The NHL will not yet say that Arizona was a failure
Sekeres and Price: Darren Dreger at the Arizona Coyotes arena stand.
** Copy NHLRumors.com
Blake Price: “General public Dregs are totally on board with ‘Enough, that’s enough.’ Do we really think Gary Bateman will finally say ‘This fails?'”
Dreger: “No. Not yet, but I think the league has to be in a position where they realize they don’t have options out there. But there are still some local options that they want to continue to consider.”
NHL News: Arizona Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Tyson Barrie
As I reported on TSN.ca earlier (Wednesday), you can take a look at the new Phoenix Suns ownership there. Is this person willing to consider renovating the building again at great cost? Perhaps partnering with the Arizona Coyotes to share a new building doesn’t necessarily make sense, but I’m told that’s a better option than bringing the Arizona Coyotes into the Suns’ playing facility that has just been completely renovated.
I was also told that the Suns owner probably isn’t willing to consider buying the Arizona Coyotes.
So this would be the local link that makes the least sense. I think the NHL and Commissioner Bettman will continue to work and maybe try to convince Suns ownership to at least consider moving forward.
Beyond that you are right. I mean the league should be considering relocation now.
The end to Auston Matthews homecoming speculation?
Lance Hornby from the Toronto SunAustin Matthews has one year left on his contract, and he never once hinted that he wanted to go home and play for the Arizona Coyotes.
NHL rumours: The Toronto Maple Leafs vs Kyle Dubas
Given the failure of arena voting and much of the uncertainty surrounding the organization in Arizona, that will likely deter any free agent looking to sign there long-term, including Matthews.