Could The Phoenix Coyotes Be On The Move?
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has approved the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes in a move that could see the team move away from Glendale.
The Coyotes were created in 1996 when the former Winnipeg Jets franchise was sold and the team was moved.
The Franchise has been owned by the NHL since 2009 when the original owner declared the team was bankrupt. Ever since then it's been leaking money. At the time there was talk of the team moving to Ontario but the sale fell through when the City of Glendale and the NHL fought the sale in court. Although the sale was eventually approved, the NHL bought the franchise itself to ensure that hockey would remain in the desert.
It looks like that's no longer going to happen.
Although the NHL wants the team to stay put; the above mentioned court case ruled that the NHL cannot force a team to stay in a certain location. Despite the City pumping money into the team and recent good form, the dwindling attendances and escalating costs mean that we may see the team move again. Probably back to Canada seeing as the prospective investors are Canadian led.
The approval of the sale is based around the team staying in Phoenix however given how much money the team is costing the NHL; it's a real possibility that the team will be allowed to move.
Alex's Edit: It is a shame to see the Coyote's potentially leave the NHL, but this move has been on the cards for sometime and financially it has become a burden for the team, but who will the contenders be? It would be nice to perhaps see hockey return to Quebec City or allow a new city to have its turn. For a reminder of my previous suggestions, click here
The Coyotes were created in 1996 when the former Winnipeg Jets franchise was sold and the team was moved.
The Franchise has been owned by the NHL since 2009 when the original owner declared the team was bankrupt. Ever since then it's been leaking money. At the time there was talk of the team moving to Ontario but the sale fell through when the City of Glendale and the NHL fought the sale in court. Although the sale was eventually approved, the NHL bought the franchise itself to ensure that hockey would remain in the desert.
It looks like that's no longer going to happen.
Although the NHL wants the team to stay put; the above mentioned court case ruled that the NHL cannot force a team to stay in a certain location. Despite the City pumping money into the team and recent good form, the dwindling attendances and escalating costs mean that we may see the team move again. Probably back to Canada seeing as the prospective investors are Canadian led.
The approval of the sale is based around the team staying in Phoenix however given how much money the team is costing the NHL; it's a real possibility that the team will be allowed to move.
Alex's Edit: It is a shame to see the Coyote's potentially leave the NHL, but this move has been on the cards for sometime and financially it has become a burden for the team, but who will the contenders be? It would be nice to perhaps see hockey return to Quebec City or allow a new city to have its turn. For a reminder of my previous suggestions, click here
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