Phoenix Coyotes: NHL Set To Announce Sale That Would Keep Team in Glendale

The Phoenix Coyotes have had a remarkable playoff run up to this point, despite the fact that the team's future in Glendale has been up in the air. TSN reports that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will make an announcement regarding the team's future tomorrow, according to Phoenix Business Journal.

Via TSN:

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The National Hockey League may finally have a deal to keep the Coyotes in Arizona.

According to an online report, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is expected in Glendale on Monday to announce a tentative agreement between the league and San Jose Sharks executive Greg Jamison to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes. The agreement is expected to take the team off the market.

The report states Bettman's press conference is expected before the puck drops on Game 5 of the Coyotes series with the Nashville Predators.

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David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period further explained the situation via Twitter:

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— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) May 7, 2012

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It's still a ways from being official across the board, pending approvals and all, but at least this is a good sign for Coyotes fans.

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) May 7, 2012

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To clarify, the sale of Coyotes is to a group led by Greg Jamison. Must be approved by NHL's BOG & Glendale City Council, likely a formality

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) May 7, 2012

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What this means is that even though there is a buyer for the Coyotes, it must be approved by the NHL's Board of Governors before anything is final. However, this should be a formality considering how the NHL looks down upon the relocation of franchises.

Greg Jamison is also an NHL executive with the San Jose Sharks, so this shouldn't be a big stumbling point in terms of approving him as a potential owner. The biggest roadblock in the past was finding a stable owner who had the team's best interests in mind. It goes without saying that Jamison would have to sell his share with the Sharks once approved to buy the Coyotes.

When the Atlanta Thrashers were relocated to Winnipeg, Bettman was down on the idea of relocating the team, but understood that it was necessary.

This is a great story for the Coyotes and their fans, because of the team's success and the possibility that they may be competing for a Stanley Cup title. This story is in its earliest stages, but more information should become available before long.  

The Phoenix Coyotes currently have a 3-1 series lead over the Predators and will look to advance to the Western Conference finals where they would face the Los Angeles Kings.