The first iteration of the Winnipeg Jets moved to Arizona to become the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996, but would later change to the Arizona Coyotes in 2014. Skip to today and the Jets are back in the league and playing very solid hockey, and the Coyotes have the sixth-worst record in the league and are also all but confirmed to be relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah. These are truly dark times for hockey in the desert, and that isn’t even counting Monday’s solar eclipse.
Breaking: Arizona Coyotes players were informed Friday that the team is relocating to Utah, sources told ESPN, confirming a report by PHNX Sports. pic.twitter.com/lz53to9JmW
— ESPN (@espn) April 13, 2024
Despite these recent revelations, there are still positives to be found in the Coyotes situation. At a baseline level, having an NHL team in Arizona inspired a generation of desert hockey talent that may not have happened otherwise. Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, Maple Leafs teammates and fellow Arizona natives both grew up influenced by the Coyotes. Without the Coyotes, talent like that may never have come to fruition.
The team supposedly may also have a chance at returning again in a few years, but only if certain requirements are met. While a return to hockey in the desert seems a little premature given the current situation, another positive is the relocation to Salt Lake City. Watching the game evolve in a new market will be exciting to see despite the loss of the Coyotes.
Check out the link to the full episode of The Hockey News Pre-Game Show below.
Related: Pre-Game Show: Is This the Best Version of Auston Matthews? Plus Toughest First-Round Matchups, Coyotes and More
News Summary:
- Positives For Desert Hockey Amidst Coyotes Relocation
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