Coyotes Set For Last Playoff Appearance

Looking To Give Fans Unforgettable Departure

Under the previous ownership of Frank Del Vecchio, who opted to build the original arena in Glendale, the team lacked vision with the franchise and as result, struggled financially due to a lack of attendance. Fans were often noted saying there was “no passion from ownership to put a winning product on the ice”, and “who the fuck would build a rink in Glendale”. The franchise struggled to pay its bills to operate the facilities, as well as pay for utilizing hotels while on the road and other travel expenses.  After years of neglect, the team was eventually moved to be aided by the DCHL, and new ownership would step in to hopefully right the ship.

Inheriting a team that had been ignored was no easy task for the new owner, Trevor Sifton, particularly at the trade deadline, where other GM’s were feasting to take advantage of the unexperienced owner. It took a few years to build a competitive product that would bring fans back to the arena, and with those fans, new ownership did their best to pay off the unpaid debts of Frank Del Vecchio.

During their time in the desert under new ownership, the Coyotes managed to win a Pacific Division Title, a Presidents Trophy, and now as of last night, a Central Division Title. To say the least, the change in ownership during the 2016-17 season was likely the best thing to happen to the franchise in a long time.

With the debts now paid off after years of success, and a new reinvigorated and passionate fanbase, new ownership was hopeful that Scottsdale would be open to the idea of building a new rink for the team. However, after having to spend the last few years playing out of Mullet Arena, the trust between the State of Arizona and the Coyotes franchise was still broken beyond repair.

After a long discussion with the DCHL, ownership received the approval to relocate the team to Salt Lake City for the start of the 2024-25 season where the franchise can look to start over. There is no doubt that the team gave their whole heart to their fans this season in the desert. Incredible individual performances from Jake Oettinger and Aleksander Barkov, saw each win their first awards for the franchise. Oettinger capturing the William M. Jennings Trophy, and Barkov winning the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Troph.

The Coyotes will look to bid farewell to their fans in spectacular fashion as the franchise looks to battle fiercely for their first Stanley Cup. After tonight’s results, the Arizona Coyotes will be facing off against the Vegas Golden Knights in round 1 of the playoffs. 

Arizona had the advantage in the regular season going 2-0-1 against the Knights. The Coyotes know not to take this team lightly, particularly with each game being relatively close. With a strong roster, led by Cale Makar, Jack Eichel, and Matthew Tkachuk, the Coyotes will expect the best from their top players, giving their fans one last final playoff push before travelling North to Utah.