NHL Eyes Salt Lake City: Expansion Buzz or Coyotes' New Den?

Guess who might be hitting the ice in Salt Lake City? With whispers of an NHL team making rounds, fans are perked up! We're talking potential puck action zooming into Utah possibly this fall. Ryan Smith, a big deal with the Utah Jazz, is already hyping up the scene, asking fans for team names. Could this mean a new dynasty in sports town?

But wait, there's a plot twist - the Arizona Coyotes might be skating out of the sun and into the snow! The NHL's got plans A and B ready to roll, with two versions of the schedule, depending on whether the 'Yotes stay or go. The big question: will they keep howling in Arizona, or will Salt Lake City witness a thrilling name change?

Money's moving, lips are sealed, but the word's out that there's a backup plan in the works. If Smith slams down the dollars for the Coyotes, he'll be dancing the NHL dance. And while Atlanta's eyes are on the expansion prize, it's Salt Lake City that's prepping for the big leagues.

Big Bid, Bigger Dreams: Coyotes' Clash or Utah's Smash Hit?

The Coyotes are playing hardball too, cranking up auctions for a fancy Phoenix pad. But they're in tight quarters right now, housed in a modest college arena, and everyone's feeling the pinch. NHL big boss Bettman says the team’s owner is on it, but fans are thirsty for a solid game plan.

In jumps Salt Lake City, with an arena ready and waiting to host some serious hockey hustle. The Jazz squad's head honchos have been courting the NHL since last year, fired up to make Salt Lake City the place to be.

Boiling down the buzz - one spicy scenario is Meruelo tossing the Coyotes to Smith for a cool billion, then bringing them back later, phoenix-style. But the NHL is keeping its cards close, no talk of expanding the 32-team tribe just yet, despite the rumors and rumblings in Houston and Atlanta.

So, will the pucks drop in Salt Lake City? Keep your sticks on the ice and your eyes on Statbet, 'cause we're serving the top-shelf news straight to you!

Editor: Vitalina Patskan