Report: Utah hiring agent Chris Armstrong as top hockey exec

The Utah NHL franchise is hiring agent Chris Armstrong as its top hockey decision-maker and alternate governor, reports Sports Business Journal's Josh Carpenter and Alex Silverman.

Armstrong's exact title is to be determined. His last day with Wasserman Sports and Entertainment will be May 31.

Bill Armstrong - who's not related to Chris - has served as general manager of the Arizona Coyotes for the last four seasons. He's expected to stay on as GM through the relocation to Utah and report directly to Chris.

Chris Armstrong has mostly represented professional golfers, including Salt Lake City native Tony Finau. He also repped Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas during 2023 negotiations with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Montreal, Quebec, native advised Utah owner Ryan Smith in his acquisition of the NHL franchise, which was confirmed in April.

Ryan and Ashley Smith also own the NBA's Utah Jazz. The NHL club will share the Delta Center with the Jazz and begin play next season.

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