In an exciting development for sports fans in Utah, Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), the owner of the Utah Jazz, has made a formal request to the National Hockey League (NHL) to initiate an expansion process and bring an NHL team to the state.

SEG, which also owns Delta Center, home of the Jazz, as well as the MLS' Real Salt Lake and the NWSL's Utah Royals, expressed its intent to make Delta Center the interim home arena for the potential hockey team. The company sees the expansion as an opportunity to further establish Utah as a premier sports and entertainment destination.

The NHL has responded positively to SEG's request, acknowledging the interest expressed by the group. In a statement, the league commended Ryan and Ashley Smith, owners of the Jazz and key figures within SEG, for their commitment to their community and their vision for Utah as a thriving hockey market. The NHL has been in discussions with SEG for the past two years, recognizing the potential in Utah as a promising market for the sport.

While the NHL has not yet initiated the expansion process at the Board of Governors level, a league source has revealed that it is the next step to be taken. This news brings hope to Utah sports enthusiasts who have long desired an NHL presence in the state.

Ryan Smith, in an exclusive interview with The Athletic, expressed his unwavering determination to bring an NHL team to Utah. He firmly believes that hockey will thrive in the region, drawing inspiration from the successes of Seattle and Las Vegas as hockey markets.

The potential arrival of an NHL team in Utah would not only diversify the state's sports scene but also generate economic benefits and create new opportunities for fans, athletes, and businesses. With the support of SEG and the passion of Utah's sports community, the dream of NHL hockey in the state might soon become a reality.

As discussions continue and momentum builds, Utah hockey fans eagerly anticipate further updates from the NHL and SEG regarding the expansion process.