Rumor: NHL franchise on the move if sold

We recently reported that the Arizona Coyotes' owner Andrew Barroway could be on the very verge of selling the franchise, but reports have came out stating that the Coyotes' time in Arizona is running out and there soon could be a relocation coming.


Two sources stated that the Coyotes are on the verge of being sold. Though both sources stated that the talks are close, one reported that the sale was 'imminent' and the other stated that the deal would come after the new year.

Current owner, Andrew Barroway, is attempting to sell a majority of his stakes in the team and in fact could be looking to sell all of them, although it's still unclear if he will keep a piece of the team or will completely sell everything. NHL insider and writer for The Fourth Period, David Pagnotta, indicated that if the sale were to go through, the team could be moved to a brand new hockey market altogether.

 Let's make one thing clear, the League's focus is to keep the team in Arizona. This new prospective owner/ownership group knows and understands that. But how long the Coyotes remain in the Greater Phoenix area is centred on the pursuit of a new arena. Barroway has tried, albeit unsuccessful, to find a new home for the Coyotes. He's come close, but things always seemed to fall apart. It's believed selling the franchise may spark discussions and help the team's hunt. In my estimation, if a new arena is not in the works and built within the next three-to-five years, the Coyotes tenure in Arizona will come to an end. 

Rumors floating around saying the the buying is Tilman Fertitta, current owner of the Houston Rockets. But Pagnotta doesn't believe the rumors are true. There is belief that Fertitta could become a potential buyer if the League decides to move the Coyotes out of the desert. Fertitta would, of course, want to work in the Houston market of things, so if that isn't on the table, the move to buy the franchise would be illogical.