"Utah Yetis coming to fruition" "Arizona deserved better" - NHL fans react as league approves Coyotes' relocation to Utah

NHL fans were buzzing with excitement and mixed emotions as Elliotte Friedman, a prominent NHL insider, shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) announcing the approval of the sale of the Arizona Coyotes to Utah.

The news of the Coyotes' relocation sparked a flurry of reactions from hockey enthusiasts across social media platforms.

One fan expressed their anticipation, declaring,

"Utah Yetis are finally coming to fruition."

However, not all reactions were filled with enthusiasm. Another fan lamented,

"Arizona deserved better."

Amidst the discussion of the relocation, creative suggestions for the team's new identity emerged.

"They have to be called the Salt Lake Saints," remarked one fan.

Some fans chose brevity to express their feelings.

"Approved it a long time ago," stated one commenter.

Others focused on the potential impact of the relocation on the team's management.

"Utah just got the biggest GM in history," exclaimed one fan.

For some fans, the approval of the Coyotes' relocation evoked memories of historic moments in hockey.

"THIS! This is what Raymond Bourque felt like. FINALLYYYYY!!!!" exclaimed one fan.

Amidst the excitement and nostalgia, there were voices calling for closure.

"Let’s gooooooo! Never bring another NHL team back to that state. It was a disaster since day one," declared one fan.

Arizona Coyotes sold to Utah Jazz owners: NHL approves $1.2 billion sale and relocation to Salt Lake City

The NHL Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale of the Arizona Coyotes to Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith for $1.2 billion, paving the way for the team's relocation to Salt Lake City.

The deal includes a provision for Arizona to receive an expansion team if a new arena is built within the next five years.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed gratitude for Alex Meruelo's commitment to the franchise and Arizona, acknowledging the loyal hockey fans.

"We also want to acknowledge the loyal hockey fans of Arizona, who have supported their team with dedication for nearly three decades while growing the game,” Bettman said in a statement

Meruelo plans to retain ownership of the Arizona name, logo and trademark, necessitating a renaming of the team for its Utah move.

Ryan Smith emphasized Utah's potential as a hockey town, citing demographics and the prospect of the Olympics returning. Meruelo, retaining ownership of the AHL affiliate Tucson Roadrunners, aims to relocate them to Mullett Arena while focusing on securing a new arena in north Phoenix.

Meruelo explained his decision to sell the team, citing the unsuitability of Mullett Arena for NHL hockey and his commitment to building a new arena without public financial support.

The Coyotes bid farewell to Arizona with a final win over the Edmonton Oilers, players expressing mixed emotions amidst the uncertainty.

The sale marks the end of the Coyotes' quest for a permanent home, transitioning the franchise to a new chapter in Salt Lake City under new ownership.