Sources – Coyotes players told team is relocating to Utah

Arizona Coyotes players were informed on Friday that the team was moving to Utah, sources told ESPN, confirming a report from PHNX Sports.

Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong met with players before their game against the Edmonton Oilers to confirm rumors this week that the NHL is working to broker a sale to Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith team. The Coyotes will begin play there next season.

The NHL and Smith’s team have been negotiating a trade, but sources told ESPN Friday night that no action has been taken yet and there is still a lot of work to be done before a deal is finalized.

An announcement is expected at the end of the NHL regular season next week, sources told ESPN.

Coyotes players and staff will be invited to visit Salt Lake City after the season to tour the city and facilities.

The team is scheduled to play at the Delta Center, which is owned by Smith and is home to the NBA’s Jazz. However, sources told ESPN that the NHL has made it clear to the Smiths that the Delta Center needs hockey upgrades before it can become the team’s permanent home.

Smith has received government support. The Utah Senate passed a bill to fund renovations of a downtown entertainment district to house an NHL franchise. The bill has been approved by Utah Governor Spencer Cox.

Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo has been searching for years for a permanent home for his club, which temporarily plays its home games at Arizona State University’s Mallett Stadium. Meruelo has his eye on a piece of land in the Phoenix area and aims to win the June 27 state land auction. However, the NHL is increasingly skeptical of the schedule and believes a better solution is needed next season, according to sources.

The NHL is interested in returning to Arizona in the future and would leave the door open for Meruelo to own a team.