The Arizona Coyotes have some work to do to dig their way out of the cellar and back into playoff contention. Even more importantly though, is the work they must do to rebuild their reputation, and the team’s ownership deserves some early credit.
When the Arizona Coyotes ask their fans to cheer them on, I’m all in, so don’t take this the wrong way.
But the team has more of a national reputation for fighting with the Glendale City Council than fighting for a playoff spot.
The Coyotes need to establish a reputation, any reputation, to get noticed and be known for something other than fighting with their landlord.
I know, that era of Coyotes history is…well…history. And thank goodness.
But that’s only because we live here, and know enough to confidently put the days of Glendale’s City Council sending itself to the penalty box in our rear view mirror.
To everyone else outside of Arizona, who doesn’t keep up on the day-to-day, nothing’s changed.
The stories of the team relocating to another city are still fresh in their minds. Most out-of-state NHL fans likely still believe the team is headed for the exits.
This is because they haven’t seen the tremendous upgrade we have in team ownership.
I for one believe that Anthony LeBlanc and the current ownership group have taken some giant steps in the right direction. This group deserves extra credit for some bold initiatives.
Let’s first give a nod to LeBlanc and the group for stepping up to buy the team in the first place in 2013. Just doing that was enough to endear the group to Arizona Coyotes fans.
Pledging to keep the team in Arizona, negotiating a new deal with Glendale, and drafting with an eye toward the future also helped.
Purchasing and relocating an AHL team to Tucson reaffirmed that the Arizona Coyotes are always going to be in Arizona. Installing the league’s youngest general manager in John Chayka has also proven to be paying off.
But when the Glendale City Council cancelled the Coyotes’ 15-year, $225 million lease agreement last year, LeBlanc stood up and acted like a hockey player.
Any doubts were erased.
And that was just awesome.
The confidence he projected told the story of a new sheriff in town, of a team and a fan base that was no longer going to be railroaded. Holding the team up for more money was not going to happen.
LeBlanc immediately recognized that an unreliable partner was no partner at all.
For Coyotes fans, LeBlanc instantly had our attention, and our vote of confidence. The Coyotes didn’t need the Gila River Arena, and he wasn’t afraid to stand up and say it.
The future is in the east side of the Valley. Thanks to the Glendale City Council kicking itself while its down, yet again, opposition yielded opportunity.
LeBlanc sending the open letter to Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps, in May earlier this year, was the coup de grace. It was perhaps the most tremendous display of confidence the Coyotes ownership group could demonstrate.
“Simply put, the Arizona Coyotes have every intention of leaving Glendale as soon as practicable,” the letter read.
It doesn’t get any clearer than that.
On behalf of Coyotes fans everywhere, thank you Mr. LeBlanc, for telling the Glendale City Council what we’ve all been thinking for some time. Thank you for beginning the rebuild of the team’s reputation, and standing up to bullies.
Next: Arizona Coyotes Goaltending Situation
We’re behind you 100%.
All that’s left is for Arizona to capture some wins on the ice and select a new destination.
Then the turnaround will be complete.