NHL Rumors: The NHL Not Giving Up on Arizona and Ending Auston Matthews Speculation

Arizona’s deemed “not a failure” by NHL just yet

Blake Price from Sekeres and Price remarks that “the general public Dregs is completely on board with ‘enough is enough.’ Do we really think Gary Bettman will finally say ‘this is a failure? Dreger disagrees: “No. Not yet, but I think the league has to be in a position where they recognize that they are out of options there. But there are still some local options that they want to continue to consider.

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Dreger suggests that there are still some local options, saying that “you look at the Phoenix Suns new ownership there. Is that individual willing to consider renovating the building again at considerable expense? Maybe partnering with the Arizona Coyotes to get involved in a new building which doesn’t necessarily make sense but I’m told that’s a better option than bringing the Arizona Coyotes into the facility that the Suns play in that was just fully renovated.”

Dreger also stated that he was told the owner of the Phoenix Suns probably won’t buy the Arizona Coyotes, but it was a local connection that made sense to continue pursuing. If relocation is not an option, the NHL would need to consider other possibilities going forward.

Auston Matthews Not Returning Home to Arizona?

Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Auston Matthews only has a year left on his contract and has never intimated his desire to return to his home state to play for the Arizona Coyotes. This is due in large part to the failed arena vote and widespread uncertainty around the team, ultimately deterring any free agents from signing there long-term – including Matthews.

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