Insider: Some Coyotes Players "Thrilled" About Franchise Move



We brought you the report yesterday that some Coyotes players are feeling like they're in the middle of some "mental warfare" with the ongoing potential move of the franchise to Salt Lake City.  Now, however, on the other side of the coin, insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff is reporting that some players he's talked with are actually excited about the move. 

Seravalli says players have told him that a fresh start is just what's needed for the franchise. 

I don't understand some of the bellyaching that I saw on social media. To be honest, some of the guys that I talked to are excited. They are thrilled to go to potentially a city with some energy, new ownership, to be treated in a different manner, to play in a rink that's closer to NHL standards...

The Daily Faceoff insider elaborated on that by saying that "a big chunk" of the players "felt like they weren't even playing in the NHL" while at Mullett Arena.

There's no doubt, as he notes, that "there's something exciting about being part of something new and a rebrand, a new team name, new logos, a complete fresh start on the ice."

In fact, another report today indicates that the new-look team, once the deal is finalized, will also be aggressive pursuers of free agents this summer. 

"The word has been out for some time now that Arizona's been indicating it's gonna be aggressive. And now, everybody starts to see why," said Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast.

Should be an interesting offseason in... Salt Lake. 

Photo: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports