NHL commissioner describes Coyotes relocation rumors as 'unfounded'
At a press conference ahead of the Arizona Coyotes' season opener against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman sought to reassure Arizona Coyotes fans that the future of the club in the Glendale, Az. market is secure.
From Arizona Republic Coyotes reporter Sarah McLellan:
Rumors of relocation are "unfounded," Bettman said.
— Sarah McLellan (@azc_mclellan) October 9, 2014
Those rumors, which admittedly have been a constant for the Coyotes organization over the past half decade or so, have resurfaced in the wake of interest from New York-based lawyer and hedge fund manager Andrew Barroway - a motivated buyer who is reportedly close to purchasing a majority stake in the Coyotes from the IceArizona group that currently owns and operates the club.
Bettman reiterated that while talks between IceArizona and Barroway - who he didn't name - are ongoing, nothing is finalized. He also described the interest from Barroway as unsolicited on the part of the league or IceArizona.
The long-tenured commissioner of hockey also defended the IceArizona group's intentions according to Brendan Porter of Five for Howling:
Bettman: For people to still question IceArizona's intention is grossly unfair at this point. #Coyotes
— Brendan Porter (@brendanporter) October 9, 2014
Finally, Bettman all but promised that at some point in the near future the newly renamed Gila River Casino Arena - formerly the Jobbing.com Arena - would host an NHL All-Star game, reports Craig Grialou of 98.7 Arizona sports talk radio:
Bettman asked about the #Coyotes hosting a future All-Star Game, "We don't have a date, but we owe you a game"
— Craig Grialou (@CraigAZSports) October 9, 2014