In a twist of events, the future of the Arizona Coyotes in the state is uncertain, leading to reports that the NHL is considering their relocation to Salt Lake City as early as next season. Last May, voters rejected the NHL franchise's proposal for a multibillion-dollar entertainment district in Tempe. Currently, the Coyotes are playing their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University for the ongoing 2023-24 season, as they did throughout the previous season.

According to ESPN, the NHL is actively working on contingency plans for the potential relocation of the franchise to Salt Lake City. The rumored move comes after prospective owner Ryan Smith, who also owns the Utah Jazz, sought suggestions for a team name earlier this week. The league has reportedly prepared two schedule drafts for next season: one in case the team remains in Arizona and the other for their potential relocation to Utah under a different name.

While NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman remained tight-lipped about the possible contingency plans, a source familiar with the planning revealed that the league has been actively working on the draft schedules. Normally, the schedule for the upcoming season is released in late June, after the Stanley Cup playoffs and before free agency opens on July 1.

As talks of a potential sale to Ryan Smith continue to circulate, preparations for a possible relocation are underway. Smith has expressed his interest in having an NHL team in Salt Lake City and has been discussing the matter with the league since 2022. If the sale to Smith's group goes through, the Utah Jazz's ownership has planned to utilize the existing Delta Center in downtown Salt Lake City as a temporary home for the hockey team until a new arena is constructed.

The Arizona Coyotes have faced instability since former majority owner Jerry Moyes drove the franchise into bankruptcy back in 2009. Despite finding temporary stability at the then-Gila River Arena outside Phoenix in Glendale, the team faced more setbacks when the city terminated their lease agreement in 2015. The Coyotes' lease expired after the 2021-22 season, leaving them searching for a new home.

The team's latest plans revolve around a 95-acre parcel of land in north Phoenix, with an auction scheduled by the Arizona State Land Department on June 27. If the Coyotes emerge as the winning bidder for the land, construction on a new arena could begin next year, with hopes to start playing there in the fall of 2027, according to Coyotes team president Xavier Gutierrez.

While the potential relocation to Salt Lake City is still in the negotiation phase, the NHL expressed its admiration for Ryan and Ashley Smith's commitment to their community and their vision for Utah as a sports and entertainment destination. However, the NHL has not announced any plans to expand beyond its current 32 teams, despite ongoing speculation about potential additions in Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and Houston.

As the future of the Arizona Coyotes hangs in the balance, fans and observers eagerly await further updates from the NHL regarding the team's possible relocation to Salt Lake City and the developments surrounding the franchise's uncertain future.