Updated at 8:13pm: ESPN is posted on social media: “The NHL facilitated the Coyotes' sale to Utah Jazz owners Ryan Smith and Ashley Smith. The team will begin playing there next season. The move will be announced next week by NHL regulars. An announcement will be made at the end of the season, sources told ESPN.
Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong met with players ahead of their game against the Edmonton Oilers and confirmed what has been rumored all week. The deal was that the NHL facilitated a sale to Utah Jazz owners Ryan Smith and Ashley Smith. The Coyotes will begin playing there next season.
Coyotes players and staff will be invited to visit Salt Lake City after the final game of the season to tour the city and facilities.
The team plans to play at Delta Center, which Smith owns and is also home to the NBA's Jazz. But sources told ESPN that the NHL made it clear to Smith that the Delta Center would need hockey-specific renovations in order to make the arena the team's permanent home.
Mr. Smith already has government support. The Utah Senate has passed a bill that would fund a renovated downtown entertainment district in anticipation of an NHL franchise. The bill has already been approved by Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
Original story: Salt Lake City (ABC4) — Rumors are circulating that the Arizona Coyotes, a professional ice hockey team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area, are moving to Utah.
“Tonight we received word that Arizona Coyotes players will be traveling to Utah for a meeting. Players and staff may head to Salt Lake City immediately after Wednesday's game to tour the facility and the city. '' said sports journalist Elliot Friedman. hockey night in canadaposted on social media.
Friedman also said that while there is still work to be done, the players were in fact informed of the pending move.
Salt Lake City may get an NHL team sooner than originally thought.
Read more about relocation here.
