It wasn’t supposed to end this way for the Coyotes. They were hopeful that Arizona would break ground on a new arena that would keep them in the desert.

Instead, the team was informed that they would be relocating to Salt Lake City. On April 17, they’ll play their final game at home against the Oilers at Mullett Arena. It’ll be an emotional night on Wednesday for the players, staff, and the loyal fans who’ve supported them.

Even if it’s on the campus of Arizona State with only 4,600 seats, it’s never easy to say goodbye. When it comes to the NHL, it’s happened enough times. Hartford said goodbye to the Whalers in 1997. They relocated to Carolina.

In 1996, the original Winnipeg Jets played their last game. They moved to Phoenix. That’s how the Coyotes were formed. Some big names wore the cool jerseys that featured the classic Coyotes logo. Jeremy Roenick. Keith Tkachuk. Teppo Numminen. Mike Gartner. Nikolai Khabibulin. Mister Coyote, Shane Doan.

The irony is that Doan’s son, Josh, has shown promise since debuting with the Coyotes. A 2021 second round pick, the former Sun Devil has four goals and four assists for eight points in nine games. In the club’s 3-2 overtime win over Edmonton, he had a goal and an assist. Doan has only known playing hockey in Arizona. It’s sure to be an emotional roller-coaster when the Coyotes play on  Tuesday.

What makes it harder is that most of the players don’t want to relocate. Who can blame them? There’s a personal connection to playing in a city. Even if the arena situation has been less than ideal, the players get used to it. It becomes about the fans who love the team. It isn’t easy.

Who’s to blame for this mess? You can point the finger at the league. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has bent over backward to try to make it work. While he’s an easy target, Bettman was only doing his job. He tried his best to help the Coyotes survive.

Ultimately, the real blame lies with the state. They never were committed to keeping the Coyotes in Arizona. There were arena proposals. But they never had the backing needed to stay.

It’s similar to what the Islanders endured with the Lighthouse project that never had enough support. Fortunately, they survived thanks to a new arena in Elmont. Otherwise, there would be no more Islanders. Imagine that.

The Penguins almost moved to Kansas City. Legend Mario Lemieux helped prevent that from happening. It’s hard to envision no Sidney Crosby as a Penguin. They’ve played at PPG Paints Arena in downtown Pittsburgh since 2010-11. They’ve won two more Stanley Cups since. Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have been front and center.

Imagine if the Quebec Nordiques had survived. There wouldn’t have been any Colorado Avalanche. Nor Patrick Roy getting traded to the Avalanche to help them win a pair of Cups. It would never have happened if they stayed in Quebec. Especially given the rivalry between the Canadiens and Nordiques.

The Hurricanes have been pretty successful since relocating from Hartford in 1997. The Whalers had some good teams in the 80s. They didn’t have much success in the 90s. Former owner Peter Karmanos wanted a new arena. When he didn’t get it, he moved the franchise to Carolina. It caused Whaler fans to be conflicted when the Hurricanes won the Cup.

Ultimately, the product is about the players who play the game. But owners like Karmanos can make a franchise hated due to empty promises.

For Coyotes fans, it’s their turn to go through heartbreak. Their team remained in Arizona for nearly three decades. Even with the league doing what it could to keep the Coyotes afloat, it wasn’t enough to save them.

How exactly should Yotes fans feel about the statement released by Arizona Coyotes chairman and governor Alex Meruelo? Predictably, it didn’t go over well. There’s a lot of frustration, which is understandable. It isn’t easy when you know the end is coming. 

Imagine how star Clayton Keller feels. He’s only known NHL hockey as an Arizona Coyote. The 25-year-old former 2016 first round pick has become the leader of the rebuilding club. His 33 goals, 40 assists, and 73 points pace the team. He also led them in scoring the past two seasons.

Keller is signed through 2027-28 with a friendly $7.15 million cap hit. With the franchise moving to Salt Lake City, there’s no guarantee that he’ll want to stay. If he leaves, where will that leave the team in Utah?

At the very least, the Coyotes have some good young pieces, including rookie Logan Cooley, Doan, Dylan Guenther, Barrett Hayton, Mattias Maccelli, J.J. Moser, along with prospects Daniil But, Connor Geekie, Michael Hrabal, and Dmitry Simashev.

It’s hard to predict what will happen. One thing is certain. This Wednesday night will be emotional for everyone. Another sad ending.