UPDATE: Roadrunners Are Staying Put...For Now
Former Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo is making more news in the hockey world.
After last week's official announcement concerning the Coyotes’ sale and relocation to Utah, reports began circulating about a team Meruelo still owned – the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners. Meruelo made it publically known that he wanted to move the Roadrunners to Tempe before the 2024-25 season. In essence, the Roadrunners would take the place of the Coyotes at Mullett Arena come October.
However, after reaching out to the AHL for comment this past Friday, there hasn't been any concrete efforts to make Meruelo's wish into a reality.
“We've seen Alex Meruelo's public comments, but at this point the league has not received any sort of request regarding the Roadrunners for next season.”
As PHNX's Craig Morgan also lined out, a number of other steps need to occur in order for the Roadrunners to leave Tucson for Tempe. First, the AHL Board of Governors would need to give its stamp of approval. Second, the previous contract between the Coyotes and Mullett Arena is now null and void, so a new deal would need to be drafted for the Roadrunners. Lastly, there are two more years left on the lease with the Tucson Convention Center (TCC), with an estimated cost of $3 million and $4 million being reported to break the lease.
Unless everyone gets on the same page much sooner than later, the Roadrunners have a high probability of staying put in 2024-25. Some shifting sands could blow through regarding some minor league changes, though. With an eye on the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies playing just about seven miles from NHL Utah, the thought of having an AHL franchise close by might cross the minds of some higher ups. A Roadrunners sale and relocation to Utah could occur after the TCC's lease expires following the 2025-26 season.
However, until the AHL and a new arena are on board, this sojourn to Tempe is all just a pipe dream in Meruelo's head. Many more dominoes have to fall in order for relocation to become reality. But, as of now, there is no need for Tucson to panic — the Roadrunners are safely rooted in Pima County for (at least) the next two seasons.