Vejmelka is moving to Utah! The NHL Board of Governors has approved the formation of a new organization. Arizona will return only if the conditions are met

The NHL Board of Governors has approved the formation of a new organization in Utah beginning with the 2024-25 season, which will be owned and controlled by Smith Entertainment Group, headed by Ryan and Ashley Smith. In addition, the board approved a plan under which the Arizona Coyotes organization becomes inactive with the right to reactivate if owner Alex Meruelo fully develops a new, state-of-the-art facility suitable for an NHL team within five years.

Effective upon the closing of the approved transactions, the Arizona Coyotes organization will transfer all of its existing hockey assets – including its complete roster of players, draft picks and hockey management – to the Utah organization.

“As everyone knows, Utah is a wonderful and prosperous state and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “We are also excited to welcome Ashley and Ryan Smith to the NHL family, and we know they will be great stewards of the organization in Utah. We thank them for working so willingly with the league to resolve a difficult situation in this unprecedented and beneficial way, ” Bettman continued.

“Our faith in the NHL in Arizona has never wavered. We thank Alex Meruel for his commitment to the club and Arizona and fully support his continued efforts to secure a new home in the desert for the Coyotes. We also want to acknowledge the loyal Arizona hockey fans who have selflessly supported their team for nearly three decades and helped with local hockey development, ” Bettman added.

The change should only be temporary, however, as Arizona Coyotes Chairman and Governor Alex Meruelo believes things will soon be back to normal.

“I agree with Commissioner Gary Bettman and the National Hockey League that it’s simply unfair that our players, coaches, hockey executives and the NHL teams they compete with have to spend a few more years playing in an arena that is not suitable for NHL hockey, ” Meruelo said.

“This does not mean the end of NHL hockey in Arizona. I negotiated the right to reactivate the team over the next five years and retained ownership of the popular Coyotes name, brand and logo. I remain committed to this community and to building a world-class sports arena and entertainment district without seeking financial support from the public,” the governor added.

Very pleased, however, are Ryan and Ashley Smith, who own the Smith Entertainment Group and will try to bring the Stanley Cup to Utah in the coming years.

“We’re honored to bring an NHL team to Utah, and we recognize the responsibility we have as owners of a new NHL club, ” the Smiths said.

“We are committed to building a team that will compete for the Stanley Cup, and we are thrilled to welcome incredible players, coaches, staff and their families to Utah. Today is a great day for Utah, for hockey and for building a legacy that will have a lasting impact for generations to come,” they concluded.