In an exciting development for sports fans in Utah, the owners of the Utah Jazz have announced their immediate ability and desire to bring an NHL team to Salt Lake City. The Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), led by CEO Ryan Smith, has requested the initiation of an expansion process to introduce professional hockey to the state.

According to a news release by SEG, the company plans to utilize the Jazz's arena as an interim home for the potential NHL franchise. Expressing their determination to make this happen as soon as possible, Smith stated that the company is "100% focused" on realizing their vision for Utah as a preeminent sports and entertainment destination.

Discussions between Ryan Smith and the NHL have been ongoing since 2022, with both parties expressing interest and appreciation for the potential venture. The NHL acknowledged the Smiths' commitment to their community and their passion for Utah as a hockey market. The league considers Utah a promising market and looks forward to further discussions.

This announcement comes at a crucial point in the hockey season, with uncertainties surrounding the future of the Arizona Coyotes. The Coyotes, currently playing in a 5,000-seat arena on the campus of Arizona State in Tempe, have been engrossed in talks about a long-term future in the Phoenix area.

Ryan Smith has expressed his indifference towards inheriting a relocated team or starting from scratch with an expansion team. While acknowledging the costs associated with expansion, Smith emphasized his group's intention and commitment, having previously gone through the purchasing process for other sports teams in the past few years.

The Coyotes, who declined to comment on the Salt Lake City release, have been exploring potential sites for a privately funded arena in Arizona. Nevertheless, they've faced challenges with ownership changes and playing in different arenas over the years.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed optimism about the addition of another sports team to Utah's roster. He highlighted the state's history with hockey, strong economy, passionate sports fans, and its bid for the 2034 Winter Olympics. Salt Lake City, having hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics with NHL players, appears poised to become a hub for winter sports once again.

While the location for a potential new arena specifically designed for hockey is yet to be determined, the Delta Center, home of the Jazz, is ready to serve as an interim solution for an NHL team. The SEG's vision aligns with the state's momentum in global sports and sports infrastructure, creating excitement among the community.

As discussions progress, the possibility of an NHL team calling Salt Lake City home may soon become a reality, adding to Utah's reputation as a winter sports capital and further solidifying its status as a premier sports destination.

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