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Skyline of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Photo credit: Conde Nast Traveler

MAJOR | The NHL's next expansion city has officially made its bid

Published January 24, 2024 at 5:13 PM
BY COOPER GODIN

On Wednesday morning, the National Hockey League received an official letter from Smith Entertainment Group, who own the NBA's Utah Jazz, asking them to initiate the expansion process to bring a team to Salt Lake City.

"Smith Entertainment Group — owners of the Utah Jazz — ask NHL to ''initiate an expansion process'' to bring a team to the state." Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said.


Shortly after the letter from Smith Entertainment Group was posted on X, the National Hockey League released a statement saying they appreciate the interest they have in bringing a team to Salt Lake City and look forward to continuing discussions going forward.


"The NHL appreciates the interest expressed by Smith Entertainment Group to bring NHL hockey to Utah. During conversations over the course of the past two years, we have been impressed by Ryan and Ashley Smith's commitment to their community and their passion and vision for Utah, not only as a hockey market, but as a preeminent sports and entertainment destination. Utah is a promising market, and we look forward to continuing our discussions."


Salt Lake City is no stranger to having hockey. In 2002, the Winter Olympics were held in the city, with saw Canada win the gold medal in both men's and women's events. While they're not directly in the city, 20 minutes southwest of Salt Lake City is West Valley City, who are home to the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies.

Do you think Salt Lake City should have an NHL team? Let us know what you think in the poll below!
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January 24   |   532 answers
MAJOR | The NHL's next expansion city has officially made its bid

Should the NHL have a team in Salt Lake City?

Yes21841 %
No25648.1 %
See Results5810.9 %
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