Coyotes’ future: “Either Gary Bettman is terribly misinformed, or he’s a liar.”

On Friday ahead of the All-Star Game Skills competition, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman spoke about the ongoing situation with the Coyotes and their lack of arena in Arena. As you know, last week news broke that the Coyotes could be playing in Arizona State University’s 5,000-seat arena next season. This is a huge embarrassment for the NHL, especially at a time when cities such as Houston, Quebec City and Kansas City are better-prepared to host a team. Sure attendance has been an issue in Arizona, but Arizona is reportedly selling an average of 11,703 seats a game but with the new arena option, that means the Coyotes will be selling 6,000 fewer tickets per game next year if this plan goes through.

When Bettman spoke about what the future holds for the Coyotes, he just seems to be in complete denial. He believes Arizona remains a good market and as long as there is commitment for a new building on the way, it will be worth sticking with the market.

After the commissioner’s comments were made, Glendale city manager Kevin Phelps spoke with insider Ken Campbell and said he is “seething” about Bettman’s characterization of Gila River negotiations with the Coyotes.

“Either Gary Bettman is terribly misinformed, or he’s a liar.”

More will come on this mess, but wow, things have gone from bad to worse…

What will be rock bottom for Gary?