NHL deputy commissioner: Glendale’s move was as bush league as I’ve seen

PHOENIX — This past week has taken Arizona citizens and fans of the Arizona Coyotes on a rollercoaster of emotions and now has the league speaking out.

“That was about as big a bush league move as I have ever seen,” said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, a guest on Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM on Monday.

Daly feels the situation between Glendale and the Coyotes is “very, very unfortunate.”

“A fanbase and a franchise that has been through a lot,” said Daly. “They deserve better than what they are getting right now and when a city council puts, really by all accounts, a surprise attack where they put termination of a valid and binding lease on a city council agenda the night before they vote on it and then they go ahead and vote on it to happen. It really is unfortunate for the best term.”

A motion passed with a 5-2 vote for the city of Glendale to cancel its 15-year, $225 million lease agreement with the Coyotes after just two years on June 10.

A lot has happened in the past week, but it appears the city of Glendale, or at least its leadership doesn’t want the Coyotes.

“If that’s the state of affairs then I’m not sure why the Coyotes would necessarily want the city of Glendale,” said Daly.

According to Daly, the league is very much behind the Coyotes in the legal fight ahead.

“I would say to all Coyotes fans to hang in there and this too shall pass.”