An update on the Coyotes' failed arena site

Arizona Coyotes President Xavier Gutierrez told media in Nashville last moonth that the team has identified six potential arena sites in a last ditch effort to remain in the Phoenix area.

Where are those sites?

Hamilton, Quebec City, Houston, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, and San Antonio.

I kid, of course, the sites are all in the state of Arizona, but who are we kidding? The Coyotes are cooked in Arizona, right?

In particular, Gutierrez listed potential construction sites in the cities of Scottsdale, Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona. “We still want to put our money where our mouth is and build something that’ll be best in class,” said Gutierrez. Which, for a team that plays out of a 5,000 seat college arena, is just the height of irony to me. 

Despite having their multi-billion dollar plan for a new arena and entertainment district in Tempe rejected, the Coyotes are still committed to remaining in the Arizona desert.

“To all the fans, we are committed to making this happen,” he added. “We were disappointed with the vote in Tempe, but we turned the page very quickly.”

Meanwhile... what's happening at their proposed site in Tempe? Well... not a lot actually.

In a snarky video to Coyotes haters, team beat reporter Steve Peters gave an update on the building site:

I don't see how a pithy video helps move things forward, especially when the Coyotes themselves are still exploring options for this area.

The thing is... I don't think Gary Bettman and the NHL are nearly as committed to Arizona as they once were. Just this past week NHLPA leader Marty Walsh called the Coyotes' situation 'not good for the game.' Hard to disagree, in my opinion.

It's not clear what happens next with the Coyotes, but Gary Bettman himself didn't even sound optimistic in the wake of the Tempe voters rejection. Still, Gutierrez isn't deterred.

“The NHL has not given us any (deadlines),” Gutierrez said. “We have been in constant communication with them about all of the options that we have. They feel very confident that we’re doing the right thing.”

“The Arizona Coyotes are going to explore what their other options are in the greater Phoenix area, and we’re going to monitor that closely," Bettman said in Las Vegas prior to the start of the Stanley Cup Final. "Our hope is that one of the options that are being explored and considered will come to fruition.”

I've got to say... I'll believe it when I see it.