Some updates regarding the Coyotes and Senators:
Coyotes Approved to Negotiate with Tempe Regarding Arena -
The Coyotes have gained approval to negotiate with Tempe regarding the purchase and development of the potential arena site. Their proposal is very comprehensive and seems to look pretty good on paper. They are currently hashing out details with the FAA regarding Phoenix Sky Harbor (their biggest concern right now is having residential units so close to the airport) but it's looking pretty good so far, despite all of the negative press over the past year or so. If they can hash out a deal without any major public concessions (because major public concessions will attract a Goldwater Institute lawsuit, which historically have impeded the construction of venues in Arizona), then I think their future in Arizona is pretty much a guarantee, despite the current nonsense going on with their temporary home at ASU.
The Coyotes released a video of the arena district concept a couple of weeks ago. It's honestly a pretty great concept (especially with the combined hotel/retail district) and would likely draw good crowds if it becomes fully realized. My opinion is that it absolutely kicks the crap out of the built environment around Centre Videotron. It's becoming clear that the entertainment district model is becoming the preferred approach across North America and will be important for keeping Quebec City as a competitive option in the future. Almost all Canadian NHL arenas have an existing or emerging surrounding mixed-use district of some sort (except for Calgary and Ottawa, which are both being worked on) and will likely be an "unofficial" requirement for any potential expansion or relocation in the future.
• Video Link
Senators Ownership Likely Remains Stable - With the NHL Board of Governors meeting on Thursday (has already happened since this article was posted), it is likely that the Senators will continue to remain owned by the Melnyk family with no significant changes. Of course, nothing is 100% set in stone, but Melnyk had apparently set up the franchise to remain in the family for generations before his death. Additionally, Gary Bettman has confirmed that the Senators have investigated a downtown rink and may be involved in a Lebreton Flats bid, initiated by Melnyk before he died. Nobody can speak on anything since the NCC is keeping a tight lid on information regarding the process, but I'm sure we will hear more soon.
All in all, the NHL is looking pretty stable right now with recent news. While this can always change, it's looking unlikely that a team will need to relocate in the near future. Quebec may not see a team until the next round of expansion. While NHL 32 just became a reality, NHL 36 may not be that far away, considering other leagues like the
NFL are reportedly exploring 40(!) teams, and that the NHL is seeing record revenues of $5.2B in 2021-2022, compared to $4.6B in 2018-2019, despite the general narrative that expansion dilutes league revenues.