Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City? Relocation speculation swirls around NHL team in Utah

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman recently addressed the state of the Arizona Coyotes saying that "the Coyotes are exploring their options in the greater Phoenix area, and our hope is that one of those options being explored will come to fruition."

But some comments from NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly set off another round of relocation speculation for the NHL team in Arizona, a team that recently had a new arena plan rejected by Tempe voters, prompting renewed questions about the future of the franchise in the state.

Daly, in the same new conference as Bettman, said that "we have certainly talked to Ryan Smith (owner of the Utah Jazz) and he has indicated he has an interest in bringing the NHL to Salt Lake City."

He added: “I think, obviously, what happened in Arizona created this talk of (the) potential need for relocation, and I suppose on some level that’s accurate. But I don’t think it changed what Ryan Smith had expressed to us, which is an interest in bringing the NHL to Salt Lake.”

Bettman added about the potential relocation of the Coyotes: "We’re in a better position to resist moving than we were 20 or 30 years ago. We want to make sure we explore all options at this stage of where we are before we consider having to relocate a club, and I’m hopeful we won’t have to."

More: Why Arizona Coyotes could be saved from NHL relocation

Relocation speculation linking the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City swirled after Bill Daly and Gary Bettman's comments:

The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun wrote that “there’s a realistic option in Salt Lake City potentially waiting," should the Coyotes need to relocate.

NHLtraderumor.com speculated that Salt Lake City could be the next potential home of the Coyotes.

Rob Ellis wrote: "It seems if the NHL does decide to relocate the Arizona Coyotes franchise it will be to Salt Lake City. … Gary Bettman has been so patient with Arizona because he loves the market size the Coyotes offer and believes the team can work in Arizona. It appears Bettman wants one more shot at trying to get an arena deal in Arizona before they relocate to another city."

More: Arizona Coyotes relocation odds: Big favorite for NHL team's next home

Bleacher Report wrote about Smith's interest in bringing hockey to Utah.

"Tilling new territorial ground could mean a move to Salt Lake City. That's if Utah Jazz governor Ryan Smith follows through on a publicly stated wish to bring an NHL team in to go alongside his NBA franchise.  …  The Smith Entertainment Group is the parent company of the Jazz and holds stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake, the NWSL's Utah Royals and Vivint Arena. The arena hosted the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights in a preseason game in 2021. The venue holds approximately 20,000 fans for basketball."'

More: Valley city dominates Arizona Coyotes' new arena vote

Bookies.com speculated about Salt Lake City's potential fit for the Coyotes.

Adam Thompson wrote: "Salt Lake City wants an NHL team, has the government backing and an arena that can house them in the immediate term, with a possible plan to build a brand-new arena as part of a push to bring the Winter Olympics to the area. The push is led by an owner with deep pockets and a deep interest in the sport, and a growing and affluent area."

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KSL.com wrote about the possibility of Utah getting the Coyotes.

Carter Williams wrote: "Both Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall have referenced Salt Lake City, or the Salt Lake area, getting an NHL team in recent months, too. That's on top of the more public push for the city to land a Major League Baseball expansion team, led by the Larry H. Miller Company. The governor said last week that he's been a part of some "high-level discussions" about the prospects of landing MLB and NHL teams, and he believes there is "actual substance" behind both of the opportunities."

More: Coyotes 'committed to Arizona' after failed Tempe arena vote, to play at ASU next season

Eprinkside.com addresses how Salt Lake City is "lurking" as the Coyotes look for a new arena.

Sean Shapiro wrote: "If the Arizona Coyotes don’t have a more permanent plan in place by the end of next season Salt Lake City will be primed to host an NHL team.  NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman wouldn't confirm that officially on Saturday, and showed commitment to Arizona, but he alluded to Salt Lake City’s interest and NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed that the Coyotes are on the clock to figure things out."

More: Arizona Coyotes' relocation speculation swirls after rejected Tempe arena deal

Would Salt Lake City be a good fit for the NHL's Coyotes, should the team leave Arizona?

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Coyotes NHL relocation speculation includes Salt Lake City