Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. Utah Jazz Owner Ryan Smith has been pushing for Utah to get an NHL franchise for quite some time now and the dream of bringing professional hockey to the Beehive State might closer than we originally thought.
According to a report from NHL Insider and Reporter Frank Seravalli on X, The NHL is looking at putting together two schedule options for the Arizona Coyotes. One that features the Coyotes playing in Arizona, and the other a potential season in Salt Lake City.
“Sources: #NHL is drafting two schedule versions for next season – one with in Arizona, another with the relocated franchise playing in Salt Lake City.” Wrote Seravalli, “Fluid situation. Lots of moving parts. Details on dual paths and a potential transaction.”
Sources: #NHL is drafting two schedule versions for next season – one with #Yotes in Arizona, another with the relocated franchise playing in Salt Lake City.
Fluid situation. Lots of moving parts. Details on dual paths and a potential transaction.
Link: https://t.co/wvc66RJpT9 pic.twitter.com/mI98R6GEU8
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 10, 2024
Further into the report Seravalli clarifies that the NHL has not solidified plans to relocate the organization yet, but that they have a contingency plan in place in case the franchise is sold. There is still a chance that the Coyotes stay in Arizona, but that would require current Arizona Coyotes Owner Alex Meruelo to win the bid at the Arizona State Land Trust auction, which is scheduled for June 27th.
If an NHL team were to come to Utah, what should we name it?
Fill out this survey and send your ideas:https://t.co/wmedXEUEyh https://t.co/BXhSRBqcPd
— Ryan Smith (@RyanQualtrics) April 8, 2024
Earlier this week, Smith asked fans around the state to chime in on potential names for a hockey franchise via X. Which makes the timing of this report interesting.
1:07pm MT Update:
Sources say #Yotes players have been informed that something of a “verbal” agreement is in place to relocate to Salt Lake City, but we’ve received pushback on that characterization of talks.
Nonetheless, this is well down the track. Let’s see what happens next. https://t.co/kuaIoVyb4d
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 10, 2024
The potential move sparked a conversation on new franchise names in hour 2 of Valley Sports Talk on ESPN 960. You can find the full conversation, along with potential names below.
