The NHL's newest expansion team, inheriting assets from the defunct Arizona Coyotes, have revealed six potential names for the franchise. These options were carefully selected from a list provided by team owner Ryan Smith.
Once established the Utah HC will be one of five sports teams in Utah alongside NBAs 'Utah Jazz,' MLSs 'Real Salt Lake' both under Smiths ownership and recently revived womens soccer team, the Utah Royals. Notably there is already a hockey presence, in Utah through ECHLs Utah Grizzlies, an affiliate of Colorado Avalanche. Utah is also home to a Triple A minor league baseball team, known as the Salt Lake Bees.
Arizona, presently an inactive franchise, had its assets, including staff, transferred to Utah. Although the Coyotes retain their franchise records, Utah is considered a new franchise by the league. The Coyotes have until 2029 to secure arena funding, or the team will fold. Utah will share the Delta Center with the Jazz.
