Despite a lot of relocation rumors surrounding the Coyotes, both Gary Bettman and Bill Daly voiced their support for professional hockey remaining in Arizona.
The NHL continues to publicly support the Arizona Coyotes through their search for a new arena in the Valley.
Last week, the Arizona State Land Department Board of Appeals approved the $68.5-million appraisal for a portion of land in north Phoenix. The Coyotes are expected to pursue this piece of land in an auction that will most likely take place at some point in June.
There has been a lot of speculation on what will happen to the Coyotes if they happen to lose this auction, but NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said there is ‘probably not’ enough time to move the Coyotes elsewhere next season even if the organization is unsuccessful in the auction.
This means that regardless if the Coyotes are able to secure land in north Phoenix, the team will still be playing at Mullett Arena come next season.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also made clear his preference to keep professional hockey in Arizona and is putting trust in Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo.
“Obviously, we want a new arena and we want the team in Arizona,” Bettman said via PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan. “Alex wants to win the auction to make that happen.”
While Daly did mention that ‘it’s getting late’ regarding the Coyotes’ prolonged search for a new arena, TSN’s Chris Johnston reported that both Daly and Bettman declined to define any kind of deadline on a possible Coyotes relocation decision.
Bettman also knows that securing this piece of land in north Phoenix is the team’s best course of action going forward.
“We’re cognizant of that, and we’re also focused on the fact that Alex Meruelo is working on acquiring what he believes is the best location for the new arena and his overall project,” Bettman said via NHL.com.
There are still a lot of unknown still surrounding this ongoing situation, but the NHL continues to stand by the Coyotes.