Maricopa County forming committee to bring NHL back to Arizona

Thomas Galvin, the newly elected chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, is set to form a committee of influential figures in an attempt to bring the NHL back to Arizona.

Galvin noted he has connected with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman as they seek the optimal location for a new arena.

"I think of Wayne Gretzky’s quote, 'You miss 100% of the shots you don't take,'" Galvin said, according to Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. "So, I'm forming an advisory committee of visionary leaders dedicated to bringing NHL hockey back to the Valley. I've had several meetings with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, and he looks forward to working with us to identify an owner and best location for a world-class building."

The NHL approved the Arizona Coyotes' relocation to Utah in April after 27 years in the Valley. Former owner Alex Meruelo was given a five-year window to reactivate the franchise if he could get an arena built, but he relinquished his rights to the team and its branding in July.

Bettman voiced his hopes to return to Arizona after the Coyotes' sale, and while nothing is imminent, the league is hopeful it can find the right circumstances to make it work again, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

The first version of the Winnipeg Jets became the Coyotes after the 1995-96 season. The franchise made the playoffs nine times during its time in the desert but faced heavy scrutiny in its final years under Meruelo's ownership. Arizona played its final two campaigns at Mullett Arena, a 5,000-seat venue built for Arizona State's collegiate team.