Auston Matthews addresses the Arizona Coyotes direction

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Cooper Godin
April 12, 2024 (10:50)

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews grew up watching the Arizona Coyotes and they're a big reason he's a professional hockey player today. After Thursday's game, Matthews gave his thoughts on the Coyotes' situation.

The Arizona Coyotes appear to be on the verge of relocating after dealing with rumours for several years. While nothing is official just yet, the Coyotes are expected to be relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they'll be sold to Ryan Smith, owner of the NBA's Utah Jazz. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Wednesday that next Thursday, April 18th, is a big day for the organization and we could get some sort of formal announcement then.

Following Thursday night's game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils, Auston Matthews gave his thoughts on the situation. Growing up, Auston Matthews idolized the Arizona Coyotes, going to games with his family and it's safe to say that they're a big reason why he's in the National Hockey League.

According to TSN's Mark Masters, Matthews said that selfishly, he would like to see the Coyotes organization figure it out and find a way to stay in the desert, but understands the position the National Hockey League has been put in recently.

"Obviously, selfishly, growing up there with them being a big part of me getting into hockey, you know, I'd love for them to figure it out, but you kind of understand the position the NHL's in as well" Matthews said.

With the Coyotes' time in the desert coming to a close, they're likely set to play their last game in Arizona next Wednesday at Mullett Arena as they host the playoff-bound Edmonton Oilers. If the Coyotes are relocated to Salt Lake City the following day, as is being reported, it will mark the first time in 13 years the NHL has moved a team, the last being the Atlanta Thrashers going to Winnipeg and becoming the Jets.