State Governor to meet with Gary Bettman about relocating the Coyotes

The Coyotes' future in Arizona is unclear at this time, while they will play at Mullett Arena for the 2023-24 season, beyond that it's more likely that they'll be relocated to another state.

While re-alignment would have to occur in this scenario, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont says he will be meeting with National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman about bringing the Coyotes to Hartford.

"This is a great hockey state and a great hockey town," he said. "It's evidenced by the passion we have for the Whalers going back years, still one of the best selling jerseys. I think we can guarantee them a very strong market right here, and a government that's ready to come and be their partner."

"We will be talking, my hope is next week,» Lamont added. "Let him know about the serious interest that Connecticut has and in particular Hartford has."

Hartford has been without a National Hockey League franchise since the Whalers were relocated to Raleigh, where they became the Carolina Hurricanes in 1997. The Whalers spent 18 years in the NHL between 1979 and 1997 after leaving the WHA and becoming an expansion franchise.

There are other cities certainly ahead of Hartford on the NHL's radar for potential relocation, including Houston and Salt Lake City. If the Coyotes were to relocate to Hartford, it's likely that they'll play out of XL Center, which holds 14,750 for hockey.

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POLL
21 MAI \| 143 ANSWERS State Governor to meet with Gary Bettman about relocating the Coyotes Would you like to see the NHL return to Hartford?
Yes	46	32.2 %
No, other cities are more deserving	64	44.8 %
Only if they'll be named the Whalers	25	17.5 %
See Results	8	5.6 %
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