Rumor Corner: Arizona Could Return to the NHL Sooner Than We Think

Michaël Petit
Rumor Corner: Arizona Could Return to the NHL Sooner Than We Think
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With the expansion set to take place in the coming years, we can expect Houston to be the new destination, although we shouldn't rule out Austin.

In short, we can expect a new Texas-based team to make its debut around the 2029–2030 season.

We'll know more by the end of 2026, as my colleague Félix Forget discussed in a recent article.

That said, we know just how much Gary Bettman seems to love Arizona, and we shouldn't be surprised if an Arizona team eventually makes a return to the NHL.

In fact, according to Steve Peters during his appearance on Morning Cuppa Hockey, it might happen sooner than we think.

It would be surprising if Arizona returned via expansion, but there's also the possibility of a relocation, should a team run into financial trouble.

“There's so much buzz going on in Arizona. Just wait, Arizona fans. It's closer than you think.” – Steve Peters

We can expect it to be somewhere other than Phoenix or Scottsdale. Mesa and Glendale are also major cities in Arizona.

Would you like to see another Arizona-based team return to the NHL? Personally, I don't see how another team in Arizona could work. It never really worked out in the past with the Coyotes.

The Habs see Adam Engstrom as a solution on the blue line

There have been discussions regarding a possible trade involving the Habs' young defenseman, Adam Engstrom.

We know he was the Habs' most sought-after player at the last trade deadline. “Why wasn't he traded?” you might ask.

In a recent article by Arpon Basu on The Athletic, the reporter notes that this is largely because the Canadiens believe he has significant value (more than other teams perceive).

Furthermore, Basu mentions that the Habs view Engstrom as a solution for the blue line. The Habs believe he could help the defensive corps in the near future.

The Habs would simply need to receive an offer that matches Engstrom's value, according to management.

Vincent Trocheck Wasn't Traded Because of the Return

Trocheck is a player who has been the subject of much speculation over the past year, especially around the last trade deadline.

Many expected him to be traded, but in the end, he remained with the New York Rangers.

We know the past few years have been difficult for the Rangers, and it's reasonable to assume they'd like to start rebuilding.

However, according to Vincent Mercogliano on an episode of The Athletic Show, the Rangers would not want to trade him just for future assets.

Mercogliano says the Rangers aren't interested in a rebuild, and that's one of the reasons they didn't trade the veteran center.

Trocheck certainly interests teams in need of centers in the middle-6, and he would fill that need.

It seems the Rangers would like to receive one or more young players who can contribute right away.


In Brief

– Samuel Montembeault is in the mix.

– Major milestones are within reach for these players.

– Too bad…

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