hall reference, btw

[@brianjones7660]

@@MyselfTheThird passion without ticket sales....hmmmmm.

[@MyselfTheThird]

@@brianjones7660 Tough to sell tickets when you don't know what building you play in. Again, people who know realize that hockey in the desert is a hit at every level. They just need the NHL team to reach the standard. A fresh start with a new franchise is exactly what can get it there.

[@TheSporkov]

My question is, why don't they play in SLC until the arena is built, and then come back? That gives SLC a chance to prove they can support a team, gives time to build the arena/entertainment district, and allows the fans to keep the players/team they have been supporting.

[@AAkvijzy21]

I honestly kinda like this idea, man. I could see something like this work out

[@nicko5945]

Very folks folks in Utah, or anywhere for that matter, would support a team knowing that it’s only temporary. That being said, as a native Utahn it kills me that we aren’t getting an expansion franchise and instead are breaking the hearts of the yotes fans. No fan base deserves to lose their team.

[@TheSporkov]

​@@nicko5945 I do think that knowing that it would be a test to get an expansion team would bring the fans out. Or I could see it going your way. Probably why they aren't trying it. Appreciate the consideration and respect for the fans in AZ.

[@stewardcline2474]

Best place in all the nhl to watch a hockey game live . excellent sight lines , right on top of the action . Now I have sat in the nose bleeds in the monstrous regular nhl stadiums . I will never again pay 5 cents to watch a live nhl game unless its a rink like Mullett Arena .

[@brianjones7660]

tickets are higher than that.....

[@stewardcline2474]

@@brianjones7660 i guess i should have said , ' i wouldn't pay 5 cents '.

[@danielbrazeau1680]

Québec, soon!!!

[@Mistermatt1984]

I hope the sale finalizes before the finale on the 17th. The fans deserve an opportunity for closure to say goodbye to the players.

[@megarobd9761]

Crazy that this team couldn't figure this out, they've been in phx since 1996? And you couldn't get a NHL arena built in Downtown PHX or Scottsdale? Don't worry though, NHL will be back in PHX in next 5 years as a expansion team.

[@brianjones7660]

never.

[@SaveznaRepublikaJugoslavija]

The only surprising thing here is they even played at Mullett Arena at all

[@vaguelysober]

This felt like a funeral 😢I feel for all of you 😟

[@kevincrosby3953]

The problem is the joker ownership. Get a completely new ownership and play in Glendale. Run shuttle buses to downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale. The same ownership with a future expansion team is the ultimate joke.

[@aniyn]

The 5 year expansion window seems like the league is humoring the ownership. Does anyone think that they'll be able to get their shit together all of a sudden?

[@kosmicwizard]

If he can't get an arena built within a 5 year window (with an added billion dollars) something is seriously wrong. My question is, will he have to pay an expansion fee to the owners when they come back?

[@Astincone]

Coyotes have a solid fan base. Team was working on a new deal. Then Utah has its ducks in a row for a team and NHL decided to go there because they have a better situation for the 2024-25 season. I feel for Coyotes fans. You got screwed.

[@brianjones7660]

Team was working on a new deal.....stop me if we heard this 20 years ago.....yawn.

[@clintscroggs65]

You can tell how urgent a story is by whether or not his hair is done.

[@Icemann383]

If Arizona does ever get another team, I think they should name it something other than the Coyotes. Even though they’ll be a lot of nostalgia for it, overall there was just so much drama and baggage. It might be better to make a clean slate.

[@spencer2365]

Seems to me with moving to SLC and the buzz around Houston, you can’t give Arizona another team without addressing the Eastern conference. That in theory would be 3 new Western teams in 5 years. Maybe Quebec still has hopes

[@rickcobos1724]

I’m not in favor of anymore expansion. I would listen to make it an even 36 to try satisfying everybody. Those four expansion markets would be Utah/Arizona, Houston, Atlanta, and Quebec City. I would never even entertain Hartford again until Connecticut gets it shit together. Such a ghetto, raggedy ass state and Hartford has a lousy economy and what has been described as “awful” public transportation.

[@michaelperkins739]

We hope for an expansion team to come in about three years. The Yotes were doomed only by managers, leases, deals, etc. We have plenty of fans here.

[@km11wpg]

Winnipeg lost the Jets to Arizona in 1996 due to not having a new Arena plan in place then same now happening with the Yotes. Winnipeg finally build a new rink that opened in 2004 and we got a team again(Atlanta) in 2011. Same will happen with Yotes if they get that rink built first !!

[@patriot4america]

If the Coyotes were to stay, they should not build in North Phoenix. Downtown would be better. More centrally located and they need more businesses there.

[@boston7704]

Yep. Successful hockey teams are in urban areas.

[@aliyahjackson9321]

Why didn’t they play where the suns play?

[@patriot4america]

@@aliyahjackson9321 Not the best arrangement. Every pro team wants their own arena.

[@haroldpelletier223]

Quebec team is great for Canada

[@brianjones7660]

Montreal enters the chat...👎

[@kurukotaktay]

@@brianjones7660 In it’s hay day, the Canadiens and Nordiques rivalry was awesome! Wouldn’t you see that again?

[@willlenn172]

The sad part is the Yotes have a very promising team in the next 2-3 years. Tempe blew it. That was the perfect location and I think only around 16,000 people voted on it. It could have been the premiere entertainment district in the area. The Yotes ownership did nothing to promote the referendum. A real sad day for hockey fans.

[@michaelfekete3751]

I wonder if the roadrunners are going too

[@N3tan0]

Let’s put this into a wider picture. Arizona fans are loud. The dessert wants to keep their dogs, Bettman is losing his horse

[@steppingtotheam281]

I’m a Canes fan. I hate this. I really do. Arizona has a solid fan base. They just have d-head bureaucrats that don’t understand what they have. i.e. Hartford. I said it.

[@jsmusicanddrums]

Clown ownership from inception. The fans deserve more and only got the same shit. I will not support an expansion team nor does this ownership group deserve one.

[@jsmusicanddrums]

@pantsmonsterv6 oh my god bud. Seriously, have you thought about going in the entertainment business. I don't care what it is.... you got it. Hilarious, I'm not even joking. You have it. Let's get you in the stage asap, before this comedy gold drys up.👏👏👏👏👏

[@holoholopainen1627]

They should bring Arizona Kid - Auston Matthews to Arizona to boost the Sport ! Toronto is a hockey town - with quality players !

[@BloggerMusicMan]

I saw this coming years ago, and I think I'm far from alone. This team has been given numerous breaks and chances by the NHL to make it work in Arizona, and they still struggle to attract investors or a market. Whether the team is being directly run by the NHL, whether they have to beg city councils to build an area, or whether they have to resort to playing in a 5,000 seat university arena, it's been evident that this doesn't work. It also doesn't help that the Coyotes have mostly been bad for almost their entire existence. The other Southern/Sun Belt teams have had moments or extended runs of success on the ice. Anaheim, Dallas, L.A., Tampa, and Carolina have all won at least one Cup. Florida was bad for a long time in the 2000s and early 2010s, but they've been to two Cup Finals, won a President's Trophy, and have Canadian snowbirds attend their games. Nashville has been a playoff contending team for years and went to a Cup Final. San Jose has been to a Cup Final and was one of the best regular season teams in the Western Conference for over a decade. The Coyotes went to one Conference Final in 2012. They went past the first round one other time since 1996 (the strange COVID bubble year). That doesn't get fans excited to come to games.

[@dalriada]

TIME! Has come today.

[@vancity2010gold]

For Godsakes, speak Elliot!! Are u guys saying Coyotes are leaving? Sucks to be desert dog fan rn but enough is enough

[@FCMC123]

Hockey WORKS in AZ full stop. The problem IS no city, county or even state has made financial benefit from the corporate SUBSIDIES that sport franchises demand from tax paying citizens. Watch the owners flee from the write off and tax breaks if those burdens are put upon their business model. We have 26+ kids per classroom and wonder how a stadium gets to avoid contributing to the livelihood of the same families that have to pay $300(estimated) to go to a game & have the honor to pay $8 for a hot dog. Total joke just to feel good? If it goes through, The citizens of Utah will be fleeced until the owners move yet again. What does it say that the owners have an out clause to leave utah. The market for utah is smaller than phoenix too. But hey Utah can have its arena employees paid for part time, no healthcare. All for a team that doesn’t invest into a winning franchise. Just plain selfish and greedy. All so one can pay for a $200 jersey. Make the team pay its own way. Win or lose at their own expense, just like everyone else when they open up a business…

[@FCMC123]

Side-note example: d back wanted an arena downtown. City VOTED said no. Pay for it yourself. Suns owner got county to pull strings to jump over no vote. Team wins. He sells. Team has been brutal for some time with owners asking for tax payer improvements. Nothing but a greedy corporate gig. Tell me how I feel good because my commute time has increased but I can pay extra for mustard on frozen pretzels. 🥨

[@PeteNice29]

I feel bad for the 15 hardcore Yotes fans. But lack of support is reflected via ownership efforts, and this has been delayed for too long.

[@Herrlorddonkoenigczar]

It’s about time…in fact this should of happened a while ago. Who really loses is the fans and that sucks that they were pawns. Hopefully everything gets a rebrand because the ‘coyotes’ as a name is pretty lame, heck, even my dog can take out a lowly coyote, actually probably more than one but he’s got the wolf in him so perhaps it’s not a fair fight

[@bdgannon1473]

Been a Farce Market since day 1 and 2.0 will be more of the same. About freakin' time.

[@cliffbowls]

I hate the idea of an expansion window for AZ, the league doesn’t need expansion and AZ had their chance

[@duckmedia93]

Alex Marshmellow is over here collecting dollars while fans are collecting tears. I hope someone else can buy the Coyotes and get his ass out. I am super upset as a hockey lover and fan of the game. I'm a Ducks fan, but I will forever support the community. When one team hurts, we all hurt. It doesn't matter what logo or colors you wear at the end of the day. All love for you Arizona and the fan base, employees, families and players.

[@bowdenproductions]

1.2 billion for a team who plays out of a large garden shed and has a team salary of $42 Canadian Dollars.

[@DB-gr7ch]

Bettman will give them another chance. He always does.

[@brianjones7660]

his replacement wont....

[@vincentthekeeper2163]

I feel so bad for Coyotes fans. This is simply because of poor ownership, never given a real chance until it was too late. I'm a Panthers fan. Panthers now billionaire owner. Panthers in the dark times , free tickets with sandwich purchase, ownership "group" used car dealership chain owner and successful small business ownerin the group. You really need a real owner

[@tacocruiser4238]

It's unfortunate because Phoenix is a bigger market than SLC.

[@FalseNi9e]

Not really, Utah are the most dedicated fans in sports. Coyotes will thrive there

[@rickyaz8640]

Owner never wanted to put his own $ into an arena. Whether it be Tempe or Glendale or the tribal lands, Newcastle looking for someone else to fork over the bulk of the $ for the arena. As soon as someone comes along willing to put up an arena (may be the Suns owner) there will be be a team back in AZ

[@tacocruiser4238]

@@FalseNi9e Not saying they won't do well in SLC. But Phoenix still has more potential if handled correctly. The demographics and economic statistics are undeniably in Phoenix's favor.

[@jsmusicanddrums]

Phoenix fan issue is it's a transplant city with now 3 pro teams. There are too many things to do and incredible weather. Utah is beautiful but offers none of those things. But I hope they will treat the yotes well they're about to be a playoff team anyway.

[@kurukotaktay]

@@tacocruiser4238”if handled correctly”. THERE’S your problem. I have no doubt as a Utahn who’s followed Ryan Smith’s path that the team will THRIVE in Salt Lake City. He just doesn’t half ass things

[@joeynova9896]

It makes the NHL look like a bush league when they have a team that doesn't have their own stadium.

[@Jrodsly]

I feel bad for true Coyotes fans that just wanted hockey to work in Arizona and got victimized by terrible ownership. They're the real losers in this. I do not, however, feel bad for the toxic fans that came after anyone critical of the team or of ownership, including Katie Strang when she covered the situation realistically and had people questioning her legitimacy as a journalist. If those people leave the hockey fandom, good.

[@jimhardy4750]

This ownership group does not deserve a second chance …. They have had years to secure land and build an arena and have not done it and 5 more years is not going to make a difference!!

[@francoisbouvier7861]

How does bettman like his crow? Three more years in a junior B building. Suuuure,that makes sense.

[@jared3047]

The Coyotes r the runt of the league. If your a yotes fan and you don't know that, you're living in delusion. It was a matter of time, your franchise will live on somewhere else. The fact that made it to 30 years almost is a miracle.

[@brianjones7660]

compared to the Coyotes never ending saga, the WNBA is a master class in Financial Administration........

[@jtes9114]

I feel awful for diehard fans of the coyotes… as a jets fan and Winnipeger you hate to see your team leave no matter the situation

[@stolendrones]

The league should hold the right to grant the franchise continuance tag to a new owner. More money for the league; more distance from Alex Meruelo.

[@biffstrong1079]

The time for Phoenix came 25 years ago. The NHL never should have moved a team here. They started in an arena made for basketball with 4000 unusable seats. Salt Lake is starting in a basketball arena. How many unusable seats I wonder? Hopefully ownership is better than it ever was in Phoenix. Ownership in arizona seemed to be daring the NHL to do something about them. That two years as the second tenant in a university rink was some sort of clown show. Buy us out or we will just continue to embarrass you.