CXLVII - Is this the 'Final Countdown' in Arizona?

[Mightygoose]

There is a thought that came to my mind, and I am not sure what to make of it, so I am throwing it out here for discussion.....

Does anyone else think that the NHL itself has reacted in an uncharacteristic manner to the news about Utah asking for an open expansion process?

There is a lot of speculation that this is an indication of something going down with the Coyotes, even from Freidman, who spoke about relocation again today. And, the NHL hasn't done anything to dispel the rumors.

This seems different than their usual way of responding.

Thoughts?

I fully agree.

Though there has been efforts by prospective owners prior to an expansion process. There has never been, at least to my knowledge a would be owner publicly asking the league to start one.

Even more unusual is the league to be endorsing this.

 

[Boris Zubov]

There is a thought that came to my mind, and I am not sure what to make of it, so I am throwing it out here for discussion.....

Does anyone else think that the NHL itself has reacted in an uncharacteristic manner to the news about Utah asking for an open expansion process?

There is a lot of speculation that this is an indication of something going down with the Coyotes, even from Freidman, who spoke about relocation again today. And, the NHL hasn't done anything to dispel the rumors.

This seems different than their usual way of responding.

Thoughts?

All of this feels different than past/usual reactions that the NHL or the pundits are usually spewing. It's starting to become ominous that the team has gone radio silent & so has the league. Almost like they are trying to keep a lid on this so the attendance doesn't crater in the 2nd half. Could it be they've finally used up all 9 lives?

I do feel bad for the fans who've stuck by them & actually care about the team, but unfortunately there just aren't enough of them in the market.

 

[MNNumbers]

I fully agree.

Though there has been efforts by prospective owners prior to an expansion process. There has never been, at least to my knowledge a would be owner publicly asking the league to start one.

Even more unusual is the league to be endorsing this.

Thanks. I'm not speaking about the expansion process part. I'm more speaking about Friedman suggesting that it means there is a deadline for Arizona, and twice now, Friedman has brought that up in no uncertain terms. Even going so far as saying, "If the Coyotes relocate, it's not the end for hockey in Arizona, because it's a huge metro, and the league wants to be there." And, no official statement from Bettman or Daly squelching the idea of a relocation.

That's the part that strikes me as 'out of character." Usually, when anyone gets any air time and suggests something close to a relo for the Coyotes, the league (Bettman) will quickly make a firm statement dispelling relocation rumors. But nothing, only crickets, this time.

 

[Baby Doaner]

This seems different than their usual way of responding.

Thoughts?

Man, if I had a dollar every time I’ve heard this, I’d be very rich!

 

[Boris Zubov]

Thanks. I'm not speaking about the expansion process part. I'm more speaking about Friedman suggesting that it means there is a deadline for Arizona, and twice now, Friedman has brought that up in no uncertain terms. Even going so far as saying, "If the Coyotes relocate, it's not the end for hockey in Arizona, because it's a huge metro, and the league wants to be there." And, no official statement from Bettman or Daly squelching the idea of a relocation.

That's the part that strikes me as 'out of character." Usually, when anyone gets any air time and suggests something close to a relo for the Coyotes, the league (Bettman) will quickly make a firm statement dispelling relocation rumors. But nothing, only crickets, this time.

It's almost as they're softening the blow. Nothing like this has ever been uttered from the press prior to this. League insiders know where their bread is buttered & probably wouldn't say this without some type of approval.

 

[MNNumbers]

Just to reiterate, I am not a relocationist. I don't really care if they move or not. My only thought is that I don't want to see cities bent over backward in order to keep the team around. If Meruelo finds property he likes, and he builds the arena on his own dime, or even mostly on his own dime, I'm fine with that.

It's his money after all.

I just think that this situation with Smith coming forward, and league insiders acknowledging the threat to the Coyotes, is weird.

 

[Mightygoose]

Thanks. I'm not speaking about the expansion process part. I'm more speaking about Friedman suggesting that it means there is a deadline for Arizona, and twice now, Friedman has brought that up in no uncertain terms. Even going so far as saying, "If the Coyotes relocate, it's not the end for hockey in Arizona, because it's a huge metro, and the league wants to be there." And, no official statement from Bettman or Daly squelching the idea of a relocation.

That's the part that strikes me as 'out of character." Usually, when anyone gets any air time and suggests something close to a relo for the Coyotes, the league (Bettman) will quickly make a firm statement dispelling relocation rumors. But nothing, only crickets, this time.

That's a good read too. Yes, the language towards the Coyotes seemed to have changed.

The market is still being endorsed. I have said for a while the issue has been a really bad business model that despite years of efforts they may be quietly saying it can't be fixed.

They seemed to admit that with Atlanta 13 years ago. Long term, the foundation is being prepared where it can comeback stronger. No reason this can't be applied to Phoenix

 

[Spring in Fialta]

I think it's pretty clear that the writing is on the wall and that hockey in Arizona is done for the time being.

It seemed obvious since TED IMO.

Feel for the die-hards.

 

[Yukon Joe]

I think it's pretty clear that the writing is on the wall and that hockey in Arizona is done for the time being.

It seemed obvious since TED IMO.

Feel for the die-hards.

The only thing though is - people (including myself) have said almost identical things over the last 15 years. Whether it was the team going into bankruptcy, or getting its lease cancelled and being evicted, or playing in a 5000 seats university arena - people have bee predicting their demise. And yet the team is STILL in Arizona.

 

[MeHateHe]

Almost like they are trying to keep a lid on this so the attendance doesn't crater in the 2nd half. Could it be they've finally used up all 9 lives?

We're on thread number 147.

 

[Devils 3silverones]

Yikes.. Again.. Thread is going crazy. No train needed.
Derailed.

 

[No Fun Shogun]

Moved a few Saskatoon posts here:

Saskatoon Arena Preliminary Spec Revealed

Saskatoon preliminary specs just dropped as well... Phase 1 15,900 (bigger then Sasktel centre currently, and MTS/WPG) Lower bowl - 9,084 (seats/suites) mid 1,116 (suites/box) upper = 5,700 Expandable to 18K with 2100 upper bowl seating expansion Premium seating Lower bowl 4 bunker suites...

forums.hfboards.com

 

[Tom ServoMST3K]

To quickly re-iterate a point that got move (without the fluff that meant it should be moved).

It's clear markets are gearing up for NHL expansion, which I think might be good for the prospect of the Coyotes in Arizona.

A lot easier to sell an owner on investing in the future when you know those big-time expansion cheques are coming down the pipeline.

 

[Stumbledore]

The only thing though is - people (including myself) have said almost identical things over the last 15 years. Whether it was the team going into bankruptcy, or getting its lease cancelled and being evicted, or playing in a 5000 seats university arena - people have bee predicting their demise. And yet the team is STILL in Arizona.

This team is the vampire franchise in all of hockey.

 

[Shwan]

Westin hotel and Wework Watermark latest casualties of Tempe and ASU's CRE overbuild.

The lender for the 290-room hotel near Seventh Street and Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe filed a notice of trustee sale earlier this week, according Maricopa County records. Such notices inform borrowers and property owners they are facing a potential foreclosure and auction sale.

The company intends to maintain its coworking space at The Watermark in Tempe, according to a recent bankruptcy filing, albeit with a reduced real estate footprint.

In addition, Carvana straight aborted their move in for their brand new campus in order for Ernie Garcia to lease it out.

Carvana won't take occupancy of new Tempe office campus

Two new office buildings under construction in Tempe, one planned for Carvana Co., will not be occupied by the used car retailer after all.

ktar.com

Certainly would be a very crappy time to be forced into building a $2B Retail/Office/Apartment district in the Valley. This market is just about as volatile as they come right now.

 

[bleedblue94]

It is so funny to see how the Coyotes saga has literally made a career for Craig Morgan, yet he literally slams "everyone" for having an agenda with everything but then holds his words as bible calling others "crazy." Wonder what the agenda is of his "source," yes that is a rhetorical question.

 

[LadyStanley]

Never a good look to not interact with union.

 

[Major4Boarding]

 

[NYI365]

Lmao that's laughable especially with the pause by bettman before saying he's "reasonably confident". They're Utah bound

 

[red devil]

 

[Edenjung]

Bla bla bla from Marty Walsh.
No wonder nobody from the organisation wants to talk to him.
I wouldn't talk to him, even if he is the last man on earth.
First and foremost the NHL and the owners are the ones they have to report too.
Its normal that you don't talk about a deal while making it, because then everybody likes to talk about it and wants to get involved.
That can bite you in the ample posterior really quick. So its better to not say a thing until you work everything out.

 

[TheLegend]

Marty Walsh knows jack.

 

[TheLegend]

Never a good look to not interact with union.

The players union isn’t building the arena.

Trade unions may have a say though.

 

[Osakahaus]

Walsh is grilling the NHL and i'm all for it about the Coyotes. Its time to get something done.

 

[Devils 3silverones]

It is so funny to see how the Coyotes saga has literally made a career for Craig Morgan. Literally slam "everyone" for having an agenda with everything but then holds his words as bible calling everyone else "crazy." Wonder what the agenda is of his "source."

cm is a hack.

The players union isn’t building the arena.

Trade unions may have a say though.

Nobody is building an arena.