Gary Bettman's Recent Announcement Hints at Coyotes' Imminent Relocation

Following a rather decisive vote by the citizens of Tempe, Arizona, which struck down the proposed Tempe Entertainment District, and left the Coyotes without a long term home, Gary Bettman made an announcement regarding the Coyotes' future.

Bettman states that the NHL is "terribly disappointed" by the results of the election, and that they will be reviewing all possible options with the Coyotes' organization.

While it may have been worded intentionally vague, as the NHL likely doesn't know where to go from here, a relocation seems all but guaranteed at this point. This puts the NHL in an interesting position, as they've just added their second expansion team in recent years, and could now be looking to add another city to their portfolio.

Potential suitors are the always hopeful citizens of Quebec City, who miss their Nordiques dearly, and another southern market, Houston. The NHL will certainly have plenty of options going forward, but to move an entire franchise will take lots of planning, and likely won't happen for some time.

As Seen on Habs Fanatics - Imminent Relocation for the Coyotes? Gary Bettman Just Made an Announcement