Insider reveals official date of Coyotes relocation to Utah

This morning, the NHL has been set ablaze as reports indicate the league is are nearing a deal to relocate the Arizona Coyotes to Utah by next season. Now, several insiders are reporting the official announcement could come on April 18th.

According to a report from Elliotte Friedman, the Coyotes have set a schedule of meetings about their future with staff members set for after their final home game. The Edmonton Oilers will visit the Coyotes for what looks to be the final game in the franchise's history.


The reports of the actual relocation deal seem to be accelerating with intensity. According to Pierre LeBrun, the NHL is negotiating directly with the ownership group in Utah, completely cutting out Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo from the deal. From other reports, it seems Meruelo will sell the team to the NHL for $1B, who will then sell it to Utah Owner Ryan Smith for $1.3B.


With the relocation accelerating so quickly, players and their families are beginning to speak out in protest of the move. For some that signed on with the team expecting a future in Arizona, they're now contractually obliged to move to Salt Lake City.


It's incredible to see how quickly the NHL has decided to officially pursue relocation to Salt Lake City, and how it practically all came together today. The NHL is still making a schedule that includes the Coyotes in Arizona next season, but now it appears that their decision is clear. In so many years, Coyotes ownership failed to create a competitive team, failed to pay their rent and earn good will in Arizona, and embarrassed the NHL on a grand level by playing in a minor league arena. It's fantastic news that the league is finally moving ahead with relocating the Coyotes.