Arizona Coyotes owner makes shocking and disappointing announcement

Late Monday evening, the word came down that Meruelo has pulled out of plans to bring the Coyotes back in time for the 2027-28 season.

Fans are livid, and rightfully so, after originally being given hope by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in conjunction with assurances from Meruelo that the Coyotes would be back in 2027-28.

Recently, the Arizona State Land Department canceled the upcoming land auction that would have allowed Meruelo to build a new state of the art arena in a brand new entertainment district. Rather than committing to doing whatever it takes to fight the decision and follow through with eventually winning the land auction, Meruelo decided that the juice simply wasn't worth the squeeze very suddenly on Monday.

The previous team was relocated to Utah a couple of months back after the NHL purchased the team and sold it to Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, who has very deep pockets and very big ambitions.

Unfortunately for fans in Arizona, who were sold promises of a bright future and a successful hockey market, they're left with hat in hand and not much to be hopeful for.

From not paying their bills and being kicked out of Gila River Arena in Glendale, to playing out of a 5,000 seat college arena, to being shipped off the Utah, I'm sure the players and executives of the former Coyotes franchise is looking forward to some stability in Salt Lake City.

Source: GoPhnx.com
Sources: Alex Meruelo is walking away from Coyotes ownership