How might the Coyotes fare in Salt Lake City?

The Coyotes wouldn't be the first pro team to move to the state, nor the first NHL franchise to change cities. However, will hockey take in Utah? 

What does recent history say? 

Three of the last five NHL franchises to skip town, the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes can say they're better off now. 

Success-wise, the Stars (1999), Avalanche (1996, 2001 and 2022) and Hurricanes (2006) have raised Lord Stanley's Cup. Likewise, the Stars have had the third-best record in the NHL since arriving in Dallas in 1993, while the Avalanche have had the fourth-best mark since coming to Colorado in 1995. 

Perhaps most importantly, all three teams fill the seats, averaging among the top 15 in attendance during the 2023-24 season. 

The remaining two teams haven't fared as well. Initially, the buzz surrounding the Winnipeg Jets' rebirth was palpable in 2011, but dwindling attendance again threatens the franchise's future in the city. 

Meanwhile, the original Jets' struggles have been well-documented since arriving in Phoenix from Winnipeg to become the Coyotes in 1996. While the team itself continues to play games at a collegiate rink, ownership recently revealed a last-ditch effort to build a new arena in the area. 

However, while moving to Utah or elsewhere isn't a foregone conclusion, it's becoming increasingly likely by the day. 

Why it might fail 

No one wants to watch a lousy team unless you're a Montreal Canadiens fan, and the Coyotes, at the moment, are a terrible hockey club. 

The Coyotes have made the postseason only once since 2013 and won't make it this season. At 33-40-5, they own the fifth-worst record in the NHL, and there isn't a quick fix coming. The franchise has accumulated a boatload of highly drafted prospects who could eventually make a difference, but there are no guarantees. 

There is bound to be initial excitement over the Coyotes' arrival in Utah. Still, if the product is bad, fans won't show up, hurting the bottom line and the team's ability to compete while jeopardizing its future, much like it has in Arizona. 

Why it could work 

If the Coyotes move to Utah, having a good owner ready to invest is critical to a successful transition. Reports indicate the NHL would purchase the team before selling it to Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, who could be the perfect fit. 

Smith, already passionate about basketball, has a similar love for hockey, which he recently stated has "always been huge" in the area. 

Smith isn't wrong about the area's enthusiasm for hockey. The Utah Grizzlies have drawn the ninth-highest attendance in the ECHL this season, showing sizeable interest in the sport, which is another positive in favor of the move. 

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies could also offer the Coyotes a temporary home, the Maverik Center, which holds more than double the capacity (10,100) of their current rink, Mullett Arena, which seats only 4,600 for an NHL game.