The National Hockey League (NHL) has officially approved the sale and relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Utah, marking the end of the franchise’s tenure in Arizona and the beginning of a new era in Utah.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, the NHL Board of Governors has approved a new franchise for Utah for the 2024-25 season, effectively pulling the plug on the long-struggling Arizona Coyotes.
Brace yourselves, folks, because this is a game-changer!
The Sale and Relocation
The NHL Board of Governors approved the sale of the Arizona Coyotes to the Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), which also owns the NBA’s Utah Jazz.
The transaction, reportedly valued at $1.2 billion, includes the transfer of all existing hockey assets, including the Coyotes’ players, draft picks, and hockey operations department, to the new Utah franchise.
The End of an Era in Arizona
On Wednesday night, Coyotes fans at Mullett Arena (the team’s temporary 5,000-seat home at Arizona State University) witnessed the end of an era.
As the Coyotes defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 in their final regular-season game, emotions ran high, with fans knowing this could be the last time they see their beloved team in Arizona.
A Fresh Start in Utah
The new Utah franchise is set to join the NHL during the 2024-25 season, playing at the Delta Center, where the Jazz hold their home games.
The team’s name and logo are yet to be determined, with the possibility of using a temporary name and logo for the 2024-25 season.
While Arizona says goodbye, Utah is gearing up to welcome a new NHL franchise to the state.
The Smith Entertainment Group, owned by Ashley and Ryan Smith (who also own the NBA’s Utah Jazz), has acquired the Coyotes’ assets for a whopping $1.2 billion from Alex Meruelo, who bought the franchise for $300 million back in 2019.
The relocation of the Coyotes to Utah represents a pivotal moment in the NHL’s history as it continues to adapt and grow in a rapidly changing sports landscape.
A Bold Move by the NHL
According to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, the league had grown tired of Meruelo’s failure to find a long-term solution for an arena fit for NHL standards in Arizona.
In a bold move, the NHL conceived and proposed an “ingenious plan” that would transfer the Coyotes’ “existing hockey assets – including its full Reserve List, roster of Players and draft picks and its Hockey Operations Department” to the new Utah franchise.
The Smiths, clearly elated by the opportunity, stated, “This is a transformative day for our state and our fans. Our intention had always been to pursue an expansion team.
Commissioner Bettman conceived and proposed an ingenious plan that would allow us to acquire an NHL franchise while also helping to address and remedy an immediate need of the NHL.”
While details are still being ironed out, it’s been revealed that the new Utah team will temporarily play at the Delta Center, which is also home to the Utah Jazz.
As for the team’s name and logo, there’s a chance a temporary branding will be used for the 2024-25 campaign, as the Coyotes’ name, intellectual property, and records remain with Meruelo.
Interestingly, Meruelo has the right to reactivate a team in Arizona if a “new, state-of-the-art facility” is built within five years.
This would create a new expansion team in the NHL, giving hope to the loyal hockey fans of Arizona who have supported the team for nearly three decades.
While the move to Utah is undoubtedly a momentous occasion for the state and its hockey fans, it’s also a bittersweet transition for the players, coaches, and staff of the Coyotes.
According to reports, they were kept in the dark about the relocation until Friday, when the team’s general manager, Bill Armstrong, broke the news to them on the road in Edmonton. If you want you can also read- How Long are Hockey Games?
A New Chapter Awaits
As the dust settles on this seismic shift in the NHL landscape, one thing is clear: a new chapter awaits both Arizona and Utah.
For Arizona, the hope of reviving a team lingers while Utah prepares to welcome its first-ever NHL franchise. Buckle up, hockey fans, because the ride is about to get wild!
The relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Utah marks a significant moment in the NHL’s history as the league continues to expand and adapt to the changing sports landscape.
With the excitement and anticipation from local leaders and fans, the new Utah franchise is set to embark on a new era of hockey in the state.
