NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly admitted Wednesday there was probably not enough time to relocate the Arizona Coyotes should everyone wait until June’s scheduled land auction to determine the franchise’s future.
By now, we’ve learned not to assume anything when it comes to this story. There are always twists, nothing ever happens as scheduled or expected. That said, to those present, it sounded like we should prepare for the possibility — if not likelihood — the Coyotes play in Mullett Arena in 2024-25. And I do believe that is a potential outcome.
It’s definitely what the NHL prefers. A long, healthy future in a state it has fought for like Mamma Bear protecting her cubs.
“We would have preferred to be in a new arena by now,” Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “We would have preferred the referendum in Tempe went the other way, but it didn’t. So we deal with what we can deal with. Having said that, we believe that Arizona, particularly the greater Phoenix area, is a good NHL market.”
Bettman said he has a good idea of the auction date. Multiple sources have advised to wait for auction details, because those could reveal what the winner must do with the land. If it is directed for arena use, it will be interesting to see if owner Alex Meruelo faces competition.
Some of my tin-foil-hat wearing friends took time away from their Kate Middleton watch to say they interpreted Daly’s comment to mean that, if the NHL sees any concern prior to June, they might decide on a move before the auction date. I include that because I do think the league is working on contingencies in case something strange happens.
In the meantime, employees wait for clarity and players investigate their options, which may be limited to asking for a trade if they don’t like the outcome.
But I do believe the preferred path is to see how the auction unfolds — what must be done with the land, if Meruelo faces competition, and if he wins, as he is determined to do.
