The Arizona Coyotes may be on the lookout for a brand new dwelling earlier than lengthy, and there’s already a variety of curiosity within the franchise from states and cities throughout the nation. On Friday, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont expressed curiosity in bringing the Yotes to Hartford.
On Tuesday, voters in Tempe rejected the Coyotes’ plans for a brand new area and leisure district within the metropolis. Now, the group must return to the drafting board if it desires to stay within the state.
Whereas talking with reporters, Lamont mentioned there are many die-hard hockey followers in Connecticut who would welcome a brand new group. Lamont added that the state and native governments can be glad to work with the NHL on shifting the Coyotes to Hartford.
“This can be a nice hockey state and an ideal hockey city,” Lamont mentioned, per the Related Press. “It’s evidenced by the eagerness we’ve for the Whalers going again years — nonetheless among the finest promoting jerseys. I believe we will assure them a really sturdy market proper right here, and a authorities that’s prepared to return and be their associate.”
If the Coyotes do transfer to Hartford, it will be the NHL’s second stint within the metropolis. In 1979, the NHL added the Hartford Whalers from the WHA. The Whalers remained in Hartford by way of the 1996-97 season till they moved to Carolina and have become the Hurricanes.
Connecticut could have some competitors for the Coyotes. NFL celebrity Patrick Mahomes has already tweeted on the NHL suggesting that the league relocate the group to Kansas Metropolis.