What happens if Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo fails to execute his plan to revive hockey in the Valley? 20240412_MorningSkate_Keller_FTP The Coyotes have officially relocated to Salt Lake City, but there were some interesting conditions in the deal that sent the franchise to Utah. As part of the agreement, Meruelo still technically owns the Coyotes. The team is inactive, with a right to reactivation if Meruelo is able to fully construct a new, state-of-the-art facility appropriate for an NHL team within five years. If Meruelo isn’t able to construct an arena within five years and ultimately doesn't own the team down the road, PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan reported what that means for the Coyotes and their chances at a return to the NHL. “He owns the right exclusively until he doesn’t,” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said via Morgan. “As long as he owns the right, we aren’t entertaining competing bids. Once he no longer has the right, then Arizona becomes like every other potential expansion city.” The best opportunity at professional hockey making its way back to the Valley is in Meruelo’s hands. An auction for land in northeast Phoenix is set for June 27 and Meruelo has made it clear that he is committed to winning with the intention of constructing a sports and entertainment district. Even if Meruelo were to lose the auction, there may be other options in terms of potential land, but it would certainly be a major setback in his plan and could very well hinder the Coyotes’ chances at a return.
