Coyotes Expecting Plans For In-State Arena To Be Finalized Before End Of Current Season

The Coyotes are "expecting plans for a new permanent home in the state to be finalized by the end of the regular season," according to Scott Burnside of ESPN.com. It is "believed the most likely scenario is a partnership" with Arizona State Univ. with a new arena "being built in Tempe." Without going into specifics of a potential new home, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman at his State of the League address Saturday said that he is "optimistic the team will find something in the Phoenix area." Burnside noted it would take an "estimated three years for a new building to be completed, during which time the team would continue to play out of Gila River Arena in Glendale." At one point it appeared the Coyotes "might partner" with the Suns on a new building "possibly in downtown Phoenix, but that appears unlikely now." A new arena in the Scottsdale area "has also been discussed" (ESPN.com, 1/30).