The National Hockey League (NHL) has recently made headlines with two major announcements. First, the league has committed to keeping the Arizona Coyotes in the state for the long term. Second, the sale of the Ottawa Senators is nearing its conclusion, according to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
The Arizona Coyotes have had a tumultuous history in the NHL. The team was originally founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1972 as the Jets. In 1996, the team moved to Phoenix and became the Coyotes. Since then, the team has struggled both on and off the ice. They have missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons and have faced financial difficulties.
Despite these challenges, the NHL is committed to keeping the Coyotes in Arizona. In a press conference on January 28th, Commissioner Bettman announced that the league has signed a new lease agreement with the city of Glendale, where the team plays its home games at Gila River Arena. The lease is for 10 years and includes an option for a five-year extension.
The new lease agreement is significant because it provides stability for the Coyotes. In recent years, there has been speculation that the team could move to another city, such as Houston or Seattle. However, with this new lease in place, the Coyotes are committed to staying in Arizona for at least another decade.
In addition to the lease agreement, Commissioner Bettman also announced that the NHL is working with local leaders to explore options for a new arena for the Coyotes. Gila River Arena is over 15 years old and is in need of upgrades. A new arena could provide a boost for the team both on and off the ice.
Meanwhile, in Ottawa, the sale of the Senators is nearing its conclusion. The team has been owned by Eugene Melnyk since 2003, but he has been looking to sell the team for several years. In December 2018, it was reported that Melnyk had reached an agreement to sell the team to a group led by businessman Eugene Leeder.
According to Commissioner Bettman, the sale is in the final stages of completion. Once the sale is finalized, Leeder and his group will take over ownership of the Senators. It is unclear what changes, if any, they will make to the team or its operations.
The sale of the Senators is significant because it marks the end of an era for the team. Under Melnyk’s ownership, the Senators experienced both success and controversy. The team made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007 but has missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. Melnyk has also been criticized for his management of the team and his public comments about the team’s finances.
Overall, these two announcements show that the NHL is committed to ensuring the long-term success of its teams. By committing to keeping the Coyotes in Arizona and finalizing the sale of the Senators, the league is taking steps to provide stability and certainty for its fans, players, and communities.