Arizona Coyotes defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok (52) and forward Dylan Guenther (11) celebrate Kolyachonok's goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the second period at Rogers Arena. Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Coyotes move to Salt Lake City seems imminent

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 4/12/24

The NHL might finally have a solution for its Arizona Coyotes problem, and it seems to be a relocation to Salt Lake City next season.

According to multiple reports on Friday, Coyotes players and staff have been informed that relocation to Salt Lake City is happening and an official announcement could come as soon as Wednesday when their 2023-24 regular season ends.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and long-time Coyotes reporter Craig Morgan had the initial reports on Friday.

Updated link, there is still work to be done, but Coyotes players and staff addressed about move to Utah by GM:https://t.co/BcOhfrUzIx
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 13, 2024

Per multiple sources, the Coyotes have been informed that relocation to Salt Lake City is real.
Now hearing it could actually be announced on April 17; the date of the Coyotes’ final game at home vs. Edmonton.
It’s going to be quite an atmosphere that night at Mullett Arena.
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) April 13, 2024

Salt Lake City has recently emerged as a potential spot for an NHL team, whether through relocation or expansion.

Now it seems that relocation will be the answer.

For the Coyotes and their fans, it is a sad and stunning end to a decade-long saga that saw non-stop ownership and arena issues. The Coyotes were attempting to secure land to build a new privately funded arena in Arizona, but it does not appear as if it will happen.

The Coyotes have spent the past two seasons playing at Mullett Arena, an arena primarily used by the Arizona State University hockey team.

Along with their ownership and constant arena issues, the Coyotes have been one of the league's worst teams over the past decade with only one playoff appearance since the 2011-12 season. That playoff appearance came during the weird bubble season where 24 of the league's 32 teams made the playoffs.

More must-reads: