Should the Arizona Coyotes Relocate to the North?

There is a prevalent discussion around the potential relocation of the Arizona Coyotes, an NHL team. While some belong to the opinion that they should stay in the Western Conference, others argue that moving north to cities like Quebec City and Hamilton could offer exciting new opportunities. This article delves into the factors driving relocation decisions and evaluates three potential cities for the Coyotes: Houston, Kansas City, and perhaps even further options like Salt Lake City or Portland.

Factors Influencing Relocation

The decision to relocate often hinges on multiple factors including the size of the city, availability of facilities, ownership stability, airport accessibility, fan interest, and support. The Coyotes, like any other NHL team, require a robust network of support to thrive in a new location. Considering their current Eastern Conference challenges, the western side of the Mississippi River is likely a priority for their potential move.

Quebec City and Hamilton

Quebec City and Hamilton have both signaled their eagerness to welcome NHL teams, specifically the Coyotes. Quebec City is known for its strong hockey culture and potential for growth, while Hamilton offers a similar excitement and industrial base that aligns with hockey traditions. However, these cities fall within the Eastern Conference, which means they would need to be reconsidered due to the Coyotes’ requirement to stay in the Western Conference.

Houston: A Southern Metropolitan Opportunity

Though the Coyotes have been established in the desert climate of Arizona, some believe that moving to a metro area like Houston could provide a new lease on life. Houston presents several advantages, including:

A large metropolitan area (around 7 million people) No need for realignment, which simplifies transition A built-in rivalry with the Dallas Stars A history of supporting minor league hockey with the Aeros, even though they departed for financial reasons

Note that a solution would need to be found regarding the arena situation in Houston, as the Aeros left due to a rent situation, not low fan support.

Kansas City and Beyond

Another northern option is Kansas City, which has a rich industrial history and a growing population. However, when Kansas City attempted to support a team, the Scouts, they failed to secure a city-wide move and the team relocated to New Jersey instead. Additionally, California, being a densely populated hockey market, is unlikely to be a suitable location for another NHL franchise. Salt Lake City and Portland could also be considered, but their current interest levels and city dynamics are uncertain.

The Future of the Arizona Coyotes

At the moment, the Coyotes are in a challenging situation, and it remains to be seen where they will end up. If the Coyotes are to relocate, the best option is currently considered to be either Quebec City or Hamilton, despite the Eastern Conference necessity. Alternatively, Houston may provide a strategic southward move with its large metro area and the potential for a strong rivalry with the Dallas Stars.

Overall, the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes is a complex issue with multiple variables at play. The right city can help the team reach its full potential and add excitement to local hockey scenes.