After nearly three decades of uncertainty, it appears that the era of the Arizona Coyotes in Phoenix is finally drawing to a close. The Coyotes, who relocated from Winnipeg in 1996, have been plagued by bickering, turmoil, and ownership disputes throughout their time in Arizona. However, the proposed sale and relocation of the franchise to Salt Lake City offers the prospect of much-needed stability, thanks to the involvement of Ryan Smith, owner of the NBA's Utah Jazz.

Ryan Smith has long expressed his interest in bringing an NHL team to Salt Lake City, but he patiently played by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman's rules. Bettman has invested significant time and effort in trying to keep the Coyotes in Arizona, even acting as the team's de facto owner between 2009 and 2012 after the team went into bankruptcy. Various ownership groups, including prominent names such as Jim Balsillie, have explored the Coyotes without making substantial investments.

The Coyotes' recent move from Gila River Arena in Glendale to the 4,600-seat Mullett Arena at Arizona State University highlighted the financial struggles the team has faced. The inadequate arena has affected revenue generation, ultimately impacting the players' earnings under the NHL's revenue-sharing structure. Consequently, there has been mounting criticism of the arrangement, including from Marty Walsh, the executive director of the NHL Players' Association.

Bettman's persistent focus on preserving the Phoenix market, despite the ongoing challenges, stems from his vision for the NHL's geographic "footprint." Phoenix, being the fifth-most populous city in the U.S., initially showed promise as a hockey market. However, crucial errors in ownership and the relocation to suburban Glendale led to financial difficulties.

Over the years, Bettman has attended bankruptcy hearings and city council meetings in his efforts to save the Coyotes. Despite promising developments like the recent plan to win an auction for state-owned land and construct a new arena and entertainment district, the timeline was uncertain, leaving the team in a state of limbo. As a result, Bettman's decision to allow the sale and relocation to Salt Lake City can be seen as a temporary reprieve rather than a complete surrender.

The potential deal, involving the sale of the Coyotes from current owner Alex Meruelo to Ryan Smith, presents an opportunity for a fresh start for the franchise. Salt Lake City would gain an NHL team with a promising young roster and ample draft capital, foregoing the usual challenges faced by expansion teams. Meruelo, on the other hand, may secure the first right of refusal on an expansion team in Arizona, ensuring his continued involvement in the market.

If and when a new NHL franchise emerges in Arizona, it will have a chance to start afresh, unburdened by the history of mismanagement that has plagued the Coyotes for almost three decades. While the official decision is yet to be announced, the potential relocation to Salt Lake City signals the end of Bettman's long-standing battle for stability in Arizona.

The resolution of this protracted saga offers a glimmer of hope for a more positive future for the Arizona Coyotes and potentially sets the stage for a fairy-tale success story for a new NHL franchise in Salt Lake City.