Utah's NHL Ambitions
The Utah Jazz ownership group is actively pursuing the establishment of a National Hockey League (NHL) team in Utah. Spearheaded by Ryan Smith of Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), this initiative has been gaining momentum since talks with the NHL commenced in 2022. The objective is to capitalize on Salt Lake City's growing reputation as a sports and entertainment hub.
Utilizing Existing Infrastructure
In an effort to facilitate the arrival of professional hockey, the Jazz's home arena has been proposed as a temporary venue for the prospective NHL team. This strategic move would provide an immediate solution for hosting games while plans for a dedicated hockey arena are developed.
NHL Expansion and Relocation: A Delicate Balance
While the NHL has expanded its roster to 32 teams, the league currently is not aggressively seeking further expansion. Instead, there is a preference for bolstering the existing franchises. However, given the uncertain future of the Arizona Coyotes, who are searching for a new home within Arizona, the option of relocating the Coyotes to Utah has not been ruled out. Ryan Smith has expressed openness to either acquiring the Coyotes or establishing a brand-new franchise.
The NHL's historical approach to team movement has evolved; the league now exhibits a stronger resistance to relocating teams compared to past decades. This cautious stance underscores the importance of ensuring that all possibilities are thoroughly vetted before considering the relocation of a team.
A Rich Hockey Heritage in Utah
Utah isn't a newcomer to the ice rink. The state boasts a storied hockey history with the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies calling it home. Additionally, Utah has welcomed the NHL on several occasions, hosting five preseason games since 2018, which has helped to solidify its standing within the hockey community.
Olympic Dreams and Infrastructure Needs
With Salt Lake City throwing its hat into the ring for the 2034 Winter Olympics, the push for an NHL team aligns with broader aspirations for the region's sporting infrastructure. Securing an NHL franchise could be instrumental in strengthening Utah's bid for the Olympics. Nonetheless, for long-term viability and to meet the demands of potentially hosting Olympic events, the construction of a new, state-of-the-art arena is essential.
Investment in Local Sports
Ryan Smith's commitment to Utah's sports scene is evident through his investments. His acquisitions include not only the NBA's Utah Jazz but also Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake City. These actions reflect a deep-rooted dedication to fostering a vibrant sports culture in the region.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has publicly supported the Smiths' sports ventures, recognizing the potential economic and cultural benefits that professional sports teams bring to the state.
Community Impact and League Support
"Ryan Smith's track record of investing in sports teams, with purchases of both the NBA's Utah Jazz and MLS's Real Salt Lake City in the past two and a half years, demonstrates his and his wife Ashley's commitment to their community," remarked a spokesperson familiar with the matter. This sentiment is echoed by the NHL, which has commended the Smiths for their passion and vision for Utah's future in sports and entertainment.
The league's acknowledgment of the Smiths' efforts indicates a willingness to consider Salt Lake City as a potential market for NHL expansion or team relocation, despite the current focus on stabilizing existing franchises.
In conclusion, the prospect of bringing NHL hockey to Utah is alive and well, with the Utah Jazz ownership group at the helm of this ambitious project. While the path forward involves navigating the league's preferences and logistical challenges, the groundwork laid by Ryan Smith and SEG, combined with the support from local government and the NHL's openness to discussions, paints a hopeful picture for Utah's NHL dreams.