NHL expansion takes a turn for the worse as an old state joins the party

The comment lands amid a broader wave of momentum for hockey's comeback in Phoenix.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly recently told AZ Hockey Insider's Craig Morgan that the league has genuine interest in placing a franchise back in the market that sat empty since the Coyotes relocated to Salt Lake City and became the Utah Mammoth.

Daly has also floated Phoenix as a candidate for a future 34th team, alongside Atlanta.

Arizona's potential return is unfolding alongside a much bigger conversation about NHL expansion.

Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed the league is working through a formal process with billionaire Dan Friedkin's group to bring a 33rd franchise to either Houston or Austin, a project that could require a combined investment north of $3.5 billion once an expansion fee and new arena are factored in.

That process is expected to wrap in the coming months, with some insiders pointing toward a launch as early as 2029 or 2030.

Any Phoenix-area comeback still hinges on solving the same problem that sank the old Coyotes: a permanent, purpose-built arena.

Unlike a full expansion bid, a return to Arizona reportedly would not require Board of Governors approval since owner Alex Meruelo's NHL ownership stake technically remains intact, with the Coyotes brand still classified as inactive rather than dissolved.

Nothing is official yet, but between Daly's comments and Peters' insider tease, the pieces appear to be moving quickly behind closed doors.

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