TEMPE –Former Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka is probably the last person fans expected to hear discussing the possibility of NHL hockey returning to the Valley. Now the Toronto Maple Leafs general manager is doing exactly that after an organized practice session was announced at Arizona State's Mullett Arena. As uncomfortable as it may be, Chayka's assessment of Arizona's expansion case is difficult to dismiss. Speaking to the Toronto Star, Chayka said Arizona has "a great fan base" filled with passionate people who "love hockey," but added that the arena situation remains the biggest challenge.
May 4, 2026; Toronto , Ontario, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Chayka speaks to the media during an introductory news conference at Real Sports Bar and Grill. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Chayka's history in Arizona is complicated. During his tenure as Coyotes GM, the organization violated the NHL's combine testing policy by conducting physical testing on draft-eligible prospects before the league combine. The NHL subsequently stripped Arizona of its 2020 second-round pick and 2021 first-round pick. Then, in July 2020, Chayka resigned just before Arizona entered the postseason for the first time since 2012. The Coyotes publicly criticized the timing of his departure, while Chayka was later suspended by the NHL after the league determined he had breached obligations to the club while pursuing other opportunities.
Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona fans cheer as Josh Doan
(91), Aku Raty
(85) Matias Maccelli
(63) Nick Schmaltz
(8) Alexander Kerfoot
(15) react following the final game as Arizona goes up against the Edmonton Oilers
at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
So when Chayka talks about Arizona, fans are justified in viewing his comments through that history. But separating the messenger from the message reveals something significant: the arena remains the central issue. Arizona has demonstrated that people in the market care about hockey. The challenge has been building the infrastructure to make an NHL franchise sustainable.
Coyotes general manger Chayka smiles during his introductory press conference in 2016. Credit: David Wallace, The Arizona Republic
That is why a potential return cannot simply be about finding another temporary home. The next opportunity likely needs a permanent arena, strong ownership, and a location that makes attending games practical for the region's hockey community. On the biggest question surrounding an NHL return, Chayka's answer points directly toward the issue that has to be solved first.
