After the recent public referendum on a potential new arena for the Arizona Coyotes fell short last Tuesday, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont pitched the team to relocate its services to the American Northeast. Connecticut has not seen a professional team since the Hartford Whalers, who held a place in the NHL from 1979-1997, before moving to Raleigh, NC before the start of the 1997-98 season.
In an interview, Lamont said, “This is a great hockey state and a great hockey town,” Lamont said. “It’s evidenced by the passion we have for the Whalers going back years — still one of the best selling jerseys. I think we can guarantee them a very strong market right here, and a government that’s ready to come and be their partner.”
To throw cold water on the idea that the Coyotes may be relocating after the recent disappointment of not receiving a stadium, the CEO of the team, Xavier A. Gutierrez, confirmed to Arizona fans that the team is not for sale. For the time being, Arizona will continue its stay at Mullett Arena, originally home of the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Other snapshots:
- Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports that the Pittsburgh Penguins have finished their second round of interviews for their opening at General Manager. LeBrun indicates that Eric Tulsky, Dan MacKinnon, Steve Greeley, and Jason Karmanos have all had interviews up to this point. Although Kyle Dubas has indicated that it was Toronto Maple Leafs or bust for his future, the opening for General Manager of the Penguins may prove enticing as the offseason progresses. As far as potential candidates go, Tulsky and Dubas both show a much different trajectory for the Penguins organization, as both possess extensive knowledge of the analytical side of hockey.
- In an interview with Swedish writer, Ronnie Ronnkvist, General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks, Patrik Allvin, states that the team is looking to add help at center and the blue line for the upcoming 2023-24 NHL season. As Allvin states that the Canucks are looking for potential fits for their third-line center role, Lars Eller, Evan Rodrigues, and Nick Bjugstad all seem like ideal candidates.
If the Coyotes relocate, the NHL will want to keep them in the Western Conference in order to keep the conferences balanced. That’s why Houston, Kansas City & Salt Lake City are more likely locations than Hartford or Quebec.
Hartford and Quebec don’t have a chance in hell of getting the Coyotes. I think Houston would be the best landing spot but for now it’s not an option, I think after the 23/24 season the Coyotes team will reside in Salt Lake.
Wouldn’t be surprised if you’re right. I think they believe they can milk Tilman Fertitta for a large expansion fee for a Houston team.
The Coyotes will relocate to Toronto, and the 416 will finally have an NHL team.
“…the team is not for sale.” Until “Gerry” demands it. Price? Two bags of pucks and some dirt.
As astute as it may be politically for Lamont to pitch a new Whalers, ultimately Bettman was the one who drove the moving truck out of Hartford in 1997 by reworking the “attendance” numbers to make it a pressing need for the team to leave…(nevermind season tickets sales took 20 years in NC to surpass what they were in Hartford’s lame duck last season) That said, there’s not an arena, nor will the Bruins, Rangers and even the Islanders cede Connecticut to another NHL team.
While I get that the Pittsburgh GM job could be an enticing position, I’m not sure why an established GM with options would choose it at the current time.
Crosby and friends are still good players, but the clock is always advancing.
Would Dubas want to sign, say, a 4 year deal? What are the odds that all 3 big boys in Pittsburgh are able to “do the Pavelski” and stay high end for the next few years?
I think presiding over their eventual bottoming out sounds less than glamorous. I doubt Pittsburgh ownership sees things that way though.
It’s not the most desirable job in terms of short term outlook (3-5 years), but it’s an organization with a reputation of relative longevity and loyalty to their staff. It’s high expectations within the org, but low expectations everywhere else… Some people are wired to take on a challenge like that. Any real success would put that individual among the most desirable hires in the sport.