NHL Rumor Mill – June 24, 2024

by | Jun 24, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 24, 2024

Check out the latest on the Senators, Jets, Ducks and Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SENATORS COULD BE BUSY DURING DRAFT WEEK

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators general manager Steve Staios is “open for business” heading toward the upcoming NHL Draft on June 28-29 in Las Vegas.

The Senators remain aggressive in their pursuit of Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark. According to Garrioch, the Detroit Red Wings and Vegas Golden Knights are also interested in Ullmark. It’s believed the Senators prefer Ullmark sign a contract extension plus they’re said to be balking at the Bruins’ high asking price.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s also believed the Senators are on Ullmark’s no-trade list. There are conflicting reports on whether he’d accept a trade to Ottawa.

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said he won’t acquire an older goaltender carrying a short-term contract. Some believe he’d prefer Ullmark sign a contract extension before agreeing to a trade. The other interested clubs likely feel the same.

It’s rumored the Golden Knights are getting trade calls about Adin Hill and Logan Thompson. Hill would be the more likely to move as he carries a $4.9 million cap hit for next season. If they were to move him it would be to create salary cap space to re-sign winger Jonathan Marchessault. They won’t have enough to acquire Ullmark unless they fail to get Marchessault under contract.

They’ve also been in talks with the Nashville Predators regarding Juuse Saros and with the Calgary Flames before they shipped Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils last week. They’ve also been linked to Anaheim Ducks netminder John Gibson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators GM Barry Trotz is reportedly in contract extension talks with Saros’ agent. Gibson has a 10-team no-trade clause and carries a $6.4 million annual cap hit through 2026-27.

Jakob Chychrun has also been at the forefront of Senators’ trade talks. However, he’s not the only defenseman they’re looking to move. They’re scouring the market to see if there’s any interest in Erik Brannstrom and Jacob Bernard-Docker. Veteran blueliner Travis Hamonic has a full no-movement clause but it’s believed he’ll be bought out of the final year of his contract.

The Senators are also trying to peddle winger Mathieu Joseph. They want to clear cap space “to try to help propel a deal to acquire Seattle Kraken winger Brandon Tanev.” They could also move center Mark Kastelic if there are any takers.

UPDATE ON THE JETS

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates believes the Winnipeg Jets’ development system will come under fire if they trade top prospect Rutger McGroarty. Over the weekend, reports emerged that the Jets could trade the 20-year-old prospect winger because he no longer sees them as his path to an NHL career.

McGroarty is a 20-year-old blue-chip prospect winger held in high regard around the NHL. However, Ates thinks the Jets have been passed in terms of the resources and care they provide for prospects as they develop.

The Jets lack a first-round pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. McGroarty could appeal to teams with spare first-rounders, like the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames, and Philadelphia Flyers. He could also fetch an established player who can help the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McGroarity’s situation and the slow development of youngsters Cole Perfetti and Ville Heinola will put the Jets’ prospect system under the microscope. Meanwhile, the youngster should bring them a first-round pick in this year’s draft or a good NHL player to bolster their roster.

Meanwhile, Ates reports Nikolaj Ehlers’ name remains in the trade market. He suggested Carolina Hurricanes winger Martin Necas or Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun would be natural fits in return for Ehlers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s assuming the Hurricanes or Senators are interested in Ehlers. He’s also been linked to the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders.

LATEST ON JOHN GIBSON

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Patrick Present cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting teams have looked into acquiring Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson. However, the Ducks aren’t keen to retain any of his salary, which could complicate things.

Gibson has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.

CAPITALS ARE NOT DONE DEALING

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited Friedman saying the Washington Capitals could be very busy this offseason. They might not be done making moves after shipping goalie Darcy Kuemper to the Los Angeles Kings for center Pierre-Luc Dubois.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2024

by | Jun 24, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2024

The latest on the Oilers and Panthers on the eve of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, prospect Matvei Michkov could leave the KHL to join the Flyers, the Leafs hire Marc Savard as an assistant coach, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

STANLEY CUP NOTEBOOK

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins felt “under the weather” and missed practice on Sunday. However, he’s expected to be in the lineup for the seventh and deciding game of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday at 8 pm EDT in Florida.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nugent-Hopkins is the longest-serving member of the Oilers roster. The first-overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, he’s spent his entire 13-season career in Edmonton.

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (NHL Images).

Nugent-Hopkins has been through a lot during that time, including part of the “decade of darkness” that befell the franchise from 2006-07 to 2015-16. He’s not missing the most important game of his career.

Oilers winger Corey Perry isn’t giving any thought to retirement. The 39-year-old dismissed the suggestion that Game 7 could be his last as an NHL player. “I’ve got lots more in me: five more years,” he replied.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was evident this season that Perry’s performance is in decline. Still, I wouldn’t bet against someone signing him to a low-cost one-year contract. He’s been in four of the last five Stanley Cup Finals with the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Oilers. That experience could still make him useful to a contender.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and defenseman Aaron Ekblad missed practice on Sunday but are expected to be in the lineup for Game 7. Panthers coach Paul Maurice explained that Bobrovsky’s not skating was part of his normal routine during the regular season and playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky was outstanding during the first three games of this series but struggled over the last three. The extra day of rest could help him reset and regain his form. The Panthers need him at his best in Game 7.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Maurice believes his players must put the last three games behind them and embrace the challenge of Game 7. “I’m not concerned about it at all,” he said, saying his players must feel positive and embrace the challenge of this critical game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The pressure of this series has shifted to the Panthers after blowing a 3-0 lead. Nevertheless, it’ll be a significant achievement if they can rise to the occasion and hold off the Oilers in Game 7.

IN OTHER NEWS…

DAILY FACEOFF: Flyers top prospect Matvei Michkov is leaving KHL club SKA St. Petersburg to join the Flyers. Reports indicate the two clubs are close to an agreement to release the 19-year-old winger from his KHL contract which runs through 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Michkov is a highly-touted scoring winger who could boost the Flyers offense if he makes their roster next season. It’s believed the KHL will release him from his contract for compassionate reasons related to the death of his father last year. He will then sign a three-year entry-level contract with Philadelphia.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs hired Marc Savard as an assistant coach in charge of the power play. He held a similar role with the Calgary Flames and St. Louis Blues.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins signed depth defenseman Ian Mitchell to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775K.

DAILY FACEOFF: Derick Brassard announced his retirement on Sunday.

The 36-year-old forward spent 16 seasons in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, New York Islanders, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers.

Brassard last played in the NHL in 2022-23. He finishes his career with 215 goals and 330 assists for 545 points in 1,013 regular-season games, and 68 points in 118 playoff games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report also indicated Brassard missed this season due to a lower-body injury and is still undergoing physiotherapy. Here’s hoping he makes a full recovery and enjoys a healthy retirement.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 23, 2024

by | Jun 23, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 23, 2024

Updates on Linus Ullmark, Tyler Toffoli, Igor Shesterkin, and Tristan Jarry in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT’S HOLDING UP TRADING LINUS ULLMARK?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Boston Bruins are in a good position to move Linus Ullmark now that Jacob Markstrom is off the trade market. However, the 30-year-old Bruins goaltender’s modified no-trade clause remains a hurdle.

Friedman noted the Ottawa Senators’ rumored interest in Ullmark. However, they’re believed to be on his no-trade list. He also thinks that interested clubs might prefer signing the netminder to a contract extension if they’re to pay the Bruins’ expensive asking price.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Other factors include whether the Bruins might feel pressure to lower their price and if they’d be comfortable trading within their division.

Friedman took note of Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman saying he’s not interested in acquiring an older goaltender who might be a short-term fix. If Yzerman were interested in Ullmark, Friedman thinks he’d want him signed to an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There is speculation suggesting Ullmark might accept a trade to Ottawa if the Senators and Bruins can finalize a deal. We could find out later this week if that’s the case. The Bruins would likely prefer moving Ullmark before the draft opens on Friday.

COULD TYLER TOFFOLI RETURN TO THE CANUCKS?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Vancouver Canucks could have Tyler Toffoli in their sights as a backup option if they fail to sign Jake Guentzel when free agency begins on July 1.

Toffoli, 32, split last season with the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets, finishing with 34 goals and 55 points. He was acquired by the Canucks before the 2020 trade deadline, collecting 10 points in as many regular-season games and four points in seven postseason contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toffoli will be a more affordable free-agent target for the Canucks. Guentzel is hitting the UFA market for the first time and could seek around $9 million annually on a long-term deal.

LATEST SPECULATION ON IGOR SHESTERKIN’S NEXT CONTRACT

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks noted the Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup last year with Adin Hill as their starting goalie while the Edmonton Oilers could do the same with Stuart Skinner. He wondered if the Rangers must invest $12 million annually in Igor Shesterkin’s next contract when other clubs are winning the Cup without Vezina Trophy winners in their lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks pointed out that the 2011 Boston Bruins are the only team in the salary-cap era to win the Cup with a goaltender who won the Vezina, that being Tim Thomas. However, I doubt the Rangers play hardball with Shesterkin for a lesser deal or shop him in place of more affordable options.

ARE THE PENGUINS PREPARING TO TRADE TRISTAN JARRY?

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Mark Madden makes the case for the Penguins to put Tristan Jarry on this summer’s trade block. He believes their recent re-signing of Alex Nedeljkovic with promising Joel Blomqvist waiting in the wings makes no sense unless they intend to move Jarry.

Moving Jarry won’t be easy. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5.375 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is preparing to move Jarry. However, it’s more likely he feels Blomqvist needs another year in the minors and intends to return with a tandem of Jarry and Nedeljkovic.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 23, 2024

by | Jun 23, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 23, 2024

The latest on the Oilers and Panthers as they prepare for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Jets could trade top prospect Rutger McGroarty, and more in the NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

STANLEY CUP FINAL NOTEBOOK

NEW YORK POST: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid can cement his legacy among hockey’s all-time greats if he leads his club to the Stanley Cup in Game 7 on Monday. He’s considered the favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy regardless of the game’s outcome. With 42 points in this playoff run, he trails only Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux for the most in one postseason.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner became the first netminder in Stanley Cup playoff history to record an assist in a game where his club faced elimination. He collected that assist on Darnell Nurse’s empty-netter in Game 6.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

The latest on the Oilers and Panthers as they prepare for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Jets could trade top prospect Rutger McGroarty, and more in the NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: History will be made one way or another in Game 7. The Panthers will either win their first-ever Stanley Cup or the Oilers will become only the second team to overcome a 3-0 deficit and win the Cup.

THE ATHLETIC: Sean McIndoe believes it will be the biggest collapse in Stanley Cup playoff history if the Panthers lose this series.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: History will be made on Monday.

Despite the intense pressure the Panthers are feeling, they can still win after blowing a 3-0 series lead. It’ll be joy mixed with relief if they can stem the tide of momentum that’s now rolling in the Oilers favor. Their championship will still be well-deserved.

There won’t be any shame for the Oilers if they fall short. Overcoming an 0-3 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final is significant.

However, an Oilers win will make this the greatest comeback in Stanley Cup playoff history. It will also be devastating for the Panthers, especially after how hard they worked to return to the Final after falling short last year.

McDavid is unquestionably the greatest player of his generation. Winning the Cup and the Conn Smythe in this series will put him in the same class as Gretzky and Lemieux.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates reported the Winnipeg Jets are likely to trade their top prospect, Rutger McGroarty.

The Jets hoped to sign McGroarty following the 2023-24 NCAA season. However, they couldn’t guarantee him NHL playing time so the 20-year-old forward is returning to the University of Michigan for 2024-25.

Ates believes there is a disconnect between how the Jets’ player development viewed and communicated its plan with McGroarty and the player’s view of his future. “He no longer believes his future is with the Jets,” writes Ates, citing a league source claiming the youngster felt his path to the NHL with another team.

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck cited a source suggesting this doesn’t look good for the Jets’ organization, pointing to how the club has handled young center Cole Perfetti and defenseman Ville Heinola.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe cite a source suggesting the Jets could regret trading McGroarty. “Winnipeg really needs to revisit its development plan”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Jets trade McGroarty it’ll be before or during the first round of the upcoming trade. They should get a solid return like a high first-round pick or another high-quality prospect. Nevertheless, this situation raises questions and criticism of the Jets’ development system.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Anthony Mantha has been informed he will not be returning with the Golden Knights. The 29-year-old winger was acquired from the Washington Capitals before the March trade deadline. He was a healthy scratch in the final four of their seven playoff games. Mantha is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Los Angeles Kings signed forward Alex Turcotte to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $775K.

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: The Predators added Darby Hendrikson to their coaching staff.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks have hired Rich Clune as an assistant coach.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 22, 2024

by | Jun 22, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 22, 2024

The Senators continue shopping for a goalie, Jake DeBrusk remains linked to the Leafs, the Golden Knights are getting inquiries about their goalies, and the latest on the Lightning in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SENATORS GOALIE SEARCH CONTINUES

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators revisited discussions with the Boston Bruins to find a way to bring goaltender Linus Ullmark to Ottawa.

The Senators attempted to acquire Ullmark before the March trade deadline. They offered netminder Joonas Korpisalo but the Bruins refused as they couldn’t afford to take on his $4 million average annual value over the next four seasons.

Garrioch reports the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils were among the clubs also trying to acquire Ullmark at that time. He refused to waive his 16-team no-trade list, meaning a possible deal was scuttled, but that wasn’t with the Senators.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun (NHL Images).

The Bruins have set a high price for Ullmark. They’re believed to be scouring the trade market for a center. They could be interested in Shane Pinto but the Senators have told clubs they’re not parting with him.

SPORTSNET: Wayne Scanlan noted the Senators’ rumored interest in Ullmark. He also pointed out a report claiming they have the framework of a possible deal with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Scanlan suggests Jakob Chychrun could be an asset the Senators would give up to make a move that would alter their roster. The 26-year-old defenseman is approaching his prime and entering the final year of his contract. He’d be easier to move than Thomas Chabot, who plays a similar game and carries an $8 million average annual value through 2027-28.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun could be part of the Senators’ efforts to land Ullmark if he’s willing to come to Ottawa. He could also be part of this mysterious deal they have with the Flyers that could take place by the NHL Draft next weekend.

JAKE DEBRUSK HAS “MUTUAL INTEREST” IN JOINING THE MAPLE LEAFS

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio cited Toronto Star columnist Nick Kypreos claiming the Toronto Maple Leafs could be interested in Jake DeBrusk. The 27-year-old Boston Bruins winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Nick Alberga, host of Leafs Morning Take, reported DeBrusk has some “mutual interest” in joining the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs are reportedly attempting to re-sign pending UFA forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi. They have over $19 million in cap space for 2024-25 with 15 active roster players under contract. The Leafs could turn to DeBrusk if Bertuzzi or Domi move on.

TEAMS INQUIRING ABOUT GOLDEN KNIGHTS GOALIES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reporting multiple teams are inquiring about Vegas Golden Knights goaltenders Adin Hill and Logan Thompson. Both are on contracts that expire at the end of next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights are facing a cap crunch with just $1.19 million in cap space and 20 active players under contract. They’ll get an additional $5 million in relief with Robin Lehner on long-term injury reserve for next season. However, they must free up space to re-sign pending UFA winger Jonathan Marchessault.

Hill would be the logical one to move if the Golden Knights are trying to shed salary. He carries an AAV of $4.9 million while Thompson’s is over $766K.

LATEST ON THE LIGHTNING

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina expects the Lightning to make a cost-cutting trade in the coming days. They have just $5.335 million in cap space, which won’t be enough to re-sign pending UFA captain Steven Stamkos. The Bolts have 18 active roster players under contract for 2024-25.

Encina believes they must move an existing contract to make room for Stamkos. It’s a matter of whether it’s one like Tanner Jeannot ($2.665 million) or Erik Cernak ($5.2 million) that provides enough space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cernak would clear the most cap room but Jeannot has been mentioned more frequently as a trade candidate.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 22, 2024

by | Jun 22, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 22, 2024

The Oilers defeat the Panthers to force Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final, injury updates on Dylan Larkin, Roope Hintz and Chris Tanev, Andrew Cogliano retires, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAP

NHL.COM: There will be a seventh and deciding game in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final as the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Florida Panthers 5-1, tying the series at three games apiece.

Zach Hyman scored his 16th goal in this postseason, Warren Foegele had a goal and an assist, Adam Henrique tallied what proved to be the winning goal, and Stuart Skinner made 20 saves for the win. Hyman leads all active NHL players for the most goals in one playoff year. The record is 19 held by Reggie Leach and Jari Kurri.

Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman (NHL Images).

Florida captain Aleksander Barkov scored in the second period to cut Edmonton’s lead to 2-1. However, the goal was overturned as offside following a coach’s challenge by Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch, much to the fury of Panthers bench boss Paul Maurice.

“I have no idea (if they got it right),” said Maurice in his postgame press conference. “It may well have been offside. The lines person informed me that it was the last clip that they got where they made the decision that shows it’s offside. I don’t have those.” He went on to explain he was upset based on the video he saw at the bench.

The call was a game-changer. Hyman made it 3-0 later in the period for Edmonton. Barkov got the Panthers on the board early in the third but the Oilers managed to hang on, putting the game away on empty-net goals by Ryan McLeod and Darnell Nurse, with Skinner getting an assist on the final goal.

Game 7 is in Florida on Monday, June 24 at 8 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers made history by becoming the first team since the 1945 Toronto Maple Leafs to overcome a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final to tie the series. That occurred just three years after the 1942 Leafs did the same thing and went on to win the Cup.

History didn’t repeat for the ’45 Leafs as they lost Game 7 to the Detroit Red Wings. The Oilers, however, have a golden opportunity to become just the second team since the ’42 Leafs to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win the Cup.

Robert Tychowski of the Edmonton Journal points out the Oilers have gone 11-2 throughout Games 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this postseason. “When the money is on the table, they find an extra gear that nobody has been able to match.”

The Panthers look nothing like the dominant force that rolled through the first three rounds and had the Oilers on the ropes after Game 3 of this series. Edmonton’s defense has neutralized Florida’s offense, especially on the power play. After outscoring Edmonton 11-4 in the first three games, they’ve been outscored 18-5 over the past three contests.

Florida did manage to shut down Connor McDavid for the first time since Game 1. However, the Oilers didn’t need their captain to carry them as he had in the last two games. That’s a bad sign for the Panthers heading into Game 7. Keeping McDavid contained no longer assures victory in this series.

HEADLINES

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin recently underwent surgery to repair an upper-body injury. The procedure should not interfere with his readiness for 2024-25.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars general manager Jim Nill confirmed Roope Hintz, Chris Tanev, Tyler Seguin and Jani Hakanpaa battled injuries during their run to the Western Conference Final. Fortunately, none of them will require offseason surgery.

TSN: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed forward Yegor Chinakhov to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.1 million. The 23-year-old was slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1. He scored 16 goals and 29 points in 53 games this season.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Forward Andrew Cogliano announced his retirement on Friday and is joining the Avalanche’s front office in a player development role. Cogliano, 37, spent 17 seasons in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks and the Avalanche, helping the latter win the Stanley Cup in 2021-22. He has 494 points in 1,294 regular-season games and 40 points in 131 postseason contests.

TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano hopes to continue his playing career for a few more seasons. The 40-year-old blueliner is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The former Norris Trophy winner has 577 points in 1,148 career regular-season games. He’s completing a two-year, $1.8 million contract with the Leafs.

ARIZONA SPORTS: The Arizona Coyotes released a statement on Friday indicating they will explore all their legal options after the state canceled a land auction they expected to win for a new arena.

This could be the final blow for Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo’s efforts to bring back an NHL franchise to Arizona. The club was relocated to Utah following its sale to Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith in April.