Coyotes fans, understandably, are devastated with the news that their team is more than likely headed toward relocation, with the organization and National Hockey League putting out statements on Tuesday night stating that they will evaluate all options over the coming weeks.
Just after the news broke that the results of the vote were negative, ESPN insider Kevin Weekes posted an image of the skyline of Houston, Texas on his his Twitter account along two emojis - eyes and a microscope.
👀🔬 .@espn @NHL @NHLNetwork @TSNHockey @DKSportsbook #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/DoVKuLSOqM� Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) May 17, 2023
The city of Houston appears to be the most likely destination for the Arizona Coyotes at this point for a number of reasons. For starters, relocation is tough as it is, with only five months until training camp, it doesn't give the organization much time to move, but having them in Houston would allow the team to remain in the Central Division.
Another big reason why Houston is probably the odds-on favourite to get the Coyotes is their arena situation. Toyota Center, which is also the home of the NBA's Houston Rockets, has a seating capacity of 17,800 for hockey. The arena was the home of the American Hockey League's Houston Aeros from 2003 to 2013.
Other options for the Coyotes could be Salt Lake City, Utah as well as Kansas City, Missouri.
In 2011, the NHL didn't announce Atlanta's relocation to Winnipeg until May 31st, so there's hockey fans should keep their eyes peeled over the next couple of weeks to see what happens with the Coyotes' situation.
POLL | ||
MAI 17 | 390 ANSWERS LATEST | Insider hints at the Coyotes' next potential destination Should the Coyotes move to Houston? | ||
Yes | 134 | 34.4 % |
No, stay in Arizona somehow | 29 | 7.4 % |
No, go elsewhere | 209 | 53.6 % |
See Results | 18 | 4.6 % |
List of polls |