Bettman shuts down relocation rumors: Coyotes 'aren't going anywhere'

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is pouring cold water on the recent rumors that the Arizona Coyotes could leave the Phoenix area.

"The Coyotes aren't going anywhere," Bettman said following the Board of Governors meeting Friday, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

The city of Glendale announced in August that it'll opt out of its lease agreement for Gila River Arena after this season, which means the Coyotes need to find a new home building.

On Wednesday, it was reported that the city of Glendale was planning to lock the Coyotes out of the arena Dec. 20 due to $1.3 million in unpaid state and city taxes. On Thursday, the club said it settled the debt.

Bettman argued Friday that Glendale has it out for the Coyotes and reiterated that the league has no problems with the club itself.

"There's no issue with the Arizona Coyotes," Bettman said, according to TSN's Rick Westhead. "It's clear the city of Glendale has either an agenda or an edge in the way they are dealing with the Coyotes."

There hasn't been an update on the Coyotes' plans for next season in months. However, the team did file a bid for land in nearby Tempe to be the construction site for a new arena.

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