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Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith speaking at a press conference.
Photo credit: NBA.com

Potential NHL Owner Doubles Down On His Interest As Gary Bettman Visits Struggling NHL City

Published February 27, 2024 at 5:50 PM
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In the past several days NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has been in Winnipeg. His visit to Winnipeg comes after the team has struggled to attract fans. Simultaneously a high-profile individual looking to own an NHL team has turned up the heat on his interest.

Bettman Visits Winnipeg In An Attempt To Revitalize The Franchise



It has been widely reported this season that the Winnipeg Jets have struggled to fill their stadium this season. With the team being so good this season this lack of attendance has been incredibly worrying. So much so that Gary Bettman has come to town to try and fix things.




With Bettman in town, the discussion of the relocation of the Jets has begun to come up. Along these lines, a prospective NHL owner who has been pushing to bring a team to his city has spoken out yet again.

Potential Owner Doubles Down On His Interest In An NHL Franchise



Over the last several months Utah businessman and owner of the Utah Jazz Ryan Smith has been public with his desire to own an NHL team. Today this was ratcheted up by Smith with a post on X.

Downtown Salt Lake City is the heart of Utah. Our efforts are not about an arena, it's about revitalizing a downtown that desperately needs investment. Imagine a downtown experience like this with the NBA / NHL at its core.


The consensus around social media is that this post was expertly and purposely timed by Smith. Fans believe that Smith knows things are in a desperate spot in Winnipeg and he is looking to take advantage.

Dropping this on the same day Gary Bettman is going to Winnipeg to discuss some issues the franchise is having...


If the Winnipeg Jets do relocate look for Utah and Salt Lake City to be a main player in negotiations. However, there is always the possibility that Bettman and the NHL want to keep the franchise in Canada.

As more developments are made in this story we will pass them along to you.

As Read On - Blade Of Steel - New NHL destination emerges, as Gary Bettman conveniently visits Winnipeg
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Potential NHL Owner Doubles Down On His Interest As Gary Bettman Visits Struggling NHL City

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