The NHL and the Arizona Coyotes are preparing for the possibility of a move to Utah as soon as April 18, multiple sources confirmed Wednesday.
The team’s final game is at home against Edmonton next Wednesday. One Coyote indicated today that there are rumours of “meeting about the future” before everyone goes their separate ways for the off-season.
The league sent a memo to its Board of Governors indicating progress in talks to move the team to Utah, but several sources warned to be careful about making any absolute proclamations. “There is a lot that needs to be done,” one said, although it is clear this is a major priority, with maximum effort and speed utilized to reach a finish line.
The NHL is working as the broker, handling negotiations with both current Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo and prospective Utah steward Ryan Smith. Initially, the hope was to let the June 27 auction play out, but two concerns emerged: first, about what would happen if the Meruelo lost the auction, and second, the possibility of three more seasons at Mullett Arena. There wasn’t much enthusiasm for the latter.
Multiple sources indicate a real scenario is Meruelo being paid $1 billion for the team, and Smith paying $1.2 billion to purchase. But the real key is what the NHL will promise Meruelo to avoid this ending up in court.
Those same sources indicate he could be offered a five-year exclusive window to “bring back” the Coyotes as an expansion franchise — although there would be certain language stating what would need to be accomplished for him to return. (The league definitely desires a return to the market if it leaves.)
Obviously, there is a lot that still needs to happen, but a move is gaining momentum.
