Unfortunately for Winnipeg, they have seen their ticket sales drop to almost one third in the last three years. The plan is for Bettman to head to Winnipeg on Tuesday where he will meet with various important sponsors to discuss the next steps - likely an opportunity to right the ship before being presented with other options, which could conceivably include relocation.
Meanwhile, over in Arizona, Bettman has given the Coyotes an ample amount of time to figure out their future. They currently have no long-term arena plan in place while the team continues to play in the smallest arena in the NHL for a second straight season. Ironic situation, given that the Coyotes are actually the original Winnipeg Jets.
If the current Winnipeg Jets franchise cannot figure out a way through this obstacle and if their ticket sales continue to plummet, could we see Gary Bettman pull the plug on the franchise and have them relocated somewhere in America? Utah perhaps? He's done it before and I'm sure he won't hesitate to do it again.
