'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
There is a new twist in the Arizona Coyotes’ ongoing relocation saga. Phoenix sports reporter John Gambadoro stated earlier today that team management was to meet with staff to formally address them for the first time regarding the relocation situation.
However, Gambadoro reported the meeting was canceled 10 minutes before its scheduled start time. As Gambadoro bluntly stated:
"You can’t make this stuff up."
Last Friday, team GM Bill Armstrong officially briefed the players before their matchup against the Edmonton Oilers. However, it seems that team staff have yet to receive formal word.
This situation seems surprising as leaked reports have all but confirmed the Arizona Coyotes’ sale and relocation. Earlier this week, reports surfaced indicating the league’s executive committee had greenlighted the deal.
Moreover, it has been reported that the NHL would like to officially announce the Desert Dogs’ move following their final home game tonight against the Oilers. Until there is official word, there is no certainty regarding the deal moving forward. Owner Alex Meruelo stated that he would address fans but is yet to do so.
This could be the Arizona Coyotes’ final home game
Tonight’s matchup against the Oilers could very well be the Coyotes' final game in Arizona. Mullet Arena is expected to be packed in anticipation of catching a historic event for Arizona fans. Tickets have been rumored to be reselling for hundreds and even thousands of dollars.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for ‘Yotes fans. As part of the sale, current owner Alex Meruelo retains the rights to reactivate the Arizona Coyotes within the next five years. This condition means that the Desert Dogs could return to the ice.
The catch is that a return would have to be part of the NHL’s next round of expansion. At this point, the league seems unlikely to move past 32 teams but you never know.
With Arizona essentially guaranteed an expansion team, the NHL may want to revisit other potential expansion sites such as Houston, Quebec City, and Kansas City. After all, Salt Lake City narrowly missed out on a team after the latest franchise went to Seattle.
In the meantime, Meruelo has five years to put a new arena in place, secure funding, and lay the groundwork for the Arizona Coyotes 2.0.
