Knies credits the growth of hockey in the Phoenix area to him taking up the sport.
There's no doubt that the NHL's arrival in Arizona in 1996 has led to the growth of the sport of hockey in the state.
The NHL's best goal scorer right now, Auston Matthews, grew up in Scottsdale and Maple Leafs teammate Matthew Knies also took up the sport due to the presence of the game at the highest level in his hometown.
With reports that the Coyotes could be relocated to Salt Lake City at the start of next season, Knies shared his thoughts on the possibility during the Maple Leafs' morning skate ahead of their game against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.
"It's pretty unfortunate. The Coyotes did a lot for me growing up and loved going to the games. And it was a kind of big reason as to why I got into hockey," Knies said. "But yeah, that kind of situation's out of my control. And I'm hopeful that they can stay there 'cause it meant a lot to me. But yeah, I guess we'll have to see what happens."
According to multiple reports, the NHL has begun to make two drafts of the 2024-25 NHL regular season schedule with Salt Lake City being the destination of games instead of Mullett Arena, the 5000-seat capacity college rink that the Coyotes have been playing in as they try to figure out a solution for a new arena.
The Coyotes have a plot of land that they intend to bid on in an auction to be held at the end of June, but the suggestion is the NHL may not want to wait that long.
Ryan Smith, the owner of the NBA's Utah Jazz has been openly soliciting suggestions for a team name for the NHL club. In the past, the NHL would frown on this type of openness from someone who doesn't own a team yet. But that hasn't been the case and we now know why.
The reports say the current ownership of the Coyotes may be promised some sort of expansion team if this sale and relocation go through. While that might be some consolation, it may stunt the popularity of hockey, something the 21-year-old Knies can understand.
"When I was growing up it wasn't the hockey hotbed that Colorado or Chicago or Detroit was. But it was definitely growing and you could see the potential there," Knies said of the Arizona market. "I think the Coyotes were a big part of that. It's definitely got a lot better and a lot of guys are starting to pick up a hockey stick now. It's just really good to see.
"Again. I hope they can stay there but it's out of my control. Not too really happy about the situation but it is what it is. "
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