The dust has settled on last month’s chaotic Arizona Coyotes saga, which saw a public vote strike down the team’s plan to build a new arena in Tempe. While initially, the result made relocation look like an imminent possibility, more avenues to remain in Arizona have opened up, and optimism is once again increasing about the team’s future in the state.
Nothing is certain without a long-term plan in place, though, and there will be interest in relocating the team. One of those interested parties is Connecticut governor Ned Lamont, who yesterday shed light on his endeavor to bring an NHL team back to Hartford in an interview with WTNH New Haven’s Dennis House.
The governor shared that a group is already in place to purchase the Coyotes and relocate them to Hartford, with funding already spoken for. Assuming they can purchase the trademark back from the Carolina Hurricanes, who jointly own it along with the NHL, it would resurrect the Hartford Whalers, which departed for North Carolina in 1997.
One key aspect of the plan is the refurbishment of the XL Center, which currently is home to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, to meet NHL standards. However, the question remains: will these renovations be sufficient to support a successful NHL franchise?
The viability of the arena is likely the biggest point of skepticism around any move. Originally constructed in 1975, the aging arena has undergone various renovations over the years – most recently in 2014. But unless a significant expansion occurs, it would still be the smallest arena in the league, with a capacity of just under 15,000 people for hockey. Winnipeg’s Canada Life Center has a capacity of 15,321 people.
The move would also see the Coyotes franchise cross conference lines and require some sort of divisional realignment. It’s something the NHL likely wouldn’t be willing to undergo unless two Western Conference expansion teams were planned in quick succession.
There’s still a likelihood the team finds a long-term plan in Arizona – after all, it’s the preference of both the NHL and the current owners. Having multiple cities step in with interest in relocation, though, isn’t a bad thing. Along with the owner of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, Ryan Smith, Lamont’s group provides a solid safety net for the league to move the team if all other avenues fall through.