Bettman 'hopeful' NHL will find solution for Coyotes in Arizona - ESPN

LAS VEGAS — NHL commissioner Gary Bettman remains bullish on finding a solution to keep the Coyotes in Arizona, saying the league is «hopeful» it won't lose the «terrific market.»

Speaking before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday, Bettman addressed the uncertain future of the Coyotes yet again, two weeks after the team's $2.1 billion Tempe arena plan was rejected by voters.

«The Coyotes are exploring their options in the greater Phoenix area, and our hope is that one of those options being explored will come to fruition,» Bettman said.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the league has talked with Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, who hopes to bring an NHL team to Salt Lake City. Bettman said that expansion is currently not a top priority for the NHL, and he is hopeful to avoid relocation.

«We're in a better position to resist leaving than maybe we were 20 or 30 years ago,» Bettman said, adding that he hasn't «prejudged any markets if we were going to add or relocate teams.»

Bettman said he remains committed to keeping a team in Arizona because of how large and growing the market is, and he believes the team has been put in «unfortunate» situations, having also been a «victim to circumstance.»

Newly appointed NHL Players' Association executive director Marty Walsh said he has met with Bettman to address players' many concerns about the situation, including subpar conditions at their temporary home at Arizona State University's Mullet Arena. The NHL has said the Coyotes will play at the 5,000-seat venue again in the 2023-24 season.

«I'd love to know, by beginning of the season, what the plan is for next year,» Walsh said. «If we don't have in the near future a new location, we have to have a serious