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[Report] NHL says it's "possible" Coyotes don't play in Glendale next season


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NHL's Daly says Coyotes move 'possible' if no new deal reached with Glendale:

CHICAGO - NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says it's possible that the Phoenix Coyotes could relocate if a new ownership group can't reach a deal to keep the team in Glendale, Ariz.

The Coyotes' unstable situation appears to be the biggest issue facing the league, and commissioner Gary Bettman said "time is getting short" finding a solution to keep the team in Arizona.

Daly said the 2013-14 schedule will be released a bit later than usual in part because of the uncertainty of the Coyotes' status.

"It certainly means that it's possible that the team won't play there next year," Daly said.

Asked about Quebec City, Bettman refused to speculate on potential landing spots for the Coyotes. Bettman wouldn't confirm whether putting the team on hiatus was a possibility, saying only there were "myriad options."

The Coyotes were reportedly sold to a Canadian-led ownership group which is negotiating with the city of Glendale for a lease at the Jobing.com Arena. Bettman refused to reveal deadline for a decision with the Coyotes.

Asked if there must be a decision by the June 27 NHL Board of Governors meeting, Bettman said "maybe."

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/nhls-daly-says-coyotes-move-possible-if-no-new-deal-reached-with-glendale-211290421.html

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So what happens then? That would screw up the re-alignment if they go anywhere but the central division, unless of course they do something drastic. Seattle isn't even close to ready, where as Quebec could fake a rink for a year or two. The team needs to be moved no matter what but....what are the honest options?

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Also, correct me if I am wrong, isn't there an issue with the Canes(or another southern team) with sharing their facilities with a college pro team? Something about them not having their schedule ready for the league? Convenient indeed for them if they can put the schedule out a little later while they wait to find out avilability

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Now that the Houston Aeros are gone, there is an open rink at the Toyota Center. Population wise the city is the fourth largest in the USA, and there is a lot of money down here. There are also many Canadian companies located down here. "The Toyota Center also has the largest screen for an indoor arena in the world built to coincide with the arena's hosting of the 2013 NBA All-Star Game."

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So what happens then? That would screw up the re-alignment if they go anywhere but the central division, unless of course they do something drastic. Seattle isn't even close to ready, where as Quebec could fake a rink for a year or two. The team needs to be moved no matter what but....what are the honest options?

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So what happens then? That would screw up the re-alignment if they go anywhere but the central division, unless of course they do something drastic. Seattle isn't even close to ready, where as Quebec could fake a rink for a year or two. The team needs to be moved no matter what but....what are the honest options?

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Seattle WOULD be the best option, but there is no possible way they could get the Key Arena, or the Tacoma Dome ready in time for September.

These are the only "western" markets, with an NHL sized arena that is ready(16k or bigger).

Houston, TX - Toyota Center 17k.

Milwaukee, WI - BMO Harris Bradley Center 18k

Kansas City,MI - Sprint Center 18k (Only NHL/NBA sized arena in NA with no tenants at all)

Oklahoma City,OK - Chesapeake Energy Arena 18k

Portland,OR - Rose Garden 18k

Milwaukee's territory is contracted to the Blackhawks, and they would need permission to play there, so count them out.

OKC is a long shot at best. KC has been desperately trying to get an NHL or NBA team for a decade now, so they can not be counted out, but still an out side chance at best, being 2 hours out of the same timezone as most of the new "Pacific Division"

This leaves Portland or Houston as the best chances to land the Yotes. Both have extensive histories with hockey teams, both close to other markets, and both have the arenas.

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Seattle WOULD be the best option, but there is no possible way they could get the Key Arena, or the Tacoma Dome ready in time for September.

These are the only "western" markets, with an NHL sized arena that is ready(16k or bigger).

Houston, TX - Toyota Center 17k.

Milwaukee, WI - BMO Harris Bradley Center 18k

Kansas City,MI - Sprint Center 18k (Only NHL/NBA sized arena in NA with no tenants at all)

Oklahoma City,OK - Chesapeake Energy Arena 18k

Portland,OR - Rose Garden 18k

Milwaukee's territory is contracted to the Blackhawks, and they would need permission to play there, so count them out.

OKC is a long shot at best. KC has been desperately trying to get an NHL or NBA team for a decade now, so they can not be counted out, but still an out side chance at best, being 2 hours out of the same timezone as most of the new "Pacific Division"

This leaves Portland or Houston as the best chances to land the Yotes. Both have extensive histories with hockey teams, both close to other markets, and both have the arenas.

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Wouldn't be surprised to see them finally move. Maintaining this dog helped the league massage poorer numbers as they headed towards a new CBA negotiation.

Now they've got their 50%(as well as other concessions) locked in, long-term, they'll start running each franchise more sensibly. Only upside for Van, is the cap should increase dramatically after next season.

Might've been better to have a full-on labour war resulting in a Cdn league. Very tired of Betman's US agenda.

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That's a pretty good breakdown. I've always liked the thought of an NHL team in Portland but apparently Paul Allen has stated that he has zero interest in bringing the NHL to town. NHL had better start seriously contemplating contingencies.

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