Gary Bettman may have found a way to keep the Coyotes in Arizona after all

Igor Burdetskiy May 17, 2023

3 1 minute read

After Tempe residents rejected a proposed Tempe Sports and Entertainment district that would have kept the team in the East Valley community, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was dealt a blow on Tuesday night.

In order to strategize the Coyotes’ next move, Bettman voiced his disapproval and said he would meet with the team’s representatives. Many commentators and supporters questioned whether that meant that relocation would actually happen.

Friedman recently disclosed that Bettman could have discovered a strategy to retain the Coyotes in Arizona. On the 32 Thoughts podcast on Wednesday, he provided the following explanation, connecting the Coyotes to Suns owner Mat Ishbia:

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Gary Bettman and the NHL, if they haven’t already, meet with him to gauge his interest in supporting the idea of turning the Suns current rink into a facility that can also support the Coyotes.”

If ever the Coyotes’ only solution is to be relocated, Friedman doubts, because of alignment and divisions, that Quebec City will be the chosen spot for the team. He believes “ it is likely Houston, Salt Lake City, Sacramento or Kansas City if the Coyotes relocate.”

Friedman on 32TP: “I don’t think the NHL wants to abandon the Arizona market unless it absolutely has to, it’s too big, it’s one of the largest metro markets in the United States, I think they will not leave until they go down every path”.

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) May 17, 2023

But you better believe Bettman will do all he can to see his Coyotes stay in the desert until there are no more options…

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!